Highlighting New Laws

July 10, 2026



 

 

Small businesses are the backbone of Connecticut's economy. They create jobs, strengthen our communities, and bring new ideas and opportunities to every corner of our state. That's why, during this year's legislative session, I was proud to support measures that make it easier for entrepreneurs to start, grow, and succeed.

This session, we passed several important laws (including SB 307 and HB 5467) that expand access to state resources, modernize economic development programs, and help ensure that more Connecticut businesses can benefit from the support they need.

These updates increase available financing for small businesses, improve assistance for first-time entrepreneurs, create a dedicated "concierge" within the Department of Economic and Community Development to help business owners navigate grants and incentives, and refocus state programs on reaching historically underserved communities and economically distressed areas.

Together, these changes reflect our commitment to building an economy that works for everyone -- one that removes unnecessary barriers, supports innovation, and gives small business owners the tools they need to invest, hire, and thrive.

The key components of SB 307 include:

• Name and Definition Changes: Removes race- and gender-specific terminology like "minority" from state economic development lexicon, focusing instead on supporting businesses in historically underserved and economically distressed areas.

• Small Business Express Program: Renames and reorganizes the state's Small Business Express Program to better target first-time business owners and applicants in concentrated poverty zones.

• Financial Cap Increase: Modifies existing law to increase the cap on state-provided financial assistance for small businesses from $10 million to $25 million over a two-year period.

• Advisory Boards: Revises the name and charge of the Minority Business Initiative Advisory Board and establishes a Connecticut Clean Economy Council to advise on climate resilience and green energy strategies.

• Scholarship Displacement: Prohibits the reduction of institutional aid for certain students at public colleges and universities if they receive private scholarships.

Meanwhile, HB 5467 requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to designate an employee to provide "concierge services" to small businesses. The designated staff member serves as a direct point of contact to help owners navigate state grants, incentives, and economic development programs.
 

Coffee Talk

Please see the flyer below on my end-of-session Coffee Talk that I am hosting on July 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 

RSVP either through the QR code or the link provided.

I hope to see you there!
 

Ridgefield Farmers Market

The Ridgefield Farmers Market, on the Jesse Lee Greens, 207 Main St., takes place every Saturday through Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visitors will find organic farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty items alongside family activities, live music, and more.

To learn more, please visit here.
 

CHIRP Concerts

The CHIRP free concerts take places on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 27 in the heart of Ballard Park.

Concerts start at 7 p.m.

For a list of bands, please see the graphic below. 
 

SummerFest 2026

SummerFest is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Downtown will be closed to vehicle traffic and filled with more than 100 vendors.

Visitors can enjoy crafts, food and drink, live music, the farmers market, a performance by Summer Stars of A.C.T., and more.

There will be activities at Lounsbury House, including a touch-a-truck event, the Wild Iris Flower Truck, Parks & Recreation sensory play sandboxes filled with corn kernels, Ridgefield’s Mermaid, the Roaming Railroad, baby goats, and treats available for purchase from Waffle Cabin.

The Bach to Rock student band will perform from 10 a.m. to noon. on the library lawn.
 

Clean Up Club

Have a teen who wants to volunteer to clean up their community?

You're in luck! Have them join the Ridgefield Library’s Clean Up Club on Thursday, July 16, and help tidy up Ridgefield’s Ballard Park.   

Registration is required and can be done by clicking here.

Meet up in front of the Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St., at 4 p.m. From there we will cross the street to Ballard Park to clean up any trash, dropped items, etc. until 5 p.m.

The library will provide trash bags and gloves. Teens will get volunteer hours for attending this program.

Participants are advised to wear closed-toed shoes and, if it's sunny, sunscreen and a hat. Also, participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle.

Make Cat Toys for ROAR is another volunteer opportunity scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, at 4 p.m.

To learn about more teen programs and events, sign up for the library's monthly Teen Newsletter here.
 

Good Trouble Lives On

Six years after the death of Congressman John Lewis, we're gathering in Ridgefield to protect voting rights, carry his torch forward, and continue his legacy for the next generation.

Join us for a march and rally in his honor on Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m. We'll begin at the First Congregational Church, 103 Main St., and march to Ballard Park, where we'll hear from speakers including Josh Elliott, Noel Casler, and me.

Sign up here: https://mobilize.us/s/VJzVxt

If you're able, we encourage you to join us at FCC for the start of the march. You're also welcome to join along the route — at Jesse Lee United Methodist Church or St. Stephen's Church, for example.

If you do join along the way, please get there at 2 p.m., if possible, so we can have a presence all along the route from FCC to Ballard Park.

Bring your signs, bring your energy. Protect voting rights. Protect democracy.
 

As always, if you have any comments, questions or concerns, please reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

Aimee Berger-Girvalo
State Representative

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