5 Tips for Applying to the Impact Challenge
ewalsh • May 8, 2016
With the June 1 deadline to apply to our 2016 Impact Challenge fast approaching, Programs Manager Benjamin Telep-Simmons wanted to share the following 5 tips with those in the reSET community who are thinking of or are in the process of applying.
- Make a strong case for impact – Social and environmental impact can be created in many ways, directly and indirectly, and within many contexts. Great applicants think carefully about how their business can, or is creating positive impact, and have some semblance of a framework for how to evaluate and measure that impact.
- Evidence of customer traction – Traction can be measured in many ways, but none are quite as compelling as sales, and in particular, a growth in sales.
- Sound financial assumptions – We don’t ask you to upload spreadsheets of financial projections, but are more interested in the quality of the assumptions that underpin your cost and revenue models.
- Rounding out your team with advisors – If you are a solo entrepreneur, or have a small team, we look to see that you have supplemented your skill and expertise gaps with mentors and advisors.
- Compelling case for product/market fit – Strong applicants will present clear evidence that there is a market opportunity for their product/service, and that their business offering is designed to solve a clear customer problem.
Eight Businesses Will Compete for Over $15,000 in Prizes and Grant Support at CT State Community College–Gateway
Reset announces its new logo
A Day Full of Honest Connection for Entrepreneurs
This Spring we asked our community to weigh in on their biggest challenges, interests, and opportunities related to impact-driven and sustainable business. We were proud to partner with CT Sustainable Business Council on this effort. Select findings were shared at Beyond Business As Usual 2026: Scaling Resilient Entrepreneurship, and we aim to continue taking action on the things that rose to the top. Click through the arrows to see the key findings.
Summit Brings Together State Leaders, Policymakers, and Entrepreneurs During National Small Business Week
reSET to Host Beyond Business As Usual 2026: Scaling Resilient Entrepreneurship One-Day Summit Brings Together Connecticut Entrepreneurs, Policymakers, and Innovation Leaders During National Small Business Week
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
Inviting Impact Entrepreneurs Into Transformative Growth
21 Businesses Participated, Gaining Valuable Impact-Driven Business Training
Special Discount Available for Attendees Purchasing Tickets to Both Events
