Gateway Community College hosted more than 100 high school students representing New Haven, East Haven, Milford and Hamden schools for the Connecticut Young Entrepreneur Seminar (CT-YES) on Thursday, April 3.  

The students who attended expressed an interest in business and entrepreneurship and were able to speak with a panel of young, local entrepreneurs from the greater New Haven community and seek advice while learning about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

Panelists for the event included Kristen Blando and Bethany Biondi of Autumn Rose Florist in Milford, Meg Eaton of Barkin’ Green and Clean in West Haven, Chris Warnes of CW Fit in West Haven, Brad Armstrong of Urban Seed in New Haven and Chris Warner of Pancake Power in New Haven. All of the panelists were young business owners, under 35 years old.

“High school students want to hear from business owners who can identify with the economic challenges and climate that they will have to face when they are out in the world,” explained Rose Luglio, GCC business professor. “We were particularly interested to invite younger panelists this year, including Chris Warner who is a recent GCC graduate who won several competitions for his entrepreneurial business ideas.”

Additional speakers included Gateway Community College President Dr. Dorsey Kendrick and members of the Admissions staff and Business faculty, who spoke about GCC’s Entrepreneurial Studies and business programs.