In case you missed it: Last weekend, the Hartford Chamber of Commerce collaborated with Hartford Prints! and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to create a two-day pop-up outdoor shopping event on Pratt Street in Hartford.The event provided a festive, fun, and safe opportunity to support local small businesses an outdoor event.“It’s a challenging time for many businesses, especially small ones,” acknowledges Shannon Mumley, Director of Small Business Development for the Hartford Chamber of Commerce. “Events like Home for the Holidays are one way we can help showcase some of our local vendors—true gems in our community—and bring people downtown.”Curated CT Founder and Owner Donald Pendagrast says he’s used to being on the other side of the table in his effort to buy local and appreciated the opportunity to participate in the event as a startup business. “The Hartford Chamber of Commerce has been incredibly welcoming. There’s real community here and I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it,” he notes.“During the pop-up, I met so many people keen on supporting Hartford businesses and looking for special ways to connect with friends and family this holiday through local gifts,” adds Donald. “While we were there to promote our products and services, we made valuable connections, which made the event memorable for me.”

Small Businesses Create Community 

Hartford small business owners are community-proud. What do some of the Home for the Holidays vendors love about Hartford? “Hartford Athletic has always been a very community-oriented team. That’s what drew me to want to come here to Hartford and work with the team,” explains Hartford Athletic CEO Jim Burda.“The best thing about working and owning a business in downtown Hartford is the sense of community. I enjoy being part of the community and making it a better place to work and live,” says Naturally Dogs and Cats Owner Robert Marshal.

Pratt Pride

Home for the Holidays vendors located on Hartford’s Pratt Street take pride in their neighboring businesses, culture, community, and location.Professional Barber Shop Owner Christopher Rosa describes Pratt Street as “very unique with its beautiful paved red brick street, old-fashioned light posts, and music playing in the background as you walk down the street.” He adds, “There’s no other place I’d rather be in Hartford.”According to Painting with a Twist Owner Stephen Richmond, “Pratt Street is the most culturally diverse street in all of Hartford for businesses, residents, and shoppers. With a Puerto Rican sandwich shop, a Dominican Hookah lounge, Black-owned art studio and cigar bars, an Irish pub, and a local art/print shop, it brings shoppers from different walks of life.”Hartford Prints! Co-Owner Rory Gale loves the Pratt potential, noting “We can do something in one block that shows everyone in Hartford and the surrounding Hartford County that there is this vibrant downtown that’s a mix of the bars, restaurants, shopping—and all that in one block.”The Chamber encourages you to continue to support local businesses and shop small for the holidays—whether it’s in person or online.For a complete list of Home for the Holiday participating vendors, visit www.hartfordchamberct.com/home-for-the-holidays.