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Eastern Connecticut State University

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Eastern hosting free small-business academy this fall

Registration open, program runs Oct. 13-Nov. 12

by Kyle Berson

Willimantic, CT (09/22/2026) — Eastern Connecticut State University will host Liberty Bank's Academy for Small Business this fall, bringing a tuition-free business education program for local business owners through Eastern's Small Business Resource Center (SBRC), a joint initiative of Eastern's College of Business, Liberty Bank, and the Town of Windham.

The academy will run from Oct. 13 through Nov. 12, 2026, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. in Eastern's Student Center. Upon completion of the course, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be invited to apply for a $5,000 business line of credit from Liberty Bank.

Registration:

  • Business owners and entrepreneurs can register for the program via Liberty Bank's Academy for Small Business website: https://www.liberty-bank.com/about-liberty-bank/learning-center/academy-for-small-business

The academy provides comprehensive business training, education, and guidance to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and students. Eastern faculty will lead 10 classes focused on building knowledge and skills in banking services and credit reporting, organizational structure, healthy business planning, financial management, risk management, and tax planning.

The program aims to strengthen entrepreneurs' and small business owners' knowledge and skills to help build successful organizations and support economic communities throughout Windham and eastern Connecticut.

"The Academy for Small Business is a great example of how the SBRC can connect Eastern's resources with entrepreneurs and small business owners in our community," said Miles Lovell, graduate intern at the SBRC. "It speaks directly to our mission of empowering entrepreneurs by providing free and accessible resources, education, mentorship, and support."

A dozen business owners and entrepreneurs enrolled in the inaugural Academy for Small Business in fall 2025, representing industries ranging from card merchant services to dog grooming and wellness. Participants connected with Eastern faculty and developed relationships with fellow business owners.

Niti Pandey, dean of Education and Professional Studies, commented on last year's academy:

"The academy was a great opportunity for emerging local entrepreneurs to learn about running a small business, network with each other, and engage with Eastern faculty, community partners, and students," Pandey said. "It was a wonderful example of how Eastern can help provide valuable resources for supporting economic development in the region."

More information:

  • Small Business Resource Center Website: https://www.easternct.edu/college-of-business/sbrc.html
  • Registration: https://www.liberty-bank.com/about-liberty-bank/learning-center/academy-for-small-business
  • Contact: Small Business Resource Center (sbrc@easternct.edu), Niti Pandey (pandeyn@easternct.edu), or Miles Lovell (lovellmi@easternct.edu) for more information.

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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 2025-26 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.

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Participants of the inaugural Academy for Small Business gather for a group photo in fall 2025.

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