Business Investors Xtravaganza 2025
Event Schedule & Agenda
- Goodwin University, East Hartford, Connecticut
- Friday, March 14, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Goodwin University Main Campus Auditorium – Breakfast Networking
Digital Check-In and Networking Breakfast Between Businesses, Investors, Bankers, Funders, Sponsors & Government.
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
B.I.X. Conference Begins Welcome Remarks
Event Host – Yvonne Renee Davis
– Sponsorship Acknowledgements
– Dignitary Remarks
Hon. Connor Martin, Town of East Hartford
Hon. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal
Introduction of the Keynote Speaker
9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Keynote Address:
The 2025 Business Landscape & the Future of Investment and Access to Capital for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses.
Speaker:
Matthew J. Pugliese, Deputy Commissioner & Chief Investment Officer, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
SBA, Know the Facts for Small Business Success
Speaker: Catherine Marx, SBA, Connecticut District Director
Amid the recent and rapid federal changes, many small businesses are confused. Find clarity and optimism through Catherine’s insights. She will effectively dispel myths and share the opportunities for SBA loans, financing, contracts, and technical assistance, uncovering valuable opportunities for growth and long-term success in 2025.
10:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. - Conference Room
INVESTORS’ LOUNGE (For ALL investors, funders, bankers and financiers and registered businesses, social enterprises and non-profits only).
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Main Auditorium Panel Discussion: Exploring Funding Options for Startups
Moderator: Duby McDowell, McDowell Communications
This panel discussion will delve into essential funding sources, including access to capital from state agencies, organizations, banks and lending institutions, Angel investors, venture capital. They will also outline effective strategies for engaging each of these avenues, empowering businesses to secure the financial support needed to elevate your business.
Panelists:
Steven Taylor, MBA, Vice President of Business Banking, Liberty Bank
Robert Lendrim, White Chair Capital
Kenyetta Banks, Program Manager, Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC)
Avery Gaddis, Chief Lending Officer, HEDCO
11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Networking Coffee, Tea, & Snack Break
An opportunity for Businesses & B2B, Bankers, Investors, Funders, Sponsors and Government to network with each other.
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m
Harnessing AI for Small Businesses – Investment and Preparedness
This panel will discuss how small businesses can leverage AI, the investment landscape for businesses looking for funding, and how to prepare for this technological shift. Panelists will discuss the challenges facing small businesses in AI Integration, and what are the strategies to overcome, align and get ahead before it’s too late?
Main Auditorium:
Moderator:
Milena S. Erwin, Executive Director, Connecticut Technology Council
Panelists:
Sabrina Tucker, Founder & Owner, Girls for Technology
Vahid Behzadan, Ph.D., Founding Member, CT AI Alliance
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m
Community Room
First Pitch Competition Round 1
Pitch Competition Judges:
Danny Qiao, Connecticut Innovations
Marie Rocha, Realist Ventures
Sheila Hummel, Dir., of Small Business Development, CT Department of Economic and Community Development
Jessica Dodge, Director of Innovation, CT Department of Economic and Community Development
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Lunch
- Goodwin University Lobby
12:40 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Introduction of Afternoon Inspirational Keynote Speaker,
Jennifer Wilder, The Sto
12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Keynote Address Raicheen Blanks, Founder & CEO, The Worthonomics Company – “Staying the Course!”
1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Special Announcement: Famiglia Doro TV (Video)
1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Moderator: Yvonne Renee Davis
Former Policy News Analyst, Global Leadership Trainer, Business Owner.
Fireside Chat
Successful Business Growth Stories
Hear from three successful businesses and their funders as they share insights and lessons from their experiences. You’ll discover real-world strategies that can inspire and empower your entrepreneurial dreams. Don’t miss out on this chance to fuel your ambition and drive your success!
Panelists
JoAnn H. Price, Co-Founder , Managing Partner, Fairview Capital Partners
Sonia Alvelo-Lynch, Founder & CEO, Latin Financial Group & Sharpe Capital
Sarah Brodley, Executive Director, reset Social Enterprise Trust
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Breakout Workshop Sessions
Participants will select one of the following sessions:
WORKSHOP I 2nd Floor Room 225 - The Future of Nonprofits in A New and Volatile Funding & Programmatic Landscape
Facilitator: Rosalind Zavras, Aropa Consulting Group
To succeed in today’s competitive landscape, nonprofits must embrace social entrepreneurship and innovative fundraising strategies. Impact investment is essential, generating both social and financial returns, enabling nonprofits to secure crucial funding while advancing their mission.
WORKSHOP II 2nd Floor Room 226: Protecting Your IP, Patents and Brand:
Facilitated By: Wil Jacques, Emanus, USPTO licensed Patent Law Agent, & Licensing Expert
This engaging workshop equips businesses with a hands-on understanding of IP transactions, including inventions, assignments, and brand licenses. Gain essential insights to effectively protect your logos, taglines, and technology. Elevate your IP strategy, secure and safeguard your valuable assets!
Moderated Workshop
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Crafting the Perfect Pitch: (Community Room):– Moderated Panel Discussion. Join our distinguished panel of experts as they unveil powerful strategies and practical insights to empower businesses in crafting compelling pitches that captivate investors and secure essential funding!
Moderator
Marie Rocha, Realist Ventures
Panelists
Robert Lendrim, Investor, White Chair Capital
Chris Roy, Investor, Lago Innovation Fund
PANEL DISCUSSION
The Future of Community and Economic Development Investment: Main Auditorium: Emerging trends centered around sustainability, equity, and innovative technology are poised to significantly influence community and economic investments.
A distinguished panel of experts will delve into these crucial trends, underscoring the vital role of small business development in revitalizing our communities. Their insights will illuminate how fostering small enterprises can drive transformation and create lasting impact.
Moderator: Dan Haar, Business Columnist & Sr. Editor, Hearst Media CT
Panelists:
Eileen Buckheit, Director of Economic Development, East Hartford
Jim Bzdyra, President, Connecticut Economic and Community Development Fund
Patrick McKenna, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Sustainability & Real Estate, North Hartford Partnership
Calvin Richardson, Director of Lending for Hartford Community Loan Fund
3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Networking Coffee, Tea & Snack Break
A quick break for refreshments and an opportunity to reconnect.
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Main Auditorium – Marie Rocha & The Judges
Pitching Session: Business Pitch Showcase & Awards Ceremony
Selected startups will enter the final round to present their business ideas to a panel of investors. Each presentation will last 3 minutes, followed by questions.
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Pitching Session:
Business Pitch Showcase & Awards Ceremony
Selected startups will enter the final round to present their business ideas to a panel of investors. Each presentation will last 3 minutes, followed by questions.
4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks and Key Takeaways
(Main Auditorium)
Summary of the day’s activities, key insights shared and next steps.
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Networking Awards Reception (Community Room)
Join us for an engaging networking opportunity designed for participants and their families to connect with judges and investors. This is your chance to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and forge valuable relationships that could elevate your showcase experience. Do not miss this opportunity to make meaningful connections and enhance your project’s impact!