The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) has launched “Stress Test Your Business Idea,” an interactive GPT designed to help aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs evaluate their ideas, challenge assumptions and identify areas requiring further research.

Available through ChatGPT, the tool guides users through a structured series of questions about the problem their business would solve, its ideal customers, market demand, competitive alternatives, required resources, expected costs and potential challenges. Users finish the process with a clearer understanding of their concept’s strengths, weaknesses and possible next steps.

“A promising business often begins with an exciting idea—but enthusiasm alone cannot establish whether that idea meets a genuine customer need,” said Dorian Zwierewicz, State Director of CTSBDC. “Our new GPT gives aspiring entrepreneurs a practical starting point for examining their assumptions, recognizing potential risks and preparing for more informed conversations about moving forward.”

The tool is intended for people who have an idea but are not yet ready to develop a complete business plan. Importantly, the GPT does not determine whether an idea will succeed or replace independent research, professional judgment or guidance from a qualified advisor. Instead, it offers constructive feedback and questions that help entrepreneurs think more critically before committing time or resources.

The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is inviting members of the public to help shape the organization’s future through its Logo Refresh Challenge.

The challenge reflects CTSBDC’s commitment to engaging the community it serves. Rather than developing a new logo behind closed doors, we are opening the creative process to people across Connecticut and beyond, seeking ideas from those who understand the state’s character, entrepreneurial spirit and potential. That includes marketing and design students from UConn who will get a chance to submit their designs during the Fall semester.

“The new CTSBDC logo represents more than a change in appearance. It symbolizes a breath of fresh air, an infusion of energy, a renewed focus on our mission, and our excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Dorian Zwierewicz, State Director of CTSBDC. “As the needs of Connecticut’s small business community evolve, so should the way we present ourselves.”

CTSBDC provides confidential, no-cost business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Connecticut. We seek a modernized and refreshed logo that conveys our statewide impact while building stronger visual connections to the State of Connecticut and UConn brand identities. At the same time, the design should preserve CTSBDC’s distinct identity as a trusted resource for small businesses. For students, the competition offers an opportunity to apply their skills to a real-world branding challenge, contribute to the identity of a statewide organization, and build their professional portfolios.

“Students bring fresh ideas and an ability to see established organizations in new ways,” said Bill Ryan UConn School of Business professor, Marketing & Sales Leadership Programs. “We hope this challenge gives them meaningful experience while creating a stronger connection between CTSBDC and the wider UConn community.”

“Community is at the heart of CTSBDC’s work,” added Zwierewicz. “Every day, we collaborate with entrepreneurs, educators, economic development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen Connecticut’s small business ecosystem. This challenge gives our community—and especially the talented students at UConn—an opportunity to bring their creativity and perspective to the way we represent that work.”

If CTSBDC selects a winning design from the submissions, its creator will receive a $1,000 prize. Submissions are due October 30, 2026. CTSBDC reserves the right not to select a winning design if none of the submissions meets the organization’s needs.

Complete challenge details, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions are available at ctsbdc.uconn.edu/logo-redesign.

Three Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) clients swept the top prizes at The COMMUNITY Foundation for Greater New Haven’s Tech & Innovation Pitch Night, held September 10, 2026, at Tate’s in Middletown. 

Zemi Labs earned first place, Kora secured second, and Lending Automator took third—giving CTSBDC clients all three top spots. “We are thrilled to see these innovative businesses thriving and finding support within Connecticut’s small business ecosystem,” said Dorian Zwierewicz, State Director of CTSBDC. “Congratulations on these wins and on what comes next for these inspiring businesses.” 

Zemi Labs CEO John Toribio describes the company’s product as a “wearable lab.” Its smart clothing collects health-monitoring data and is used in research at UConn and Yale University, allowing study participants to continue gathering data beyond the lab. What sets the clothing apart, Toribio says, is its construction: “We’re not the only company making smart clothing, but we are the only ones that can cover significant areas on the body and capture multiple types of signals.” Rather than relying on wires or embroidered threads, Zemi Labs screenprints an entire pattern of conductive ink, enabling the company to accommodate different sizes and styles. Toribio plans to use the prize money to build more prototypes and continue testing, including testing the clothing’s washability. 

Kora is an AI-powered marketing platform that gives small businesses a complete online presence through a simple chat, including WhatsApp. Founder and CEO Nitesh Pundra says Kora scans a business’s online presence, identifies what’s holding it back, and then fixes it: improving Google visibility, building websites, managing reviews and social content, and running ads, with a human team standing behind the AI. Kora already serves paying customers across industries, from restaurants and medical practices to landscapers; all won through founder-led sales. “Small business owners don’t have time to become marketers, and most can’t afford an agency,” Pundra said. “Kora gives them the tools big brands have, at a price that makes sense for a local business.” He plans to use the prize money to improve the product and reach more customers. 

Lending Automator helps mortgage brokers close more non-bank loans by matching them with appropriate lenders and resources, accelerating the path to closing. CEO Stephen Kobelski says the platform is well suited for investment properties, flips, rentals, and commercial properties, as well as borrowers seeking nontraditional funding from sources other than banks. Now that the company has demonstrated market fit, Kobelski says, “We can acquire new customers at a low cost.” Lending Automator plans to use the prize money to expand its marketing while preparing to open a pre-seed funding round. “We are looking for investors to help us scale,” he said. 

Congratulations to Zemi Labs, Kora, and Lending Automator on this well-earned recognition. Their success reflects the innovation, determination, and entrepreneurial talent driving Connecticut’s small business community forward. CTSBDC is proud to support businesses like these with no-cost, confidential advising and practical resources that help entrepreneurs refine their strategies, overcome challenges, and pursue their next stage of growth.