Dreaming of freeing your business from an unaffordable rent or an unresponsive landlord? Buying a building with a commercial mortgage is very different experience than a residential real estate transaction. Learn what’s involved so you can prepare. Presenter is Karen Tessman, CEDF director of lending.

Episode 18-9: Innovation doesn’t require high investment and complicated research and development. Dave Sagers explains how you can engage with your customers to accomplish true innovation.

Episode 18-8: What’s the most effective way to make use of business networking opportunities? Sean Moore, president, Midstate Chamber of Commerce, explains the secrets of the fellowship of master networkers.

Episode 18-7: How many years would you be willing to strive to see your concept brought to fruition? Evan Dobos of Bantam, CT, explains the role of perseverance in the creation of CivicLift, a software platform designed to increase civic engagement for towns and cities.

Episode 18-6: What would you do if you had an idea for a business in an industry you knew well, then you meticulously planned, cautiously financed and carefully launched the operation only to find it was all wrong for the market? Robert Webb of Charter Oak Scanning in Stonington, CT, explains how flexibility preserved and grew his enterprise.

Episode 18-5: What happens when you fail to go "above and beyond" for your customers? Tony Scacca, owner of First & Last Tavern of Middletown, CT, offers lessons from decades in hospitality that can apply to any industry.

Episode 18-4: How do you use processes and systems to guide a business that depends on people and relationships? Caleb Roseme of Assured Quality Homecare in Norwich, CT, explains his approach.

Episode 18-3: Katie Hughes Nelson, owner of Perk cafes and the Perk on Wheels food truck, discusses the challenges and rewards of adhering to green values and other principles of social responsibility.

Episode 18-2: If business owners stand by their principles, will their customers come? Will they stay? Or will the owners roll over?

Paul Gallant and Lynn Felici-Gallant discuss the challenges of ethical sourcing and transparency in their business, Paul's Custom Pet Food based in New Milford, CT.

Episode 18-1: How does a business owner find work-life balance? Dr. Leonard Wysocki is a licensed psychologist and consultant in executive coaching, management training and organizational development. His private practice is based in Connecticut and he lectures at the University of New Haven.