COVID-19 Updates from reSET

Sami Jensen • March 17, 2020

To the reSET Community,

We wanted to take a moment to check in amidst the unfolding situation of COVID-19, as it relates to reSET’s operations and support of our community, coworking members, and entrepreneurs we serve. First and foremost, we know that this is an incredibly difficult time of uncertainty for us all, but we are choosing to remain hopeful and optimistic as we work together to adapt to this unprecedented time. Communication and connection are key right now, and we will do our best to make sure that our channels remain open, and that reSET remains a resource for you.

For the time being, here’s what’s happening at reSET:

  • reSET staff are teleworking and fully accessible via phone, email and video call.
  • We strongly advise coworking members to practice social distancing, avoid gathering in groups, and work remotely.  Members with door codes are still able to access the space if necessary,  but are expected to follow basic protocols indicated on signs throughout the space (frequent hand-washing, wiping down all surfaces with disinfectant spray after use).
  • Our core programs (Student Incubators, Food Incubator, and Impact Accelerator) are all moving to a virtual learning environment. Clients in these programs will be contacted directly with information about how to connect with reSET, mentors, and peer networks. We have full confidence in these programs continuing to thrive through these digital platforms.
  • Live events scheduled to take place at reSET through April 30th have been postponed or canceled. We will reassess the situation closer to May 1st and update you accordingly.

Please remember that this virus will very likely take a financial toll on our small businesses and organizations. Consider your local options when you’re out seeking toilet paper and hand sanitizer; if you’re getting take-out, remember that business is especially important to your local restaurants.

Also, you should know that the Lamont Administration and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) are being proactive to ensure support for businesses and their employees financially hit by the pandemic. Here are few initial steps, with more to come, that you should be aware of:

  • DECD will defer Small Business Express loan payments for the next three months to allow employers to focus on their payrolls
  • As of this afternoon, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is enabling Connecticut’s small business owners and nonprofits to receive disaster assistance.  More info here.
  • The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is extending the filing deadline for certain annual state business tax returns.

Other resources for small businesses include:

We urge you to take social distancing guidelines seriously, and that you and your families stay safe and healthy. We will strive to create opportunities to connect online and encourage you to reach out with questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
The reSET team

By awalsh February 13, 2026
Dear reSET Community, The Board of Directors today announces the departure of Sarah Bodley as Executive Director of reSET in a planned transition later this year. The Board has immense gratitude for Sarah and all her contributions over the years. Over the last seven years, Sarah has built an amazing foundation for the organization and she leaves reSET in a strong position for continued growth and service. Sarah joined reSET in 2018 and over the past seven years has solidified and expanded reSET’s mission of supporting impact-driven entrepreneurs throughout Connecticut. Here are a few key highlights from Sarah’s time here: Facilitated the acquisition of Collab New Haven, expanding reSET’s footprint to a statewide geography and further enhancing our mission Developed and implemented new core programs including the award-winning Food Incubator, as well as the Food Accelerator, Retail Incubator, Measure What Matters, and Digital Marketing Mastermind Established reSET as a founding partner of the Hartford Culinary Collaborative, enabling greater connectivity and cooperation among food-centric support organizations in our region Doubled the organization’s budget to over 1 Million Dollars, securing multi-year State government grants Won the prestigious Neighborhood Builders Award from Bank of America, and the Leadership Greater Hartford Polaris Community Award in 2022 Established an endowment fund thanks to support from the Zachs Family Foundation to support the long term sustainability of reSET’s mission Over the coming months, we will be continuing our search to find reSET's next Executive Director. Sarah will stay onboard through June to ensure a smooth handoff to our next leader, and will be available as a resource throughout 2026. It is the Board of Directors’ priority, along with Sarah's, to make this transition as smooth as possible to continue the great work Sarah has helped us do over her tenure. The Executive Director’s Job Posting can be found at this link, and we invite you to keep in mind any potential candidates in your community or network that you think might be a great fit. The Board of Directors wishes Sarah the best of luck in her future endeavors. We are appreciative of the dedication and enthusiasm she has given to reSET over the last seven years, particularly navigating our organization seamlessly during the historic times of the pandemic, changes in administration, and an ever-evolving landscape of opportunity for entrepreneurs. We are confident that with Sarah’s support, this transition will be a smooth one for our Connecticut entrepreneurs, partners, and generous supporters. We look forward to continuing our growth and to serving our mission of supporting the social enterprise sector. If you have any questions or concerns during this transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out via contacting admin@resetco.org to get in touch with the board. Sincerely, Ali Lazowski + Dave Menard, co-chairs, reSET Board of Directors
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Listen in to the replay of John Voket of Connoisseur Media's interview of reSET Food Program Manager Katrice Claudio and Program Manager Ndubisi Okeke that aired on Sunday July 6, 2025. They talked about the reSET programs that are enrolling for the fall--the Food Accelerator for food businesses looking to scale, and the Retail Incubator for early stage product-based businesses looking to ramp up for holiday markets in Connecticut. Listen here: https://audioboom.com/posts/8745230-reset-fall-program-preview The interview aired on the award-winning "For the People" show on Sunday, July 6 on WEBE 108 FM, STAR 99.9, WPLR FM and THe VOICE of Connecticut and on the podcast.
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