About The Connecticut Supplier Connection Program
It has not been easy for small and certified suppliers to win business from large corporations for a long time. And now, changes to requirements, regulations, and technology are happening faster than ever. It takes dedication, persistence and knowledge, as well as hard work. But once you win a contract, growth can be quick and lead to many new opportunities.
Since 2016, CT Supplier Connection’s goal has been to provide Connecticut’s small and certified suppliers with greater visibility in-state and to help them build a national following. The network also helps suppliers prepare for pre-qualification and due diligence with large buyers.
The program is a resource that helps link the procurement groups of Connecticut’s larger corporations and institutions with the state’s many small and certified suppliers through promoting registration on our ct.supplierone.co website. This global procurement network involves multiple industries and allows suppliers to enter their data once and be found by over 1,000 large buying groups worldwide.
We also provide supplier development workshops and host events to ensure Connecticut’s supply chain members are strong and nationally recognized.
The CT Supplier Connection is a program funded through a grant from the CT Department of Economic and Community Development.
The Connecticut Supplier Connection’s annual Growth Summit and the Direct Supplier Summit are our two major annual events. The centerpiece of both summits is the Business Matchmaker, where small and certified suppliers have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with buyers from leading regional procurement groups.
This year, our 6th Annual Direct Supplier Summit & MatchMaker is being held virtually over 2 days from June 2nd – 3rd, 2026. This free event focuses on all small and certified direct suppliers, which we define as manufacturers and suppliers of commodities, components, finished goods, and services that are used in buyers’ final products or in delivering those products. If you are not sure if you are a direct supplier, please email ctsupplierconnection@gmail.com to inquire.
In addition to meeting with some of the region’s largest buying organizations, attendees will learn about the rapidly changing procurement landscape and how small and certified suppliers need to keep up to survive and grow.
Register your company and join the CT Supplier Connection community to receive supplier news, be invited to matchmaker events and workshops focused on helping you get "Contract Ready", and be discovered by buyers in Connecticut and across the world. Click the link to begin your registration: ct.supplierone.co