Entrepreneurship requires more than a great idea—it requires practical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to turn opportunity into action. In partnership with the SCSU School of Business and community partners, these entrepreneurship programs provide learners with the tools and knowledge needed to launch new ventures, strengthen existing businesses, and think creatively about solving real-world challenges. Through applied learning and guidance from experienced instructors, participants build skills in business planning, innovation, marketing, and leadership while connecting with a network of professionals and entrepreneurs.
DNA of an Entrepreneur 1.0
This no-cost training is designed for New and Early-Stage Businesses.
The DNA of an Entrepreneur is an 8-week curriculum-based program offered in partnership with SCSU and the New Haven Urban League, designed to equip businesses with essential fundamentals. Key topics include: Business Plan Development, Establishing a Legal Presence, Effective Market Entry Strategies, Social Media and Marketing, and Funding Your Business. Embrace the journey of entrepreneurship and unlock your potential!
Classes are held in person at SCSU - May 5 to June 26, 2026, Monday, 6 to 7 pm
Participants are chosen through a competitive application process for this free program - DNA of an Entrepreneur 1.0 Application
DNA Business Growth Accelerator
DNA Business Growth Accelerator, offered in partnership with SCSU and the New Haven Urban League, is a milestone-driven executive accelerator designed to move established businesses through clearly defined readiness states within the business development lifecycle. Instruction, advising, and validation are aligned to observable enterprise capabilities, not knowledge acquisition alone.
Participants complete structured deliverables demonstrating advancement toward capital-readiness, procurement-readiness, accreditation-readiness, and expansion-readiness.
This no-cost program is designed for revenue-generating business owners and may serve as a stackable credential pathway into future executive or academic programs.
Classes are held in person at SCSU - March 30 to June 26, 2026, Monday, 7 to 9 pm
Participants are chosen through a competitive application process for this free program - DNA Business Growth Accelerator Application
DNA Of A Youth Entrepreneur
Offered in partnership with SCSU and the New Haven Urban League, DNA of a Youth Entrepreneur is an engaging summer program designed to introduce young people to the mindset, skills, and habits that drive successful entrepreneurs. Through hands-on activities, real‑world challenges, and collaborative projects, students will explore what it truly means to think like an entrepreneur—from identifying problems and generating ideas to building confidence, resilience, and leadership.
Participants will learn how creativity, critical thinking, communication, and financial awareness come together to form the “DNA” of an entrepreneur. The program emphasizes self-discovery, helping students recognize their strengths, passions, and values while developing practical business and life skills. By the end of the program, students will have transformed an idea into a clear concept and gained the confidence to pitch it with purpose.
This course is ideal for youth who are curious, ambitious, and eager to turn ideas into action—whether they dream of starting a business, leading a project, or becoming changemakers in their communities.
Classes are held in person at SCSU - July 6 to July 31, 2026
DNA Of A Youth Entrepreneur Registration
Better Local Capital Training
The Better Local Capital Training is a no-cost, intensive 8-session curriculum designed to equip small-business owners with the financial literacy, operational systems, and strategic tools needed to access, manage, and leverage working capital financing for sustainable growth. Through hands-on instruction and peer learning, participants strengthen cash flow management, pricing and profit strategy, operational systems, technology adoption, and capital readiness - leaving with a clear, actionable plan to stabilize operations and position their business for long-term growth.
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
✓ Confidently manage and forecast cash flow
✓ Establish repeatable operational systems with strong documentation
✓ Understand true profit margins and implement strategic pricing
✓ Strengthen compliance and invoicing practices for government contracts
✓ Develop a forward-looking growth plan positioned for additional capital access
Classes are held online and include access to office hours/technical support services.
Better Local Capital Training Registration