Caribbean American Heritage Month – Small Business Empowerment EXPO & GrowthCONN.
Empowering the Diaspora. Scaling the Future.
CONNect, Showcase, Exchange Ideas, Learn & Grow!
June 27, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Related Media
About the Event
Celebrating Heritage Through Economic Empowerment
The West Indian Social Club of Hartford (WISCOH), Inc. in partnership with Caribbean Cultural Heritage Alliance (CCHA), Inc. invites you to a premier networking and growth event. GrowthCONN is more than an expo; it’s a ‘Trade Bridge’ designed to CONNect Small to Medium-Sized Business (SBE • SMB • SMBE) owners in the state of CONNecticut with the capital, education about some of the latest cutting-edge Tech & AI tools to increase efficiency and reach, and international trade insights needed to scale in today’s economy.
About the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc.
The West Indian Social Club of Hartford (WISCOH), founded in 1950, is a 501(c)(7) cultural and social organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Greater Hartford West Indian / Caribbean community. This year marks 76 years of continuous contribution to the economic, educational, and cultural richness of the Greater Hartford West Indian community.
WISCOH is one of the longest-operating organizations of its kind in the United States. Founded by migrant farm workers who first worked in the tobacco fields of Windsor before settling in Greater Hartford, the organization has grown from humble beginnings into a leading Caribbean cultural and social institution.
Its Center and headquarters at 3340 Main Street in Hartford are recognized community landmarks, serving as a hub for meetings, social events, and educational forums on immigration, health care, voting rights, housing assistance, and more.
SCHEDULE
The day to CONNect, Showcase, Exchange Ideas, Learn & Grow
10:00 AM
Welcome
EXPO Hub/Floor stays open all day.
Location: Expo Hub | The People’s Ballroom
10:30 AM
SESSION 01: Fast-Track Public Speaking and Leadership
- Multiple Speakers: Toastmasters International
- Overview: Discover how to accelerate your communication skills and leadership potential using the proven, world-class framework of Toastmasters International.
11:00 AM
SESSION 02: Speeding Up Success: Learning from Mistakes
- Speaker: Stanley Wiafe, Founder of Better Air
- Overview: Skip the trial-by-fire phase. Learn from real-world missteps and practical business lessons to accelerate your own growth.
11:30 AM
High-energy EXPO floor time
12:00 PM
SESSION 03: US-Caribbean Trade Opportunity
- Speaker 01: St. Lucia’s Export Outlook featuring EXPORT SAINT LUCIA
- Speaker 02: Import Realities & Challenges featuring Tom P., FRESH FARMS MARKET
12:30 PM
Caribbean LUNCH & Networking
Lunch and Refreshment for Sale
1:00 PM
SESSION 04: Connecting You to Success: CAPITAL READINESS
-
Speaker: Upper Albany Main Street
-
Overview: Discover the localized resources, networking opportunities, and strategic support systems available to help your small business thrive and grow.
1:30 PM
SESSION 05: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Small Businesses (SBE • SMB • SMBE)
-
Speaker: Anthony Reid, Founder of Converge Technology
-
Overview: Demystify artificial intelligence and discover practical, high-impact AI tools designed to streamline operations and drive growth for small and mid-sized enterprises.
2:00 PM
Final Push: Last-call for Booth visits.
2:30 PM
Prized Drawing & Celebration
The Cool Down/Close out
3:00 PM
Event Ends
The EXPO Experience | Why Attend?
- Showroom Floor: CONNect with businesses from multiple industries.
- Growth Tracks: Targeted sessions on Capital Readiness, Education for Small Business about some of the latest cutting-edge Tech & AI tools, learn about international Trade opportunity with the Caribbean, and more.
- Networking: Connect with some of the region’s most influential Caribbean American leaders.
- Career Pathway: Connect with future employers and those who maybe hiring and looking for talent.
- Resource Access: Live Q&A with experts.
SPEAKERS
ATTENDEES & VENDORS / BUSINESS OWNERS
Journey with us Today! CONNect, Showcase, and Scale
The GrowthCONN Expo floor is the ultimate hub for commerce and community. Vendors gain a high-visibility platform to showcase services and recruit local talent, while Attendees can source expert providers, exchange ideas, and explore new job opportunities within our growing business network. Whether you are looking to land a contract, hire your next team member, or find a career-defining role, this is the place to bridge the gap between Caribbean American heritage and economic success.
Join us to build your business, your career, and our community.
Online Registration *REQUIRED* for all ticket types.
Vendor/Business Registration DEADLINE: MONDAY, JUNE 22nd, 2026
Vendor Categories | Limited Availability
To ensure a diverse and profitable marketplace, we limit each industry to 2–3 vendors. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. IMPORTANT: To prevent category saturation and maximize value for all participants, we reserve the right to decline applications once a category has reached capacity.
- Accounting & Tax Services
- Architecture & Interior Design
- Auto Repair & Fleet Management
- Banking & Credit Unions
- Construction & General Contracting
- Digital Marketing & Social Media
- Educational Services & Tutoring
- Electrical & Lighting
- Entertainment & DJ Services
- Event Planning & Decoration
- Financial Planning & Wealth Management
- Food, Beverage & Catering
- Graphic Design & Branding
- Health, Wellness & Beauty
- Human Resources & Staffing
- HVAC & Mechanical Services
- IT Consulting & Cybersecurity
- Insurance Agencies
- Janitorial & Commercial Cleaning
- Landscaping & Snow Removal
- Legal Services & Notary
- Logistics, Shipping & Trade
- Photography & Videography
- Plumbing & Pipefitting
- Printing & Signage Services
- Real Estate & Mortgage Lending
- Security & Surveillance Systems
- Transportation & Limo/Ride Services
- Travel & Tourism Agencies
- OTHER
Community Ticket
Caribbean American Heritage Month- Presentation Access
- Expo Floor Entry
STANDARD Booth
Community Support Rate- Priority Keynote Access & E-mailed Summary Sheet.
- Expo Floor Entry
- Table & 2 Chairs
- Lunch for 2 Included
- Professional Headshot
- Vendor Directory/Lead List
PREMIUM Booth
Community Support Rate- Priority Keynote Access & E-mailed Summary Sheet.
- Expo Floor Entry
- Table & 2 Chairs
- Lunch for 2 Included
- Professional Headshot
- Vendor Directory/Lead List
- Electricity
- Online / Social Media Feature
- Preferred Placement (First Come, First Served)
STANDARD Booth
WISCOH (ACTIVE/LIFE) Members ONLY Discount- Priority Keynote Access & E-mailed Summary Sheet.
- Expo Floor Entry
- Table & 2 Chairs
- Lunch for 2 Included
- Professional Headshot
- Vendor Directory/Lead List
PREMIUM Booth
WISCOH (ACTIVE/LIFE) Members ONLY Discount- Priority Keynote Access & E-mailed Summary Sheet.
- Expo Floor Entry
- Table & 2 Chairs
- Lunch for 2 Included
- Professional Headshot
- Vendor Directory/Lead List
- Electricity
- Online / Social Media Feature
- Preferred Placement (First Come, First Served)
COMMUNITY TICKET BENEFITS:
Digital registration provides free entry to the expo floor and all keynote presentations, including live Q&A sessions. This is your opportunity to network with local business owners, browse vendor exhibits, and discover job opportunities, while opting into our digital directory to stay connected with the community long after the event.
STANDARD BOOTH BENEFITS:
The “Community Support Rate”—ideal for small businesses looking for a professional boost.
- Physical Setup: 8×6 space, (1) 6ft table w/cover, and (2) chairs.
- Credentials: (2) Expo Vendor Badges.
- Meals: (2) Caribbean Lunch meal tickets included.
- Photography: (1) Professional Business Headshot (Portrait) for the owner/team.
- Marketing Data: Receives the Post-Expo Business Contact Directory (Lead list).
- Resources: Digital “Talkaway” summaries from all presentation sessions.
- Visibility: Listed in the printed/digital event map.
PREMIUM BOOTH BENEFITS:
The “Growth Tier”—best for businesses that have digital displays or want extra eyes on their brand.
- Includes Everything in Standard, PLUS:
- Utilities: Dedicated Electricity at the booth (for laptops, monitors, or lighting).
- Social Spotlight: A dedicated “Featured Vendor” post on the event’s social media pages (Instagram/Facebook).
- Web Presence: Business logo and link featured on the official event registration website.
- Preferred Placement: Preferred booth placement (First Come, First Served)
Sponsorship
Invest in the Future of the Diaspora.
Partnering with GrowthCONN is a unique opportunity to align your brand with the economic advancement of Connecticut’s vibrant Caribbean American business community. By becoming a sponsor, you gain direct access to a motivated audience of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and decision-makers looking for the tools and partnerships to scale. Your support not only provides high-visibility branding and lead-generation opportunities but also fuels the workshops and “Trade Bridge” sessions that drive real economic growth. Join the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc. in building a legacy of empowerment—let’s connect, showcase, and grow together.
WISCOH depends on the support of Community Partners like you to continue our mission. If you have supported us before, thank you—we hope to count on you again. If you are new to supporting us, we invite you to join us this year.
HERITAGE
Powered by Title Sponsor- Brand Dominance
- The 5 minute Main Stage time.
- Room Naming Rights
- Prime Real Estate
- Lead Generation
- Full Media Blitz
- Digital Signage Spotlight
IMPACT PARTNER
Speaker Introduction & Data Access- Speaker Introduction
- Corporate Booth
- Digital Branding
- Directory Feature
- Registration Branding
- Digital Signage Spotlight
GRAND FINALE PRIZE SPONSOR
Powered by Title Sponsor- Naming Rights
- The “Stage Hero” Moment
- The “Passport” Branding
- Premium Booth
- Social Media Blast
- Winning Photo Op
MEDIA & BRANDING
Powered by Title Sponsor- Logo Dominance
- The “Digital Legacy”
- Naming Rights
- Premium Booth
- Online Gallery & Social Media Spotlight
CORPORATE GROWTH SPONSOR
Speaker Introduction & Data Access- Corporate Booth
- Social Shoutout
- Signage:
- Lunch for 4
- Directory Inclusion
"FUEL & REFRESH" SPONSOR
Branding on Lunch/Coffee Tables- The “Caribbean Lunch Hero”
- Standard Booth
- Logo on Map/Schedule
- Shoutout
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this event ONLY for Caribbean Americans?
Absolutely NOT. Expo & GrowthCONN is open to everyone. However, Caribbean American Business owners are encouraged to Register Early.
Is there a fee to enter the Expo?
Entry for the general public is 100% FREE (online registration is required). However, there is a fee if you wish to participate and showcase your business as a Vendor.
Is online registration required?
Yes. Whether your registration is free or paid, online registration is required so we can:
- Get an accurate headcount to prepare properly.
- To Update you
What time does the event start and end?
The event starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM.
Can vendors register on the day of the event?
No. Modern event operations require the use of technology and accurate planning. Please register in advance so we can prepare accordingly. Thank you.
As a vendor, should I bring my own table?
No. This year, tables and chairs are provided. Just bring your marketing and branding materials, products, samples etc….
What is the registration deadline for vendors?
The deadline for vendor registration is: June 21, 2026
As a vendor can I sell my product(s)/services at this event?
Yes, however, it is important to note that this event isn’t primarily focused on same‑day sales. Instead, it’s designed to help you connect with potential customers, introduce them to your products/services, network with other business owners, and—most importantly—gain valuable insights from our educational sessions to support your business growth.
What time can vendors arrive to set up?
Vendor setup starts at 8:30 AM. All booths must be fully set up and ready by 9:45 AM before doors open to the public.
Can I share a booth with another business? Can two(2) businesses share a booth?
Yes, you can share a booth with another business! However, please ensure that both businesses are listed on your registration or that you coordinate with the organizing committee in advance. This helps us ensure accurate business category listings and a great experience for everyone.
If I am looking to start a business, can I attend?
Absolutely. This is the perfect opportunity to learn from others, connect with entrepreneurs, and discover what resources may be available to support your business journey.
Should I attend if I am looking for a job?
Yes. Some of our vendors may be hiring. Even if a vendor isn’t currently hiring, this is a great opportunity to connect in person, make a strong impression, and learn about future opportunities.
Is parking available at the venue?
Yes, FREE parking is available at the West Indian Social Club and surrounding areas. Detailed parking instructions will be emailed to all registered vendors and attendees before the event.
What should I bring if I am looking for a job?
Bring several updated copies of your resume and be prepared for on-the-spot introductions with vendors.
Do I need a background in technology to attend the AI workshops?
Not at all. The Tech & AI Insight sessions are designed for everyday business owners. We will break down cutting-edge tools into simple, practical steps to help you increase efficiency and reach.
I'm not a business owner, is there anything here for me?
Yes! Besides job opportunities, this is a community celebration for Caribbean American Heritage Month. Come out to support local vendors, discover what kind of products and services are available, and learn from our speakers.
Is this expo for NON-PROFIT organizations?
This expo is primarily geared toward for‑profit businesses, but non‑profit organizations are absolutely welcome to participate. We recommend contacting us beforehand so we can help you determine the best fit for your organization.
The event is free to the public, so you and your team are welcome to attend. Simply register online.
Marketing/Brand Upload
Get in Touch
Media Release & Consent
By entering the Caribbean American Small Business Expo, you acknowledge that photography, audio, and video recording may occur. Your entry serves as your irrevocable consent to be filmed or photographed for use by the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc. and its partners.
These materials may be used in any format—including social media, websites, and future promotional marketing—without compensation or credit. By participating, you release the organizers from any liability related to the publication of these recordings.