Explore upcoming events or host your own conference, training, or workshop in our space.
Taking on Your Taxes: Financial Literacy Workshop
Join us for a free tax education event with Amber The Tax Lady®, a seasoned tax professional dedicated to helping you navigate the ins and outs of filing with confidence.
Hosted in-person at The Lab on March 27th at 6pm. Light food and beverages provided.
Reserve your spot HERE.
With over two decades of individual tax preparation experience, Amber boasts a remarkable journey in taxation.
Whether you're looking to maximize deductions, understand new tax laws, or avoid common filing mistakes, Amber has the knowledge you need.
Don’t miss this chance to get expert tips and take control of your financial future!
She Means Business: Women Driving Economic Change
Join us for a Fireside Chat with Judith Corprew, President & CEO of New Haven Bank, as we explore economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurial development in Greater New Haven.
As a CDFI-designated bank, New Haven Bank is dedicated to expanding access to capital and fostering financial success for underserved communities. This event highlights the collaborative efforts of The Lab at ConnCORP, New Haven Bank, The Center for Inclusive Growth, and The Collaboration of Minority Women Professionals (CMWP) in supporting Black and minority entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners.
Through this conversation, we will:
Learn about Judith Corprew’s leadership journey and vision for New Haven Bank
Explore financial resources and opportunities for business owners
Discuss key economic trends shaping New Haven’s business landscape
Highlight strategies to increase financial literacy and access to capital
Identify ways to support women-led and minority-owned businesses
This event is designed to foster community connections, share valuable financial insights, and empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
Reserve your attendance HERE.
Graphic Design for Beginners: Level Up Skill Builder Trainings
Join The Lab at ConnCORP and The Narrative Project as they host the first Level Up Skill Builder Training on March 18th at 12pm, focused on learning how to use Canva and Adobe for graphic design work. This free training will farmiliarize professionals with these two commonly used tools.
Reserve your place HERE.
Level Up: Skill-Building Trainings are quarterly workshops hosted by The Lab at ConnCORP designed to help professionals of all kinds, including entrepreneurs, small business owners, and young professionals, sharpen the skills needed to be successful in business. From marketing to money management,
The Level Up series dives into essential tools and strategies to help you effectively promote your business, streamline your marketing efforts, and enhance your online presence.
These free, interactive trainings provide hands-on learning, practical takeaways, and expert guidance to help you level up your skills—no matter your experience level.
Thank God It’s Thursday: Black History Month Business After Hours
The Lab at ConnCORP invites you to enjoy delicious food and drinks while networking with exhibiting black-owned businesses and the regional business community. Exciting giveaways await - bring your business card for a chance to win. Reserve your spot today!
LaunchPad at The Lab with Arden Santana: Politics & Profits
Join us for an engaging session in our LaunchPad Speaker Series featuring Arden Santana, founder of SĀHGE Academy, renowned Civic Literacy Advocate, and Community & Culture Builder. Arden champions civic literacy, social justice, and transformative education, empowering individuals and communities to make a meaningful impact.
In this timely session, "Politics & Profits: What Business Owners Need to Know About Civic Engagement", Arden will explore the intersection of civic literacy and entrepreneurship. Discover how understanding and participating in civic processes can influence your business, foster social responsibility, and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this session will provide valuable insights into the role of civic engagement in building resilient businesses and thriving communities.
LaunchPad at The LAB: Storytelling For Business Success
Join Us for the LaunchPad at The LAB: Storytelling For Business Success
Discover the art of storytelling as a powerful tool for business growth and audience engagement. Learn how to build buy-in and gain support for your vision and passion.
Date: December 18th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 265 Morse Street Hamden, CT 60517
Cost: Free to attend (light refreshments and food provided)
Storytelling For Business Success: The Key To Engaging Your Audience
With Dr. Don C. Sawyer III, you will learn how to lead with purpose and build relationships with potential funders and clients.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network in a supportive and inspiring environment!
Saving With Sistas + Brothas Backing Brothas
Join Us for the Financial Literacy Workshop: Saving with Sistas + Brothas Backing Brothas
Take control of your finances and break down barriers to financial empowerment! This quarterly roundtable is designed to support people of color in overcoming the intimidation of saving, budgeting, and investing, with a focus on addressing the systemic challenges behind the race and gender wealth gaps.
Date: December 12th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 265 Morse Street Hamden, CT 60517
Cost: Free to attend (light refreshments and food provided)
Empower Your Finances: Budgeting to Invest
Learn how to set up a budget to start your investment journey. Hear from Dwayne J. Hicks and Keyara Carter of Key Bank, who will break down practical strategies, including how investing as little as $10 can lead to financial success.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable financial insights in a supportive and inspiring environment!
LaunchPad at The Lab with Winter Carson: Wellness First
Join us at LaunchPad at The Lab with Winter Carson: Wellness First: Fueling Your Business Through Self-Care
We’ll delve into the transformative impact of prioritizing self-care on your professional growth. Learn actionable self-care techniques to seamlessly integrate into your daily life—whether it’s savoring a peaceful morning, incorporating short workouts, or treating yourself to some well-deserved relaxation. Remember, nurturing yourself is key to fostering a thriving business!
AI: The Competitive Edge with Kobéy Smith
Join us for an informative session on how you can utilize AI to bolster your growing business!
Jazz & Gospel Brunch
Enjoy a blend of live jazz and gospel performances while indulging in a delightful array of brunch favorites.
Minority Mental Health After Hours
Join us this Thursday for a night of open conversations and support at our Minority Mental Health After Hours event! This in-person gathering will be held at 265 Morse St, where we'll provide a safe space to discuss mental health within our community.
Share your experiences, listen to others, and connect with like-minded individuals. Let's break the stigma and build a supportive community together. See you there!
Featuring our speakers:
Dr.Taj Burroughs DHSc, MS OTR/L, ECHM, Occupational Therapist - Axxis Wellness (moderator)
Kevnesha Boyd CEO & Mental Health Consultant - Quality Counseling (panelist)
Kevin Muhammad, Mental Health Clinician, Educator, Activist, Advocate, Motivational Speaker (panelist)
Dr. Shaylice Meserole DNP,PMHNP-BC, APRN Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – Lifespan Collaborative Services (panelist)
Dr. Jennifer Pierre ND, MPH - JenteelNature Health (panelist)
Yvette Bunting-Watts LPC NCC Centerpiece Behavioral Services
Orchid Gallery Opening
Origins
Howard el-Yasin, Kaelynne Hernandez, Chistopher Paul Jordan, Jasmine Nikole & Jason Ting
Curator: nico w. okoro
Origins is the second exhibition from Orchid Gallery’s 2024 Open Call, featuring artworks by Howard el-Yasin, Kaelynne Hernandez, Christopher Paul Jordan, Jasmine Nikole, and Jason Ting. Following the inaugural exhibition, Gather, which highlighted figurative artworks, Origins focuses on conceptual pieces to deepen discussions around identity in contemporary art. This exhibition addresses the tokenization of Blackness and the overconsumption of BIPOC depictions by emphasizing thoughtful, nuanced engagement with the art.
Howard el-Yasin uses domestic materials, such as banana skins, to explore memory and value systems, encouraging viewers to rethink ordinary objects. Kaelynne Hernandez’s sculptures, made from shredded newspaper, reflect on Chicanismo and universal interconnectedness, inviting a collective understanding of heritage and identity.
Christopher Paul Jordan’s works, inspired by a local scrapyard, use repurposed materials to explore memory and diaspora. His pieces challenge viewers to consider the transformation and protection of Black identity. Jasmine Nikole’s paintings celebrate Black sisterhood and resilience, depicting the journey of four African women navigating life and community through the element of water.
Jason Ting employs creative coding and digital tools to produce dynamic visuals inspired by natural forces, capturing the wonder of organic processes and celestial phenomena. His works, often minted as NFTs, add a contemporary dimension to the exploration of origins.
Origins underscores the importance of abstraction and conceptualism in visualizing life's complexities, inviting audiences to engage deeply with the art.
nico w. okoro | Founder & Principal, The Bldg Fund LLC | Curator-at-Large, Orchid Gallery
Brothas Backing Brothas + Saving with Sistas: Financial Literacy Workshop
Brothers Backing Brothers and Saving with Sistas: Financial Literacy Workshop
Financial Literacy Workshop:
Come join us at 496 Newhall St (GPS Address:265 Morse Street for parking) for a dynamic workshop focused on improving our financial literacy. This event is all about supporting each other and learning together. Whether you're a brother or a sista, this workshop is for you! Let's empower ourselves and each other to make better financial decisions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow and save together. See you there!
Thank God It's Thursday (TGIT) Business After Hours
CLICK HERE to register for the opportunity to connect with local professionals, shop from the black owned businesses, and learn more about The Lab at ConnCORP.
Hosted by the Hamden Chamber of Commerce, stop by to enjoy delicious treats by Orchid Café at ConnCAT and drinks by Rhythm Brewing Co., McBride Sisters Collection, Uncle Waithley's Beverage Company, and Gorilla Lemonade.
Lab Members are FREE.
Gather, Open Reception
Gather honors the work of artists who archive oral histories, collect and conserve artifacts, and otherwise assume the role of culture bearer—those who dutifully gather, reinterpret, and hold the stories and symbols that both define and enrich our communities.
The exhibition features artworks by Kulimushi Barongozi, Ruby Gonzalez Hernandez, Aisha Nailah, Moshopefoluwa “MO” Olagunju, Daniel “silencio” Ramirez, Liah Sinq, Arvia Walker, and Yves Wilson. Gather is curated by nico w. okoro, founder and principal of the bldg fund.
Join us for the Orchid Gallery’s inaugural art show, Gather, where you can meet the artists, see amazing pieces, and be in community.
LaunchPad Speaker Series: Fast Track: 10 Tips to Growing Your Business to Scale
How do you take your good idea and transform it into a sustainable and profitable business?
Carlton Highsmith has answers.
Join us, Wednesday, April 10th for our next installment of our LaunchPad series. Discover new insights on entrepreneurial success from an expert. With a long list of skills and a lifetime of experience, Carlton will share the key learnings that have shaped his approach to growing a business.
This gathering is not just an event; it's a launchpad for aspiring brands and businesses, offering a unique chance to gain insights from a seasoned expert like ConnCORP Founder and Board Chair, Carlton Highsmith. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and elevate your brand under the guidance of one of the industry's best.
Saving with Sistas + Brothas Backing Brothas
Join us at The Lab at ConnCORP for an empowering Financial Literacy Workshop!
Addressing the Racial and Gender Wealth Gap: These workshops were created as a space for people of color to learn and discuss saving, budgeting, and investing in capital markets. This workshop aims to empower individuals in underserved communities on a path to financial freedom.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and gain valuable insights from ConnCORP CIO Anna Blanding and ConnCORP COO Paul McCraven , as they share their wealth of knowledge. Join us on our journey towards financial empowerment and equity!
Black Funding Forum
Join us on Tuesday, February 27th 5:30pm-7:30pm as we discuss lending resources for Black entrepreneurs at various stages of business ownership. This hybrid workshop will feature a panel discussion with funding sources for Black-owned businesses while providing valuable guidance on accessing those financial resources.
You do not want to miss this free event. CLICK HERE to join us for an evening of learning, networking, and building.
Thank God It's Thursday Business After Hours
Make it stand out
CLICK HERE to register today for am opportunity to connect with local professionals, shop from the 10 black owned business, and learn more anout The Lab at ConnCORP and all we have to offer.
LaunchPad Speaker Series: Launching Your Brand
The First 20 registers will receive a copy of his book "Launch Your Brand, The Fastest Way to Supercharge Any Business."
CLICK HERE AND REGISTER TODAY!
This gathering is not just an event; it's a launchpad for aspiring brands and businesses, offering a unique chance to gain insights from a seasoned expert like Ramon Peralta. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and elevate your brand under the guidance of one of the industry's best.
As the Founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of Peralta Design, Ramon E. Peralta Jr. spearheads a team distinguished for taking brands and businesses to new levels. He cultivates a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring every project surpasses high design standards.
Peralta Design, under the banner “We Launch Brands®,” is committed to advancing entrepreneurs and companies with holistic digital strategies. Ramon’s expertise, which is evident in his close client work focusing on enhancing branding and digital presence for optimal ROI, has been featured on NPR’s Marketplace, The Today Show, and LA Weekly. His business savvy was also highlighted in his 2022 TEDx Talk.
The First 20 registers will receive a copy of his book "Launching Your Brand, The Fastest Way to Supercharge Any Business."
Saving with Sistas
Got Money Goals?
Join us for SAVING WITH SISTAS:
An amazing opportunity to discuss financial literacy and learn about saving, budgeting, and investment strategies
During this workshop, we'll discuss budgeting strategies, and options for first-time investing, and planted seeds to start an amazing investment journey!
We invite you to join us for our final workshop of the year as ConnCORP CIO Anna Blanding recaps some easy investing options, dives deeper into understanding stocks, and puts together a financial plan for 2024.
Come and enjoy
Black Girl Wine provided by McBride Sisters
Snack spread by Exquisite Flavors
Saving with Sistas
We are continuing the journey to improving our financial health! Join us for an amazing opportunity to discuss financial literacy and learn about saving, budgeting and investment strategies.
Throughout history we’ve made strides to slowly address financial disparities and inclusion issues, not only amongst racial groups but between men and women as well. We are here to meet you where you are in your financial journey and begin closing the wealth gaps still blatantly present today.
Launchpad Speaker Series
Did you miss the last LaunchPad Speaker Series at The Lab? Sign up to take part in the next workshop in our ongoing professional development series.
Join Dr. Tarishi Verma, Assistant Professor of Communications at Albertus Magnus College, in a Public Speaking 101 workshop at the end of this month. Learn some key tips for speaking in public and build your confidence!
LaunchPad Speaker Series
We are back with another LaunchPad Speaker Series at The Lab! Join us on Wednesday, September 6th at 6pm to hear from Dr. Tajhma Burroughs as she dives into a conversation surrounding Imposter Syndrome amongst Black Entrepreneurship. With over 16 years of experience, Dr. Tajhma Burroughs is the founder of private practice, Axxis Wellness, Inc. providing one-on-one, community based, and employer based behavioral health support and trainings. During this session she will share her experience as a Black entrepreneur and discuss the impact of Imposter Syndrome on the development of Black Businesses.
Are you or someone you know interested in starting a business?
Are you an entrepreneur hesitant to take your business to the next level?
Have you faced barriers in entrepreneurship that require additional support to overcome?
YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS CONVERSATION! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!
Thank God It's Thursday (TGIT) Ribbon Cutting
Join us to celebrate our recently renovated Lab at ConnCORP and the NEW Recess Café! Enjoy an evening of professional networking, paired with delicious eats, fine wine, and local craft beer.
Juneteenth at The Lab/ConnCORP 5 Year Anniversary Celebration
FREE FOOD, REFRESHMENTS, GAMES, MUSIC, AND ACTIVITIES!
It’s time for our annual Juneteenth Celebration. Please join us Saturday June 17th, as we are celebrate our liberation. We’re also thrilled to celebrate ConnCORP’s 5th Year anniversary. The number five symbolizes freedom, curiosity, and change – a desire to have adventures and explore new possibilities. Be our guests this year, as we relive our past and embrace our future. Don’t meet us there, BEAT us there!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY
This years theme: Change, Evolution, Love, & Abundance!