Supporting Upper Albany Merchants
Welcome to the Upper Albany Merchants Association, also known as the Upper Albany Business Network (UABN)! The Merchants Association is dedicated to supporting and empowering entrepreneurs along Albany Avenue by providing essential resources, fostering growth, and building a vibrant business community.
Whether you’re a local business owner looking for support or a resident exploring new businesses, UABN is your gateway to a dynamic and flourishing commercial district. Join us and discover why Upper Albany is the place to grow your business, connect with the community, and experience something special!
Advocating For The Success of New & Established Businesses
Looking to Start a New Business?
Starting a new business? The Upper Albany Main Street Merchants Association is here to help turn your vision into reality. From concept to launch, our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals offers the support, resources, and guidance you need to succeed. We’re dedicated to helping you navigate the entrepreneurial journey — from refining your idea to opening your doors.
Grow Your Existing Business
Already managing a successful business and aiming for growth? Whether you need to refine your business plan, secure additional funding, or develop an effective social media strategy, we are here to support your next phase of expansion. Our expertise and resources are designed to help you achieve your business goals and elevate your success.
Turn Your Next Idea Into a Reality
From idea, to funding, to reality, we’ve helped over 180 merchants grow their business. Our trained professionals know the in’s and out’s of business structures, successful marketing, or growing your business to untapped markets. In addition, our merchants enjoy the benefits of monthly in-person Merchant Association meetings and the Upper Albany Business Network.
Merchant Highlights
Small Business Trade Show (2025)
On Oct. 25, Upper Albany Main Street (UAMS) hosted its Small Business Trade Show at the 1229 Collin Bennett Building, showcasing local entrepreneurs and featuring an outdoor market with seven Knox Farmers to promote sustainability and community connection. A key highlight was the graduation of the 2nd Digital Literacy Cohort, honoring 12 participants who completed five months of training and received Dell laptops, along with business pitches from Merice J. Henriques-Bryan and Donna Trowers-Morrison and a testimonial from Orlene Janice Green on how the program strengthened her business through technology.
The event welcomed leaders from the City of Hartford and the University of Hartford and recognized student interns for their support. Overall, the Trade Show reflected UAMS’s commitment to entrepreneurship, closing the digital divide, and strengthening North Hartford’s small business ecosystem.
Jam-Dung Supermarket (Opening Dec. 2025)
When Adrien Dennis arrived in Hartford from Jamaica in 2011, he dreamed of owning a business that would serve his community. Today, that dream is becoming reality with the opening of Jam-Dung Supermarket on Albany Avenue. As one of the first recipients of Hartford’s Neighborhood Investment Fund, Dennis is transforming his vision into a welcoming space that celebrates Caribbean culture and strengthens community ties.
Over the past year, and with the assistance of Upper Albany Main Street (UAMS), Dennis has rebuilt the property from the ground up, creating a supermarket that will feature authentic Jamaican snacks and food items. “I came from Jamaica in 2011 and worked my way up,” he said. “Now I’m able to get a small slice of the American dream—and I want to share that dream with my community.”