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CTBE is a nonprofit program under LEAD, an organization dedicated to equity and empowerment across Connecticut. As part of LEAD’s Financial Literacy pillar, CTBE is committed to advancing inclusive economic growth by connecting entrepreneurs, professionals, and emerging leaders with the tools, training, and networks needed to build sustainable businesses, expand opportunity, and create generational wealth.

At CTBE, we believe that empowering multicultural business owners is key to building stronger, more connected communities. Our mission is to bridge the gap between education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement—while helping local businesses thrive through strategic support, partnership, and capacity-building.

About CTBE

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Our Impact & Community Focus

We work with multicultural business owners across Connecticut to provide free business education, financial literacy training, and mentorship opportunities.
We help businesses engage with their local Chambers of Commerce, understand the value of civic involvement, and build lasting networks that fuel economic success.
Through our programs, we aim to educate entrepreneurs not just on how to run a business but how to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
We connect businesses to nonprofit resources and community coalitions, equipping them to play an active role in shaping the future of their local towns and cities.

Why CTBE Matters

We’re not just building businesses - we’re building community.
CTBE empowers each business to be part of something larger:
✔ A stronger local economy
✔ A connected chamber network
✔ A more inclusive and educated business ecosystem
✔ A more vibrant and united Connecticut

Together, we are helping small businesses grow, encouraging new entrepreneurs to launch, and making sure every town across the state has the tools and partnerships needed to succeed.

Upcoming Events

From Dreams to Impact: Celebrating Our CTBE Champions at Multicultural Gala

Meet our dedicated champions: professionals who are passionate about creating meaningful impact.

Aline Pereira

Champion of Persistence, Education, and Transformation

Aline Pereira is a shining example of what perseverance, education, and entrepreneurship can achieve. A Brazilian immigrant who overcame countless challenges, Aline transformed her life and career through relentless dedication to learning and business leadership. She has become a powerful voice in the community, inspiring others to rise, grow, and give back. At the CTBE Multicultural Business & Education Gala, we are proud to honor Aline for her extraordinary journey and her unwavering commitment to uplifting others.

Alex Pereira & Glover Teixeira Champions in the Ring and in the Community

Together, Alex Pereira and Glover Teixeira represent the powerful spirit of Brazilian resilience, excellence, and transformation. Both world-renowned UFC champions, they have achieved the highest levels of success in combat sports Alex as a two-division UFC titleholder, and Glover as a UFC Hall of Famer and former Light Heavyweight Champion.

But their legacy goes far beyond the octagon. As close friends and training partners, they’ve built a mentorship model that empowers young fighters and immigrant youth through discipline, purpose, and education. Glover, now based in Connecticut, runs a training center dedicated to developing new talent, while Alex uses his platform to inspire and support causes that uplift underserved communities.

Juan Candelaria – State Representative & Champion for Immigrant Rights

Representative Juan Candelaria has been a tireless advocate for equity, education, and immigrant rights in the State of Connecticut. Serving in the Connecticut General Assembly since 2003, he represents New Haven with deep commitment and a strong voice for underserved communities.

A proud Dominican-American, Rep. Candelaria made history by sponsoring and helping pass landmark legislation that allowed undocumented immigrants in Connecticut to obtain driver's licensesan initiative that brought safety, dignity, and opportunity to thousands of families across the state.

With a background in education and public administration, he has consistently worked to expand access to higher education, support English Language Learners, and uplift multicultural communities through inclusive policy and civic engagement.

Pastor William McCullough – Faith Leader, Educator, and Community Bridge Builder

Pastor William McCullough is a respected faith leader, educator, and advocate who has spent decades building bridges between communities, schools, and local governments throughout Connecticut. As the Senior Pastor of Springs of Life-Giving Water Church in New Haven, he has led with a powerful blend of spiritual guidance, civic engagement, and grassroots action. A visionary voice in both faith and education, Pastor McCullough is known for mobilizing churches around educational equity, economic development, and restorative justice. His leadership has been instrumental in creating partnerships between public institutions and underserved communities empowering families, mentoring youth, and advancing opportunity through love and accountability.

He is also a key figure in educational advocacy efforts, including the advancement of public school options and support for charter school access in urban neighborhoods.