The public is invited and several West Hartford residents will be involved with a panel and networking event that also includes a chance to be cast in CNBC’s ‘The Profit,’ in honor of Small Business Week.

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CNBC’s hit reality series “The Profit” and Comcast Business are joining forces to celebrate Small Business Week (April 30-May 6). In Hartford, Comcast Business will host an event on Wednesday, May 3, at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor St.) that will feature a panel discussion moderated by West Hartford resident Brad Drazen, an anchor and investigative reporter for NBC Connecticut, and will feature members of the local business community, including:

• Tariq Farid, Founder and CEO, Edible Arrangements International;
• Richard Brown, Director of Investor Relations for Metro Hartford Alliance;
• Emily Carter, State Director for the Connecticut Small Business Development Center; and
• Jamie “The Beard” McDonald, owner of the popular Bears Smokehouse BBQ, The Blind Pig Pizza, and co-owner of the soon-to-open Cook and the Bear in West Hartford.

Registration and networking will kick-off at 5 p.m., with the panel discussion starting at 6:30 p.m.  To register, please visit the website:  http://www.smallbizcelebration.com/hartford.

In addition, a casting opportunity for prospective candidates to apply for a chance to be on CNBC’s “The Profit” will take place beginning at 4 p.m.

Other Comcast NBCUniversal entities will host similar events in Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Seattle.

On “The Profit,” serial entrepreneur and investor Marcus Lemonis puts his own money on the line to help save and grow struggling small businesses across the country. The new season of “The Profit” premieres Tuesday, June 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CNBC.

Comcast NBCUniversal provides content, products and services designed to help businesses succeed. Comcast Business offers advanced communication solutions to help companies of all sizes be more productive. Building on the company’s entrepreneurial heritage, this event will leverage local expertise in an effort to share opportunities that help grow the small business economy.

“Technology is rapidly becoming a key factor in the success of every business—whether it’s a locally owned shop, a national chain or an emerging startup – and that starts with a fast, reliable and secure internet connection” said Paul Savas, vice president of Comcast Business for Comcast’s Western New England Region, which is headquartered in Connecticut.  “As a provider to businesses of all sizes, Comcast Business is helping to shape how businesses advance, grow and innovate, and programs like this are a natural fit for us to reinforce that message.”

CNBC’s “The Profit” returns with all-new episodes beginning Tuesday, June 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.