Page 21 - The Indian EYE 092526

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 | The Indian Eye 21

teiro, Chief Equity and Opportunity
Officer, congratulated GOPIO-CT
on its 20 years of service to Connecti-
cut’s Indian American community.
“This gathering comes at a
meaningful time, as the newly es-
tablished Connecticut–India Trade
Commission builds on a longstand-
ing relationship and shared commit-
ment to deepen trade, investment,
business partnerships, academic
exchange, and economic collabora-
tion,” Monteiro said.
“We are grateful for the vision
and determination entrepreneurs
bring to creating jobs, driving inno-
vation, and expanding opportunity
across Connecticut, and we are your
partners in that growth,” she contin-
ued.
Monteiro highlighted several
state resources available to Con-
necticut businesses, including the
Connecticut Small Business Boost
Fund, supported by the Department
of Economic and Community De-
velopment (DECD), which connects
eligible small businesses and non-
profits with financing and support
services through community lenders Speakers at the business seminar, From l. to r. Moderator OnMed CFO Nandu Kuppuswamy, Consul Rajlakshmi Kadam,
and technical assistance providers. Mariana Monteiro from Connecticut Governor’s Office, First County Bank Senior VP and Chief Lending Officer Richard A. Muskus Jr. and
She also discussed the Depart- Ms. Meg Zimmerman from Stamford Mayor’s Office
ment of Administrative Services
Small Business Certification Pro-
gram, which helps eligible Connecti- BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH ness community is characterized by business owners, professionals, and
cut businesses obtain certification, COMMUNITY BANKS entrepreneurs who have successfully community leaders an opportunity to
increase visibility, connect with po- Richard A. Muskus Jr., Senior grown their ventures from humble exchange ideas, develop new contacts,
tential buyers, and compete for state Vice President and Chief Lending Of- beginnings through sheer persever- and explore potential collaborations.
contracting opportunities. ficer and Director of Business Bank- ance,” Kuppuswamy said. The event demonstrated GCCI’s
“Together, we are building on ing at First County Bank, empha- “The seminar discussion provid- broader mission of creating mean-
Connecticut’s strengths so businesses sized the importance of maintaining ed a valuable addition to their endeav- ingful connections among businesses
can succeed, families can thrive, and a strong and continuing relationship ors – access,” he added, emphasizing and professionals of Indian origin and
communities can prosper across our with a business banker. the importance of connecting entre- their counterparts in Connecticut, In-
state,” Monteiro concluded. Muskus noted that a trusted preneurs with information, financial dia, and around the world. Through
banker can serve not only as a source resources, government programs, and its growing chapter network, GCCI
STAMFORD BUSINESS of financing but also as a strategic ad- business relationships. seeks to promote trade, investment,
RESOURCES viser and advocate who understands entrepreneurship, innovation, tech-
Meg Zimmerman, Special As- the business and can provide guid- BUILDING MOMENTUM THROUGH nology, mentorship, and professional
sistant to Stamford Mayor Caroline ance during both periods of growth GCCI collaboration, while helping business-
Simmons for Economic Develop- and challenging economic conditions. The program concluded with ap- es identify resources and opportuni-
ment, highlighted the city’s growing He explained that community preciation to the speakers and partic- ties for sustainable growth. An Indian
ecosystem of resources available to banks consider more than financial ipants. GCCI Treasurer Prasad Chin- dinner followed.
entrepreneurs and small businesses. statements when evaluating a busi- talapudi emphasized the importance
Zimmerman pointed to Choos- ness. Understanding the people be- of continuing to build relationships ABOUT GCCI
eStamford.com and resources avail- hind a company, its business model, within the business community. The GOPIO Chamber of Com-
able through the University of Con- management, prospects, and relation- “The gathering highlighted the merce and Industry (GCCI) is an
necticut School of Law, which can ships can all be important compo- strength of community business con- initiative of the Global Organization
assist entrepreneurs with intellectual nents of the lending process. nections and the importance of con- of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO
property, business protections, and “Loans are only as good as the tinued collaboration, engagement, International). GCCI seeks to con-
related legal matters. people behind them,” Muskus said. and shared knowledge,” Chintalapudi nect entrepreneurs, business owners,
She also discussed the city’s ef- said. “We look forward to building investors, startups, and professionals
forts to reduce administrative barriers IMPORTANCE OF ACCESS AND on this momentum through future of Indian origin with one another and
for businesses, including Stamford’s NETWORKING initiatives that bring the community with business and professional part-
Walk-In Permitting Center, which Moderator Nandu Kuppuswamy, together and further strengthen these ners in India and around the world.
brings relevant city departments to- CFO of OnMed, reflected on the en- important relationships.” Its areas of focus include trade and
gether to help businesses navigate trepreneurial character of the South- The evening concluded with investment, entrepreneurship, inno-
permitting requirements more effi- ern Connecticut business community. a networking reception and meet- vation, technology, mentorship, and
ciently and move projects forward. “The Southern Connecticut busi- and-greet, providing entrepreneurs, professional networking.

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