As part of Barney’s Small Business Practicum course, the students partnered with Upper Albany Main Street to deliver project outcomes and data measurements designed to help the community thrive.
The students, led by Chavon Campbell, were divided into teams, each with a distinct focus:
- The Needs Assessment Team identified and analyzed industry-specific needs for small businesses along Upper Albany Main Street;
- The Digital Literacy Team focused on improving and tracking the technology skills of business owners;
- The Digitization Team helped to transition traditional, paper-based information into digital formats and created a central dashboard for easier access and management;
- And the Data Analytics Team developed three interactive dashboards to help drive decision-making and reporting for internal and external stakeholders including the City of Hartford.
The teams recently presented their projects at an event held at Upper Albany Main Street’s Chrysalis Center. It was attended by community members, University of Hartford leadership, and the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives, Matt Ritter. Attendees were inspired by the students’ dedication and the positive impact their efforts are already having in the neighborhood.
Established in 2000, with its micro-business incubator housed at Barney, Upper Albany Main Street works with business owners and residents to support the commercial district. In November 2024, it was awarded a $500,000 grant as part of a City of Hartford initiative to revitalize the neighborhood.