Eastern, Liberty Bank, Town of Windham partner to boost local businesses
Willimantic, CT (08/25/2025) — Eastern Connecticut State University, Liberty Bank, and the Town of Windham formalized a partnership on Aug. 19 to establish a small business resource center (SBRC) in Willimantic. During the agreement-signing ceremony, Liberty Bank presented a $25,000 check to Eastern for the development of the center.
To be located on Eastern's campus, the SBRC aims to benefit aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs in the Greater Willimantic community. According to the agreement between Eastern and Liberty Bank, "The center will focus on small business development services, with a special emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs, veterans, and those historically disenfranchised from the local business community."
To that end, the agreement between Eastern and the Town states that the SBRC will "provide resources, educational programming, and networking and mentoring opportunities aimed at fostering small business growth and promoting economic development in the community."
Liberty Bank will provide educational resources for Eastern students to assist community members in developing business and financial plans.
Eastern President Karim Ismaili began the ceremony with introductory remarks. "This is a great example of how an initiative is going to serve several groups," said Eastern President Karim Ismaili. "This is the beginning of an incredible resource for the town, the University, and the bank."
Dean of Education and Professional Studies Niti Pandey, a Willimantic resident, saw the need for a small business resource center years ago, upon noticing Willimantic's active small business community.
"I saw such potential in Willimantic," she said. "A lot of people in the community had a similar sense. Bringing the center to fruition was about finding the right partners."
Several Windham town officials, including Mayor Tom DeVivo, attended and spoke at the signing ceremony. "Without Eastern, Windham wouldn't be the town it is today," he said. "Windham and Eastern have long enjoyed a strong working relationship. We look forward to taking that relationship to the next level."
Town Manager Rob Zarnetske expressed appreciation for Eastern's "willingness to come down the hill" and assist the community in its backyard.
"Good business, good education, and good government all start with good people. We're lucky to have what we need to succeed here in Windham and Eastern," said Zarnetske.
Vice President of Community Development Glenn Davis, who also serves as Liberty Bank's Community Reinvestment Act officer, noted that the bank - which is celebrating its 50th year in Windham and 200th year overall - will enjoy "the best of public-private partnership" with Eastern and the town.
Among the next steps include driving student participation in the SBRC. Pandey anticipates a September launch event for the partnership and plans to host Eastern's first free small business academy, Oct. 14-Nov. 13. She also hopes to host a business plan writing workshop in late November.
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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
Media Attachments
From left: Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo, Liberty Bank Vice President of Community Development Pamela Days-Luketich, Dean Niti Pandey, Interim Chief Development Officer Philip Ellmore, President Karim Ismaili, Liberty Bank Vice President of Community Development Glenn Davis, and Windham Town Manager Rob Zarnetske display Eastern's donation from the Liberty Bank Foundation.
Eastern President Karim Ismaili signs the agreement for the small business resource center with Liberty Bank and the Town of Windham.
Windham Town Manager Rob Zarnetske and Mayor Tom DeVivo
Liberty Bank Vice President of Community Development Glenn Davis and Vice President of Community Development Pamela Days-Luketich
Dean Niti Pandey signs the agreement.
Eastern Connecticut State University
Michael Rouleau, (860) 465-0172, rouleaum@easternct.edu; universityrelations@easternct.eduShare this Story
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