CTShowcase was created in the Office of the Secretary of the State under the Bysiewicz Administration in 1999. Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz officially established The Small and Minority Business Services Unit in September 2006. The Unit is managed by Harland Henry. It hosts several business programs for over 1,000 small businesses that participate in its services each year.

The first Showcase was held at the West Indian Center on North Main Street, Hartford, CT in March 2000. Since then, Showcases have been held twice each year in different locations within the state. These include events similar to traditional business expos, however, they are carefully designed to accommodate the small enterprise. Each Showcase hosts approximately 110 exhibitors based on the size of the facility. Approximately 500 entrepreneurs and consumers attend each Showcase to look for new products, services, resources and information.

The Showcase creates an environment for many enterprises to display their goods and services to area consumers. Workshops are tailored to benefit the needs of entrepreneurs and may include topics such as: financing, marketing/promotion, product safety, bonding and procurement.

Small, micro, and minority businesses have traditionally been underrepresented and left behind in the contracting and procurement process. They are also rarely included in business expos or large seminars due to budgetary constraints or the overwhelming dynamics of the corporate giants. The Unit creates an environment suitable to the demographics of all small businesses. It is responsible for hosting suitable and affordable environments for the average small business to display and market its goods and services.

You are welcomed to attend any of our business building events, most of which are free, entertaining and inclusive.