Connecticut Secretary of State Meets with Students from University of Bridgeport's ENet Program

by Abigail Levandoski

Bridgeport, CT (03/13/2024) — On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, University of Bridgeport's Ernest C. Trefz School of Business welcomed Connecticut's Secretary of State, Stephanie Thomas, to UB's campus to meet with ENet (Entrepreneurial Network) program students. UB's ENet program is an 18-credit certificate program designed to meet the needs of our communities' most underserved populations, including justice-involved individuals. Students in the ENet program gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become financially independent while launching small business start-ups. The program's comprehensive curriculum helps ENet students to gain the experience and knowledge needed to navigate the process of starting a business in Connecticut.

At this most recent meeting, Thomas shared her experiences with starting her own business from the ground up before giving ENet students the opportunity to ask questions about her journey as a business owner. Additionally, Thomas explained the purpose of the Secretary of State's office and its role in helping small businesses establish themselves within the state. After speaking with the students, Thomas joined them for lunch, where they had the chance to sit down with Thomas and talk further. During the afternoon, members of Thomas' team met with students to guide them through the logistics of certifying their small businesses.

"I applaud the students on the work they have done to get their businesses off the ground. Their enthusiasm is infectious," said Secretary Thomas. "Starting my own business was one of the hardest things I've ever done and one of the most pivotal moments in my life. Our office is committed to making this process easy for others by streamlining our online business portal to make business filings simple and convenient."

"This unique program empowers our students and sets them on the path towards success and fulfillment in the entrepreneurial landscape. UB was thrilled to welcome Secretary Thomas and her team back to campus to help 12 students in the ENet certificate program register their LLCs," said Matt Connell, MBA, Ed.D., Undergraduate Director and Director of the ENet program.

University of Bridgeport's ENet program allows students of diverse backgrounds to gain the skills needed for future success while supporting local economies through their innovative small business solutions. The program focuses on supporting justice-involved students, helping them to develop essential business skills such as accounting, management, marketing, and professional presentation. "The ENet program is teaching me the legal ramifications of running a business," reflected Carlos Garcia, who is set to complete his certificate program in April of this year.

Gregory Jetter, a first semester student hoping to develop a business working with at-risk youth, shared that, "This program is giving me the chance to become a business owner where I can teach people how to be successful and deal with life. ENet is a good opportunity for people who never had any opportunities."

For more information about University of Bridgeport's ENet program, visit www.bridgeport.edu.

For more information about the business services offered by the CT Secretary of State's office, visit www.portal.ct.gov/sots

For information on how to start your business in Connecticut, visit business.ct.gov.

Media Attachments

Connecticut's Secretary of State, Stephanie Thomas, visited ENet students at University of Bridgeport's School of Business on March 5, 2024.

University of Bridgeport

Connecticut Secretary of State Meets with Students from University of Bridgeport's ENet Program

Media Attachments

University of Bridgeport

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