The SECT Childcare Collective, an initiative of United Way Southeastern Connecticut, has launched a Family Child Care Capacity Pilot project in an effort to help increase access to high-quality childcare in New London County.
This pilot, funded by General Dynamics/Electric Boat, supports both existing and prospective family childcare providers by helping them start, grow, and sustain thriving home-based childcare businesses. Participants will receive technology support and equipment, new business funds, and business development resources.
By helping expand childcare options, this effort supports working families, strengthens the local workforce, and helps more parents remain in or return to work.
For more information go to https://www.uwsect.org/sect-childcare-collective and scroll to the second yellow button that says “Family Childcare Pilot>New Businesses” or email [email protected].
Improved collaboration between military installations and their host communities was the focus of the annual Association of Defense Communities conference in Washington DC earlier this month where seCTer Executive Director Paul Whitescarver led a Town Hall discussion for the Defense Community Council.
The three-day conference drew more than 1,500 attendees including leaders from the Department of War, Congress, bases, industry, and municipalities, and community organizations. Issues ranging from healthcare and daycare to housing, transportation, social services and more were discussed with the goal of generating solutions to improve the relationship between communities and installations.
“The result is that we’ll be meeting with Navy leadership in the coming weeks to discuss concerns raised during the summit by communities around the country,” said Whitescarver, who was representing seCTer as a member of the Association.
Whitescarver noted that there are concerns on both sides of the relationship. Communities face challenges generated by accommodating defense installations, the industries that support them and the families affiliated with both, while military populations and defense industry families face challenges of housing, daycare, healthcare and social services. Collaboration across all aspects is key, Whitescarver said.
He noted that southeastern Connecticut was selected by the Association as a Great American Defense Community just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and he plans to revive interest in the designation. The selection is intended to “recognize and celebrate communities demonstrating an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of service members, veterans and their families.”
The conference also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Association of Defense Communities with a focus on the concept that “national security starts at home, in the defense communities whose strength, resilience, and unwavering support allow missions — and military families — to thrive.”
Elle-Jordyn Sherman, Executive Director of the Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce, is the newest member of the seCTer Board, joining us for her fist meeting in May.
Elle-Jordyn has led the Chamber for nearly three years. Prior to taking over the top spot at the Chamber, she was the Talent Pipeline & Youth Pathways Coordinator for the Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board.
“I’m excited to join the seCTer Board and I look forward to contributing to the important work of economic development across eastern Connecticut and helping entrepreneurs throughout the region transform their dreams into the reality of their own business,” Elle-Jordan said.
Paul Whitescarver, seCTer Executive Director, noted that the addition of Elle-Jordyn means that the seCTer Board now includes the leaders of three Chambers of Commerce in eastern Connecticut.
“We work closely with our Chambers as our missions are closely aligned,” Paul said. “And I know that Elle-Jordyn’s deep understanding of the small-business community’s opportunities and challenges will be of great help as seCTer continues its mission to grow the regional economy and increase the resilience of business owners already part of that economy.”
Five local business owners recently received seCTerRise grants to expand their operations. The total disbursement in the Spring 2026 round of funding totaled $65,000.
The following businesses qualified for the funding, based on seCTerRise criteria:
Choose Your Path Counseling LLC owner Valerie Martin was awarded $10,000 to expand her mental health counseling practice into outdoor grief therapy and recreation-based counseling services. Funds will support the purchase of camping, cooking, and recreational equipment for grief support programming in an outdoor setting.
Hope Transportation LLC owner Emmanuel Esperance, who provides transportation for medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other essential travel needs, was awarded $10,000 to help fund the purchase of a van with lift capabilities. In addition to expanding service capacity, the seCTerRise grant will support the hiring of an additional full-time driver.
Clear Pathway LLC owner Lesley Ingves was awarded $10,000 to expand her business coaching and advisory practice with the launch of “SECT Builders Network,” a networking and training platform for small contractors in southeastern Connecticut. Funds will support legal services, branding, digital presence development, and marketing.
JG Creations LLC owner John Genna Jr. operates a laser engraving and custom branding business specializing in awards, trophies, personalized gifts, and industrial engraving services. Genna will use his $10,000 seCTerRise grant to purchase new laser engraving equipment to improve efficiency and increase production capacity.
Whitecrest LLC / Whitecrest Eatery owners Abbey Hemmann and Chef Johan Jensen, who focus on focus on artisan pizza and locally sourced cuisine, will use their $25,000 seCTerRise grant to fund a kitchen expansion and the purchase of new equipment for a dedicated smash burger concept featuring locally sourced beef from regional farms.
seCTerRise grants are intended to improve the resiliency and sustainability of small to medium-sized businesses across the region. Funding is proved by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.
Businesses located in economically distressed communities, as determined by state criteria, will receive priority consideration and 50 percent of program funds will be awarded to business owned by minorities, veterans and women.
For eligibility criteria, application details, and more information, visit www.secter.org or contact Kaitlin Ferrero, Economic Development Specialist, at 860.437.4659 x4 or [email protected]
GROTON CT — Seven diverse eastern Connecticut businesses ranging from farms to a manufacturer serving the aerospace industry, and an iconic, family-owned toy store have been awarded grants by seCTer, the Southeastern CT Enterprise Region.
This is the latest distribution from the seCTerRise grant program. Six of the businesses qualified for grants of $10,000 each and one qualified for a grant of $25,000.
seCTer is the federally designated economic development agency for eastern Connecticut, helping to launch new businesses and supporting expansion and resiliency for established businesses.
PITH Products of Ashford has been designing and manufacturing customized tool management and storage solutions for 35 years. Their custom-designed and manufactured products are shipped to clients worldwide and they have found particular success with the aerospace industry.
The $25,000 seCTerRise grant will allow PITH Products to become certified in the latest standards for cybersecurity , which such industries require. New standards take effect in 2027, and without the upgrade PITH risks losing contracts. By meeting the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 compliance standards they can also expand their business into new market opportunities. PITH has a staff of 21 employees and anticipates creating 3 to 5 new full-time positions as Level 2 certification provides more growth.
Lee’s Toy & Hobby, an icon of the Groton retail community that dates to 1952, was awarded $10,000 for two separate projects. Owner Peter Marcus plans to update the store’s website to provide a more modern look and to improve the customer experience while retaining the character of the 1950s-era business. He also plans to introduce and broaden the selection of higher-end and specialty toy lines to attract a new audience. The projects are intended to increase sales online and in the store.
The grant will also benefit another local business icon, as Ruby Glass will be contracted to update display cases in the store.
Little Dipper Farm, located in Brooklyn, will use its grant to purchaseawalk-in cooler with a CoolBot system, a Power Ox two-wheel tractor, and essential field and propagation tools. The new equipment is intended to increase production capacity, improve post-harvest handling, and expand the customer base to serve co-ops, schools, and local farm-to-table establishments. The farm also hosts community events and farm dinners, requiring an inventory of fresh food. The advanced walk-in cooler will reduce post-harvest spoilage by maintaining proper storage temperatures, decreasing food waste and increasing sellable inventory.
Molodich Farm in Sterling is planning to expand operations as the family farm transitions to the fourth generation represented by Andrew Molodich. Andrew is gradually taking the reins from his father Michael and his uncle Joseph. The seCTerRise grant will be used to purchase a 24- foot, tandem-axle hay wagon that will significantly improve operational efficiency while harvesting hay, which can only be harvested and baled under ideal weather conditions. The increase in production will add revenue, require the hiring of additional employees, and improve sustainability of this family operation.
Reading2Connect, based in Niantic and owned by Susan Ostrowski,provides age and dementia-accessible books and implementation training designed to increase older adults’ independence, engagement, and social connection. R2C has demonstrated strong national demand for its dementia-accessible reading programs currently used in 156 senior living facilities, libraries, universities, hospitals, adult day centers, and home care companies across 30 U.S. states, Wales, and New Zealand. Expansion thus far has been through referrals. The seCTerRise grant will be used to create jobs and grow the business by accelerating targeted expansion in southeastern Connecticut. A marketing specialist and two part-time staff positions will be created.
Waterford Gymnastics Center owner Kristi Morrison plans to purchase more advanced equipment that will allow her to broaden her clientele and add classes. The upgrades will allow her team of 15 employees to safely train more advanced gymnasts and expand into higher level skill development classes. The improvements are intended to retain students longer as they progress and to attract new families seeking advanced training options.
Carrie Tortorici, owner of Carrie Ashton Entertainment of Old Saybrook, operates a professional performing and recording venture built on her years of experience as a live and studio vocalist. She plans to expand into professional audiobook and spoken-word recording to meet growing market demand by purchasing equipment to establish an in-home recording studio. The equipment will eliminate the need for a rented studio. Tortorici envisions hiring an assistant to help coordinate the additional business.
seCTer’s injection of $2.5 million into the regional economy through funding for entrepreneurs and established businesses was among the highlights shared during the agency’s 2025 Annual Meeting in December.
Executive Director Paul Whitescarver told the capacity crowd of municipal, business, tribal, and non-profit leaders that the distribution through loans and grants represented a 78% increase from last year. Funding was distributed through the seCTerRise grant program and Boost Loan program.
These funding mechanisms help kickstart new businesses and support established businesses seeking to grow.
On the municipal side, Whitescarver noted that seCTer members benefit from a wealth of data programs, including JobsEQ, Arc GIS and a new offering in 2025, Placer.ai. These are in addition to Statebook, which provides access to comprehensive economic market data relative to the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy produced by seCTer staff every five years as mandated by federal funding agencies.
Whitescarver also highlighted seCTer’s community involvement through participation in strategic efforts, including the Eastern Workforce Investment Board and the Board’s Eastern Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Alliance and Healthcare Partnership. seCTer also adds its expertise to the SECT Childcare Collaborative, the Eastern Connecticut Defense Industry Community Partnership, the Connecticut Port Authority, Sparks Maker Space, Thames River Heritage Park, Submarine Force Museum Library/Historic Ship Nautilus, the newly formed Connecticut Blue Economy Coalition, and TECHCONN.
Additionally, seCTer partnered with regional Chambers of Commerce to provide access to Artificial Intelligence workshops.
Marisol Herrera, State Director of CT APEX Accelerator, a seCTer partner agency that helps business owners understand and navigate the government and tribal contracting process, reported that her team assisted in driving more than $87M in government contracts to the eastern part of the state alone.
Keynote speaker Ray Gabriel, Vice President of Strategic Operations at General Dynamics Electric Boat, provided updates on the submarine manufacturer’s employment and production schedules. Gabriel said EB needs to increase staffing from its current level of approximately 25,000 to 33,000 within the next few years to enable production of 12 Columbia-class submarines through the 2030s.
Gabriel also highlighted the defense contractor’s role as a significant community partner. noting that in addition to providing economic benefits as the region’s largest employer, its employees contributed $2 million in donations and 125,000 pounds of food to various social service agencies.
Kevin Brown, who wears two economic development hats as seCTer Board Chair and President and Executive Director of Norwich Community Development Corporation, was named Member of the Year by the Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS), during its Annual Meeting and Best Practices Awards Ceremony in October.
“The Member of the Year Award recognizes a CEDAS member who has exhibited leadership in the economic development profession or within the organization. The award focus is on the implementation of an initiative demonstrating real results and outcomes in the past year,” according to award criteria.
“While it’s an honor to be recognized by my peers statewide, this award is really a testament to the work of the NCDC staff and to all of the progress we’ve made together with business owners and municipal leaders in Norwich,” Brown said.
Brown leads the Norwich Revitalization Program focused on rehabilitating vacant space to attract new business, and funding building code corrections and exterior repairs to help retain existing businesses.
Brown and his NCDC staff are also responsible for American Rescue Plan Act-funded programs to build out large-scale projects.
Thus far, Brown has overseen seven major development projects of $1 million or more, which resulted in 370 jobs and more than 460,000 square feet of commercial space activation. These projects represent more than $78 million in total investments, with a 21:1 ratio of private to public funding.
In the small-business sector, the NCDC’s work has led to the establishment of 19 small businesses that created 116 jobs in more than 90,500 square feet of formerly dormant commercial space. This work represents $5.4 million in overall investment, with a 2:1 ratio of private to public funding.
Two regional business leaders were voted onto seCTer’s Board of Directors during the 2025 Annual Meeting on Dec. 10.
Megan Gilbert, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT, and David Quinn, Founder of Quinn Brand Strategy and a longtime marketing strategist in the region, each were elected to three-year terms.
They join a 28-member Board representing expertise across a broad range of business and community entities, including various levels of government, educational institutions, regional Chambers of Commerce, sovereign native American tribes, regional organizations, non-profits, and private businesses.
“With partnerships across all elements of the communities we serve, our Board members have proven to be invaluable resources for all aspects of the seCTer mission,” said executive director Paul Whitescarver. “We are fortunate to have such qualified, engaged individuals working with us.”
Board leaders are Chairman Kevin Brown, President of Norwich Community Development Corporation; First Vice Chair John Godin, Retired, GE Capital; Second Vice Chair Amanda Kennedy, Executive Director, Southeast Connecticut Council of Governments; Treasurer Sandra L. Allyn-Gauthier, First Selectman, Town of Preston, and Secretary Catherine Young, Retired, General Aviation Airports Business Development, Connecticut Airport Authority. The full list of seCTer Board members is here.
seCTer brought its brand of Shark Tank to eastern Connecticut in 2025 when it developed its Ledge Light Launch Pitch Competitions for area entrepreneurs.
Initiated by seCTer Economic Development Specialist Kait Ferrero and embraced by Board members who served as judges, the series awards each winner $7,500.
The competitions are helping to expand outreach efforts and raise awareness about seCTer’s programs among young entrepreneurs.
The inaugural Ledge Light Launch was held in June at Tox Brewing in New London followed by one in October at Epicure Brewery in Norwich. Both breweries are recipients of seCTer funding.
seCTer Board members Catherine Young and Maria Hanna agreed to serve as judges along with other local business leaders.
“We’ll continue the Ledge Light Launch series in 2026 based on the response to these first two pitch competitions,” said Executive Director Paul Whitescarver. “It’s another good way for us to get out in the community, and the breweries provide a relaxed atmosphere for some serious business.”
Stay tuned for news about seCTer’s first 2026 Ledge Light Launch Pitch Competition planned for early March.
Developing a national model for defense industry, community collaboration
General Dynamics Electric Boat is at the heart of the regional economy in Southeastern Connecticut, and it could soon be at the heart of a national model for collaboration between the defense industrial base and local communities when it comes to addressing opportunities and challenges.
What started as a roundtable discussion over the winter between local leaders and the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in the Department of Defense resulted in the creation of a pilot program and finally the formation of the Eastern Connecticut Defense Industry Community Partnership. Leaders from various organizations and the municipalities of Groton, New London, Ledyard and Waterford have been meeting since January to identify challenges and develop solutions.
In other words, while Southeastern Connecticut has long benefited economically from hosting one of the nation’s premier defense contractors, it also faces problems that naturally occur from hosting such a major employer.
As Executive Director of the Southeastern CT Enterprise Region, the area’s federally designated economic development agency, the kind of collaboration this partnership seeks to create is heartening. While we at seCTer are charged with developing a strong, resilient economy, we do not approach that mission in a vacuum.
Every five years, seCTer updates the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to provide a framework for developing “the flexibility needed to adapt to both macro- and micro-economic conditions, and to fully utilize the region’s unique advantages to maximize economic opportunity for its residents.”
If a major employer such as Electric Boat were to express interest in locating to the region today, we would convene area leaders and discuss everything from preferred locations to infrastructure needs for both the entity and the community.
Housing, child care and parking are among the top challenges facing the region based largely on Electric Boat’s need to continue increasing its workforce to meet the U.S. Navy’s demand for submarine production and overhaul (or maintenance) work.
The Department of Defense, through its Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, wants to learn from this pilot project how best to work through these and similar issues in communities across the country that also host large employers in the defense industry supply chain.
This is not an easy mission, as we are working in reverse. Electric Boat has existed since the early 20th century and has grown in a footprint bordered by neighborhoods that preceded it and the Thames River.
As mentioned previously, economic development on a large scale today is well planned, with consideration for the infrastructure needs — from transit to family amenities — of both the major employer and the community.
Although this pilot project is working from a reverse-engineering approach, it is a step in the right direction with local and statewide leaders cooperating in the process.
In addition to Electric Boat executives, leaders of the municipalities previously mentioned, the group includes representatives from United Way, the Southeastern CT Council of Governments, UConn-Avery Point, Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and consultant groups with expertise in improving relationships between the defense industry and communities — PM Consulting in Connecticut and Sparks Policy Group in Washington, D.C.
So what does success look like if we accomplish our mission?
We will have improved collaboration between Electric Boat and the region’s communities, provided balanced community and company solutions, and provided an environment in which Electric Boat and similar manufacturers across the country will be able to modernize and expand to meet the nation’s defense needs while also improving local infrastructure and services.
Paul Whitescarver is the Executive Director of the Southeastern CT Enterprise Region (seCTer), a retired U.S. Navy Captain and former Commanding Officer of U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London.