Entrepreneurial Symposium 2015

Innovation in New Haven:

Entrepreneurial Symposium 2015

The symposium was held in ConnCAT's creatively-designed space

On Saturday, May 2, NHS partnered with the Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology (ConnCAT) and the City of New Haven’s Small Business Service Center to host the inaugural Entrepreneurial Symposium.

ConnCAT CEO and President Erik Clemons

The symposium drew more than 40 entrepreneurs and small business owners from all around New Haven. The event provided networking opportunities, workshops, and Q&A sessions designed to help position entrepreneurs to succeed.

Jacqueline James, from the City of New Haven's Small Business Center

Carlton Highsmith, a retired CEO and active participant in a number of New Haven boards and organizations, kicked off the symposium with a keynote address and a special workshop on effective marketing techniques.

Carlton Highsmith, retired CEO and community leader, gave the keynote address

Kevin Myatt, Senior VP of Human Resources at Yale-New Haven Hospital, followed with a workshop on Maximizing Human Capital. He freed up time to answer questions from the audience, which led to discussions on interviewing techniques, inspiring passion in workers, setting an example as a leader, and assessing talent.

Kevin Myatt

After lunch, Attorney-at-Law Sallie A. Blackman wrapped up the day with her class: Legal Requirements for Today’s Small Business. Through case studies, group projects, and Q&A sessions, Ms. Blackman passed along knowledge earned through years of experience as a legal advisor to business owners.

Sallie Blackman

Reviewing the case studies

Thank you to everyone who made the symposium an engaging and informative event! We couldn’t have asked for a better day!

A few of the people who helped make the event possible: Erik Clemons (ConnCAT), Bridgette Russell (NHS), Sallie Blackman (Attorney & workshop facilitator), Jim Paley (NHS), and Michael Haynes (NHS)