Submitted by Haley Stafford
(August 13, 2025) — The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Middletown and The Essex Group are proud to present 2025-2026 “Side Street to Main Street” Business and Leadership Development Program. Now entering its 25th year, this unique, award-winning entrepreneurial business and leadership development course is specifically targeted to assist minority small business owners in the community who have not had formal business training to become more successful by developing the attitudes, skills, and qualities necessary for business ownership, planning, and success, taking them from the Side Street to the Main Street of the business community.
The program begins with sixteen intensive weekly sessions to build skills and a formal business plan. Quarterly follow-up sessions reinforce the process so that participants meet with their expert business facilitators over the course of one full year. Classes will be held at the Middletown Police Department, 222 Main Street, Middletown, in the Community Room.
All interested parties who would like to apply for participation in this year’s class are required to attend the mandatory Program Orientation meeting on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Middletown Police Department Community Room. This meeting will provide a detailed description of the program. All applicants must complete the program’s online application, found on the Chamber website www.middlesexchamber.com and submit it by September 3, 2025.
For more program information, email Jennifer at: Jennifer@middlesexchamber.com or call 860-347-6924, ext.222.
The Side Street to Main Street Business and Leadership Development Program is funded by a generous grant from the City of Middletown and is facilitated by professionals from The Essex Group.
