Our Bureau
Stamford, CT
The GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)–Southern Connecticut Chapter hosted a business seminar, “Business Opportunities – Funding for Growth,” on September 10 in Stamford, bringing together entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, community leaders, financial institutions, and government representatives for a discussion on business growth, access to capital, and Connecticut–India business opportunities.
The seminar followed the recent launch of the GCCI–Connecticut Chapter at the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford. The Connecticut–India Trade Commission, established under Public Act 26-78, is intended to advance bilateral trade and investment between Connecticut and India, among other forms of economic and institutional collaboration.
The guest of honor was Ms. Rajlakshmi Kadam, Consul for Commerce and Trade at the Consulate General of India in New York. Other speakers included Ms. Mariana Monteiro, Chief Equity and Opportunity Officer in the Office of Governor Ned Lamont; Ms. Meg Zimmerman, Special Assistant to Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons for Economic Development; and Richard A. Muskus Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer and Director of Business Banking at First County Bank. The program was moderated by Nandu Kuppuswamy, CFO of OnMed.
GCCI’s Mission
The program opened with welcome remarks by Mahesh Jhangiani, President of GOPIO-CT, who introduced Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International and Acting Chairman of GCCI.
“GCCI is an initiative of GOPIO International, created to connect entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, startups, and professionals of Indian origin with one another and with partners in India and around the world,” Dr. Abraham said. “Our focus is on trade, investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, mentorship, and professional networking.”
He explained that the GCCI Southern Connecticut Chapter will provide small and medium-sized businesses and professional practitioners with opportunities to expand their networks, identify new markets, access financing and other resources, connect with mentors and investors, and explore new avenues for growth.
“We are developing GCCI chapters in Southern and Central Connecticut so that businesspeople and professionals can build strong local networks while also gaining access to national and international connections,” Abraham added.
India–U.S. Trade Opportunities
Consul Rajlakshmi Kadam discussed opportunities to expand India–U.S. trade and business partnerships across a range of sectors. She also highlighted the India–USA Trade Facilitation Portal, a strategic initiative of the Consulate General of India in New York designed to facilitate direct business connections between Indian exporters and U.S. importers across goods and services sectors.
Kadam explained that the portal is intended to help small and medium-sized enterprises better understand U.S. regulations, compliance requirements, and market-access considerations. The initiative also features virtual showcases and educational webinars involving major organizations and chambers of commerce.
She emphasized the growing scope for bilateral business engagement and the importance of providing businesses with practical tools to identify potential partners and markets.
Connecticut Resources for Business Growth
Representing the Office of Governor Ned Lamont, Mariana Monteiro, Chief Equity and Opportunity Officer, congratulated GOPIO-CT on its 20 years of service to Connecticut’s Indian American community.
“This gathering comes at a meaningful time, as the newly established Connecticut–India Trade Commission builds on a longstanding relationship and shared commitment to deepen trade, investment, business partnerships, academic exchange, and economic collaboration,” Monteiro said.
“We are grateful for the vision and determination entrepreneurs bring to creating jobs, driving innovation, and expanding opportunity across Connecticut, and we are your partners in that growth,” she continued.
Monteiro highlighted several state resources available to Connecticut businesses, including the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund, supported by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), which connects eligible small businesses and nonprofits with financing and support services through community lenders and technical assistance providers.
She also discussed the Department of Administrative Services Small Business Certification Program, which helps eligible Connecticut businesses obtain certification, increase visibility, connect with potential buyers, and compete for state contracting opportunities.
“Together, we are building on Connecticut’s strengths so businesses can succeed, families can thrive, and communities can prosper across our state,” Monteiro concluded.
Stamford Business Resources
Meg Zimmerman, Special Assistant to Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons for Economic Development, highlighted the city’s growing ecosystem of resources available to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Zimmerman pointed to ChooseStamford.com and resources available through the University of Connecticut School of Law, which can assist entrepreneurs with intellectual property, business protections, and related legal matters.
She also discussed the city’s efforts to reduce administrative barriers for businesses, including Stamford’s Walk-In Permitting Center, which brings relevant city departments together to help businesses navigate permitting requirements more efficiently and move projects forward.
Building Relationships with Community Banks
Richard A. Muskus Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer and Director of Business Banking at First County Bank, emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong and continuing relationship with a business banker.
Muskus noted that a trusted banker can serve not only as a source of financing but also as a strategic adviser and advocate who understands the business and can provide guidance during both periods of growth and challenging economic conditions.
He explained that community banks consider more than financial statements when evaluating a business. Understanding the people behind a company, its business model, management, prospects, and relationships can all be important components of the lending process.
“Loans are only as good as the people behind them,” Muskus said.
Importance of Access and Networking
Moderator Nandu Kuppuswamy, CFO of OnMed, reflected on the entrepreneurial character of the Southern Connecticut business community.
“The Southern Connecticut business community is characterized by entrepreneurs who have successfully grown their ventures from humble beginnings through sheer perseverance,” Kuppuswamy said.
“The seminar discussion provided a valuable addition to their endeavors – access,” he added, emphasizing the importance of connecting entrepreneurs with information, financial resources, government programs, and business relationships.
Building Momentum Through GCCI
The program concluded with appreciation to the speakers and participants. GCCI Treasurer Prasad Chintalapudi emphasized the importance of continuing to build relationships within the business community.
“The gathering highlighted the strength of community business connections and the importance of continued collaboration, engagement, and shared knowledge,” Chintalapudi said. “We look forward to building on this momentum through future initiatives that bring the community together and further strengthen these important relationships.”
The evening concluded with a networking reception and meet-and-greet, providing entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, and community leaders an opportunity to exchange ideas, develop new contacts, and explore potential collaborations.
The event demonstrated GCCI’s broader mission of creating meaningful connections among businesses and professionals of Indian origin and their counterparts in Connecticut, India, and around the world. Through its growing chapter network, GCCI seeks to promote trade, investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, mentorship, and professional collaboration, while helping businesses identify resources and opportunities for sustainable growth. An Indian dinner followed.
About GCCI
The GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is an initiative of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International). GCCI seeks to connect entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, startups, and professionals of Indian origin with one another and with business and professional partners in India and around the world. Its areas of focus include trade and investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, mentorship, and professional networking.