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Eastern Connecticut State University has partnered with Liberty Bank and the Town of Windham to establish the Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) - a collaborative initiative designed to empower aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs in the Greater Willimantic area. Located on Eastern’s campus, the SBRC will offer free, hands-on support to small business owners and entrepreneurs, with a focus on individuals who face barriers to business development and growth.
The Center aims to foster inclusive economic development and strengthen the local business ecosystem while providing Eastern students with applied learning opportunities in business, financial consulting, and community engagement.
The ECSU-Liberty Bank Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) empowers entrepreneurs by providing free and accessible resources, education, and mentorship. Through community-based consulting and entrepreneurial support, Eastern students, faculty, and partner organizations actively engage with local businesses, contributing to the long-term economic vitality of Willimantic and the surrounding region.
Eastern Connecticut State University:
Eastern is a public university in Willimantic, Connecticut offering both bachelor's degree programs and graduate programs. Eastern is a collaborative academic community whose mission is to engage students from diverse backgrounds in a transformative, liberal arts learning experience that provides knowledge and skills to lead enriching, purposeful lives. Eastern recognizes that it is an integral part of the economic vitality of the Willimantic community.
Liberty Bank:
Established in 1825, Liberty Bank recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. The Bank has more than $8 billion in assets and more than 50 retail banking offices across Connecticut and Massachusetts. As a full-service financial institution, Liberty offers consumer and commercial banking, treasury management, home mortgages, business loans and investment services. Liberty has been named ‘Top Workplace’ by the Hartford Courant every year since 2012; designated a 2021, 2022 and 2023 Best-In-State Bank in Connecticut by Forbes Magazine; and received J.D. Power’s award for Best Retail Banking Customer Satisfaction in the New York Tri-State Region in 2025. Known for being “Community Kind,” Liberty has given back to the community through employee volunteerism, corporate and foundation giving and community development support. Since its inception in 1997, Liberty Bank Foundation has awarded more than $21 million to nonprofit organizations in the Bank’s market area. Liberty Bank teammates have volunteered thousands of hours to local causes.
Town of Windham:
The Town of Windham, home to the city of Willimantic, is a vibrant community known for its rich history, diverse population, and strong commitment to local economic development. With a focus on supporting small business growth and community initiatives, Windham plays a key role in fostering entrepreneurship and regional vitality through valuale partnerships with both Eastern and other community organizations.
Student Engagement: ECSU students and faculty provide hands-on consulting and support, gaining real-world experience while strengthening the local economy.
Niti Pandey
Dean, School of Education and Professional Studies/Graduate Division
sbrc@easternct.edu
Miles Lovell
Graduate Intern
Free Tax Assistance: Eastern Connecticut State University has partnered with the IRS VITA program for over 20 years, providing free federal and state tax preparation to Connecticut residents with household incomes under $69,000.
Community Impact: In 2025, VITA programs across Connecticut served more than 40,000 filers, returning nearly $50 million in refunds and tax credits to individuals and families.
Student Involvement: ECSU students and community volunteers are IRS-certified tax preparers, gaining hands-on experience while supporting the local community.
Windham Heights Site: Services are offered at the Windham Heights Learning Center in partnership with Eastern’s Small Business Resource Center, The Village, and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
Hours & Availability: Free, appointment-based tax preparation is available Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., from February through mid-April.
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VITA Program: Free tax prep services to be reinstated as part of the SBRC’s financial literacy offerings. To schedule an appoint visit here |
February to mid-April: Saturday & Sunday: 9am-3pm Location: Windham Heights Learning Center |
| Business Plan Workshop | Spring 2026 |
| Marketing Basics for Small Businesses | Spring 2026 |
| Business to Business Networking and Mentoring | Summer 2026 (May-June) |
| Launch Event: (Co-sponsored by: Northeastern Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Development Council, and Willimantic Downtown Neighborhood Association) Inside Eastern: Article | September 22, 2025 @ 5pm |
| Academy for Small Business Course Register now! General Registration: ASB Registration | October 14 – November 13, 2025 5pm-7pm Tuesday's: In-Person Thursday's: Online |