Your weekly roundup of AI tools, local events, and opportunities for Bristol CT small businesses.
From Fernando
Big week. I launched ARIA — an AI virtual assistant I built from scratch for small business owners. It runs locally on your computer, handles emails, tasks, research, and meeting prep, and costs a one-time $29. No monthly fees.
If you missed the announcement: read the full post here. And if you want me to set it up live on a Zoom call, I’m offering a Done-For-You Setup for $79.
Now — let’s get into this week’s issue.
AI Tool of the Week: MailerLite
If you’re still sending newsletters from Gmail or using a platform that feels complicated — MailerLite is worth a serious look.
It’s been rated the easiest email marketing tool for small businesses three years running, and for good reason:
- Free plan up to 500 subscribers (12,000 emails/month) — no credit card
- AI smart-send picks the best delivery time per subscriber
- AI writing assistant for subject lines and copy (Advanced plan)
- Landing pages and automation workflows included
- 25–46% cheaper than Mailchimp at comparable subscriber counts
If you want to start building an email list for your business — this is where I’d start.
→ mailerlite.com (free plan available)
CT Events — May & June 2026
CBIA Small Business Happy Hour — Tonight, May 7
Alvarium Beer Company, New Britain CT | 4–6 PM | $25–$75
National Small Business Week celebration hosted by the CT Business & Industry Association. Good room for networking with Hartford County business owners.
→ cbia.com/events
CBIA AI Workshop: Implementing AI Safely & Cost-Effectively — May 12
Hartford area | Led by Digital Surgeons (New Haven)
For small businesses ready to move from AI curiosity to action. Covers where AI delivers real value and how to apply it without blowing your budget.
→ cbia.com/events
Downtown Hartford Salsa Socials — May 22 & June 26
Pratt Street, Hartford | 5–8 PM | Free
Casual outdoor networking hosted by the Hartford Chamber. No registration required — just show up.
→ hartfordchamberct.com/events
Central CT Chambers — Bristol Networking (Ongoing)
Monthly events, ribbon cuttings, and workshops throughout May and June for Bristol-area businesses.
→ centralctchambers.org | (860) 584-4724
Opportunities — Grants & Funding
CT Small Business Boost Fund — Loans $5K–$500K
Fixed 4.5% rate. No origination fees. For CT businesses with under 100 employees and under $8M revenue. Covers equipment, payroll, rent, marketing, renovations. Rolling applications.
→ ctsmallbusinessboostfund.org
WBDC Ignite Grant — Up to $10,000 (Women-Owned Businesses)
For CT women-owned businesses in operation 2+ years with $25K–$2M in annual revenue. Best for equipment, technology, or growth investments.
→ ctwbdc.org/ignite-grant
WBDC Waterbury Small Business Grant — $2,500–$10,000
Deadline: June 15, 2026 | For businesses in Waterbury CT (~20 min from Bristol).
→ ctwbdc.org/waterbury-grant
WBDC Launch Pad Grant — Up to $2,500 (Early-Stage)
For CT businesses under 2 years old that are at least 51% woman-owned. Rolling applications.
→ ctwbdc.org/funding
Action Step This Week
Pick one thing from this issue and do it today:
- Sign up for a free MailerLite account and import your contact list
- Apply to the CT Small Business Boost Fund (13-question pre-application online)
- Attend tonight’s CBIA Happy Hour in New Britain
- Try ARIA free for 30 days — grab it for $29
That’s issue #3. Reply to this or email riveraf30@gmail.com if something here is useful — I read every reply.
— Fernando Rivera
R Unlimited LLC | Bristol, CT
bristoltalks.com