The Ernest C. Trefz Center for Venture Management and Entrepreneurial Studies The Ernest C. Trefz Center for Venture Management and Entrepreneurial Studies (CVM) builds upon the entrepreneurial spirit of its principle supporter to encourage the development and retention of small businesses in the region. The Center provides opportunities for potential entrepreneurs and small business persons to get expert help with their ventures and for faculty and students to participate in entrepreneurial experiences. Components of The Center for Venture Management include: The Business Development Institute helps potential entrepreneurs and small business persons get help in start-up, business organization, finance, marketing, staffing and management; and assists in evaluating technology and development planning. The Bridgeport Foreign Trade Institute sponsors monthly international business seminars and conferences; develops networks of international business firms; provides consultation services to those individuals and organizations who attempt to enter international business; and assists local governments in promoting local businesses and products made in the State of Connecticut to foreign markets and investors. The Urban Management Institute studies socio-economic issues in the region and recommends appropriate policy initiatives. The Special Projects Unit promotes activities especially targeted for small business people in the region through conferences, seminars and special events. Typical events include: The Entrepreneurship Conference, The National Innovation Workshop, Technology Transfer and Licensing, The Banking Forum, and Minority Workshops on How To Succeed In Small Business.