Hartford, CT June 28, 2022 -- reSET, Hartford’s non-profit entrepreneur support organization with a mission to advance the social enterprise sector, awarded over $20,000 in prize money to 11 graduates of its Impact Accelerator at its Venture Showcase on Thursday, June 23 at the Connecticut Science Center. The 11 Impact Accelerator founders presented their business pitches to judges Rache Brand, Partner at Star Strong Capital; Kim Hawkins, President & CEO of HEDCO; and Onyeka Obiocha, Executive Director of CTNext. 

Judges awarded first prize and $5000 to Lauren Simone Publishing of East Hartford, CT. Led by Dr. Melissa-Sue John, Lauren Simone Publishing’s mission is to address the lack of diversity in children’s literature and increase inclusivity by publishing the works of diverse authors and illustrators for all to enjoy. 

Second prize and $3000 went to Tori Brown, of Middletown and owner of Breakfast Belle, purveyor of Southern-style cuisine since 2015. Breakfast Belle offers two well-known food products for retail sale: Bamma Fish Fry Seasoned Seafood Cornmeal and Breakfast Belle Hot Sauce. 

Third prize and $2000 was won by Shyanne Valentine of Bridgeport, developer of More Than a Coloring Book, a therapy tool inspired by people of color around the world. 

The audience voted to award the $1000 Audience Choice prize to Audrene Dias, founder of Ital Creations of Hartford, a natural body care company specializing in skin-safe products and educating the community on effective self/skincare.

Each Impact Accelerator company who didn’t receive a prize was awarded $500 to be used for business expenses that will further the growth of their emerging companies. Prize money was generously donated by the M.K. Sternlicht Foundation. 

The surprise of the evening came when judge Onyeka Obiocha announced that CTNext would award an additional $500 to each Impact Accelerator company, in recognition of their outstanding work to advance their promising companies. 

“CTNext’s mission is to help startups and early-stage businesses grow in Connecticut, and these 11 diverse, homegrown businesses pitching tonight make up an exceptional cohort,” said Obiocha. “CTNext is pleased to offer them an additional financial boost in addition to the solid foundation that reSET’s Impact Accelerator has provided them, as they embark on their next stage of growth.” 

“The judges were so impressed with the quality of each of the companies and the work that each put into their business plans to have not only a path to profitability, but also to deliver on each company’s social mission,” said Sarah Bodley, Executive Director of reSET. “Our focus on developing businesses for impact alongside profit—the double-bottom-line—is what makes reSET’s Impact Accelerator special, and these 11 companies join over 200 reSET graduates who have helped put Connecticut on the map as a social enterprise state.” 

The Venture Showcase event was sponsored by Gold level sponsors Webster Bank, The Walker Group and PeoplesBank, Silver level sponsors Connecticut Science Center and Pratt & Whitney, Bronze level sponsor Stanley Black & Decker, and Small Business sponsor Nassau. 

The 11 companies participating in the 2022 Impact Accelerator were: 

Breakfast Belle (https://breakfastbelle.com/) has been introducing the North to authentic Southern-style cuisine since 2015, specializing in breakfast and brunch. Breakfast Belle offers two well-known food products for retail sale: Bamma Fish Fry Seasoned Seafood Cornmeal and Breakfast Belle Hot Sauce. 

Eco Evolution (https://www.ecoevolution.co/) is a low-waste marketplace and ethical retail store. All products are good for people and the planet. Eco Evolution sells consumer products for the home, bath, body, kitchen, laundry as well as vintage and upcycled products. 

The Greener Gift (https://thegreenergift.com/) is an earth-conscious business with two main focuses: consciously produced textile goods that are designed to support a greener lifestyle, and shame-free eco-education and empowerment. 

HR Zoom (https://hrswagshop.com/) empowers organizations to achieve operational excellence elevated by top talent and inclusive workplace cultures. The HR Zoom brand features trendy merchandise promoting diversity, social equity, empowerment, and all things related to workplace culture. 

History Chip (https://www.historychip.com/) History Chip invites everyone in the world - including women, people of color, and other marginalized groups - to add their true stories to its fully searchable online archive. These stories will fill in gaps to make history more truthful and complete. 

Ital Creations (https://italsoapco.com/ ) is a natural body care company specializing in educating the community on effective self/skincare and products that are safe for the skin. 

Jodi Cup of Health (https://www.jodicupofhealth.com/) is an all-natural handmade products are made with love to enhance your Divine Beauty. Holistic beauty, health, and wellness are the core essentials of what we do. Jodi Cup of Health looks forward to changing the narrative of beauty; making "Healthy Living Divine Love.” 

Lauren Simone Publishing (https://www.laurensimonepubs.com/) is a publishing service located in Hartford, CT that empowers youth and connects aspiring diverse authors with diverse illustrators to create diverse and inclusive children's books for all to enjoy. 

Momentum Life Mastery Coaching (https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLifeCoachingMovingForward/) supports individuals and groups using a holistic approach to facilitate customized coaching programs, workshops, and 1:1 personal development services. Clients work in close partnership to move forward from root assessment to achieve tangible results with clarity & confidence. 

More Than A Coloring Book (https://morethanacoloringbook.com/) is a therapy tool inspired by people of color around the world. From coloring pages to inspirational quotes and plenty of journaling space for reflection, this is the perfect mindfulness tool to break from those busy days. 

SoChill (https://www.sochillvibes.com/) is a CBD lifestyle brand promoting self-care culture via ethically sourced hemp products. 



About reSET 

reSET is a nonprofit organization in Hartford, CT, whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector. reSET specializes in social enterprise ― impact driven business with a double or triple bottom line. In addition to providing coworking space, accelerator and mentoring programs, reSET aims to inspire innovation and community collaboration, and to support entrepreneurs in creating market-based solutions to community challenges. reSET’s goal is to meet entrepreneurs wherever they are in their trajectory and to help them take their businesses to the next level. www.resetco.org