PROGRAMS

Impact Accelerator

Applications Now Open!



Apply by 11:59pm on March 8, 2026

IMPACT ACCELERATOR

About the Program

The Impact Accelerator is a three-month, community-driven growth program for entrepreneurs who are building for-profit businesses with a social, environmental, cultural, or economic impact, either directly through the products they offer or indirectly through how they operate.


This program is designed for founders who have already launched and tested their ideas in the real world, and are ready to move from early traction into focused, sustainable growth. Through expert-led workshops, mentorship, and peer learning, participants strengthen their business models, clarify their growth strategies, and build systems that support long-term success. In addition, founders become part of a supportive cohort and broader reSET alumni community that values collaboration, learning, and accountability.


The Impact Accelerator is open to entrepreneurs across industries, with many participants coming from:

  • Consumer-facing businesses (food, retail, beauty, wellness)
  • Tech-enabled services (SaaS, mobile apps, and digitally powered service businesses)
  • Platforms or solutions advancing sustainability, equity, or community impact


Impact can take many forms. Some businesses address challenges directly, such as:

  • Blue Earth Compost – redirecting food waste from landfills into healthy soil (’16 Accelerator)
  • Raise Green – expanding access to solar energy through community-based equity crowdfunding (’19 Accelerator)
  • Lauren Simone Publishing – increasing diversity and representation in children’s literature (’22 Accelerator)


Others create impact indirectly, by building strong, values-driven businesses that reinvest in communities and causes, including:

  • florapothecarie – a natural, vegan skincare brand supporting LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and women’s rights (’18 Accelerator)
  • The Walker Group – an IT services company that donates a portion of proceeds to social entrepreneurship and community initiatives (reSET founding partner)


The Impact Accelerator typically supports early- to growth-stage businesses that have begun generating revenue or show clear market validation and are building toward sustainable growth. Most participating companies are moving beyond early experimentation and are ready to strengthen operations, sharpen their go-to-market approach, and intentionally embed impact into how their businesses grow.


Our goal is to meet founders where they are, provide the structure and support needed for the next stage, and help businesses grow in ways that are both financially sound and values-aligned.

Apply Here Today!
Interested in Applying?

Applications close at 11:59 PM on March 8, 2026.


Curious if the Impact Accelerator is the right fit for you?

Join our Info Session on Wednesday, Feb 18 at 4 PM to hear from our Program Manager, Ndubisi Okeke, learn more about the program, and get your questions answered. Attendance is available virtually via Zoom.
[Sign up for the Info Session here]

Ready to apply? Access the application here!

Program Experience: Summits & Workshops

The Impact Accelerator blends monthly in-person Saturday summits in Hartford and New Haven with hands-on, expert-led weekly workshops designed to move your business forward. Founders work alongside peers and mentors to sharpen their value proposition, strengthen operations, understand their numbers, and prepare for growth.


Each summit brings the cohort together for interactive learning, think pitch practice, peer feedback, and real-time problem solving, while workshops deliver practical tools you can apply immediately. The result is focused progress, meaningful connections, and momentum you can build on long after the program ends.


Program Schedule:

Required program dates include:

  • Meeting (In-Person): Saturday, April 11 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
  • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, April 15 | 5:00–8:00 PM
  • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, April 22 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
  • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, May 6 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
  • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, May 13 | 5:00–8:00 PM
  • Meeting (In-Person): Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
  • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, June 3 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
  • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, June 10 | 5:00–8:00 PM
  • Meeting (In-Person): Saturday, June 13 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
  • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, June 17th | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
  • Venture Showcase (In Person): Wednesday, June 24 | 5:30PM-8:00PM


In addition to required sessions, participants have access to:

  • 1:1 coaching with the program facilitator (virtual)
  • Introductions to reSET’s mentor network during in-person summits
  • Optional workshops offered between summits
  • Coworking access at reSET’s office space for the duration of the program
Mentors

Mentorship is a core part of the Impact Accelerator experience. Founders gain access to a diverse network of experienced professionals across industries who are committed to supporting growing businesses. Through structured sessions, office hours, and informal connections, participants receive real-world guidance, honest feedback, and strategic insight at key moments in their journey.

Community

You won’t build alone. As part of the Impact Accelerator, founders join a close-knit cohort of entrepreneurs navigating similar challenges and milestones. Participants also gain access to the broader reSET community—opening doors to peer support, resource sharing, collaboration, and customer leads. Alumni regularly return as guest experts, and quarterly alumni meetups help keep relationships and momentum strong.

Access to Resources

Participants receive access to valuable tools and support, including legal office hours, accounting guidance, discounted platforms like HubSpot, and connections to trusted local partners. Hartford and the surrounding region offer a rich entrepreneurial ecosystem, and reSET helps founders tap into the right resources at the right time.

Affordable & Accessible

The total program fee is $600, with flexible payment plans available. Financial assistance can be discussed to ensure cost is not a barrier. Both Hartford’s and New Haven’s affordable costs of living and strong startup ecosystems make either city an ideal place to launch and grow a business—offering more value for founders at every stage.

Well-Connected Location

With summits hosted in both Hartford and New Haven, the Impact Accelerator is a great launchpad for CT based entrepreneurs to expand their networks across Connecticut’s growing urban areas. Connecticut sits between the major entrepreneurial hubs of Boston and New York City, with easy and affordable transportation options. Founders benefit from extensive local support while staying connected to larger regional markets and opportunities.

FAQs

  • Who is this program for?

    The Impact Accelerator is for founders who are actively building a business and ready to grow with focus, structure, and support. 


    No specific educational background is required, and you do not need a co-founder. Founders may be working full-time on their business or growing it alongside a job, as long as they are committed to making progress.


    The program is open to entrepreneurs across industries and is particularly well suited for:

    • Consumer packaged goods and consumer-facing brands
    • Product-based or durable goods businesses
    • Tech-enabled services
    • Technology platforms advancing sustainability or impact

    We’re especially interested in ventures that:

    • Are led by women and/or people of color and based in or around Greater Hartford and Greater New Haven
    • Address a clear problem with strong impact potential
    • Are building values-aligned, sustainable businesses
    • Are ready to commit the time and energy needed to grow

  • What is the Impact Accelerator schedule?

    The Impact Accelerator is delivered in a hybrid format, combining high-impact in-person gatherings in both Hartford and New Haven with virtual workshops and coaching. 


    This structure is designed to support busy founders while still creating space for meaningful connection, collaboration, and hands-on learning.


    Required program dates include:


    • Meeting (In-Person): Saturday, April 11 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
    • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, April 15 | 5:00–8:00 PM
    • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, April 22 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
    • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, May 6 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
    • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, May 13 | 5:00–8:00 PM
    • Meeting (In-Person): Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
    • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, June 3 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
    • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, June 10 | 5:00–8:00 PM
    • Meeting (In-Person): Saturday, June 13 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
    • Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, June 17th | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
    • Venture Showcase (In Person): Wednesday, June 24 | 5:30PM-8:00PM

    In addition to required sessions, participants have access to:

    • 1:1 coaching with the program facilitator (virtual)
    • Introductions to reSET’s mentor network during in-person summits
    • Optional workshops offered between summits
    • Coworking access at reSET’s office space for the duration of the program

  • Are there requirements to apply?

    Yes. The Impact Accelerator is designed for founders who are already building and ready to grow. Successful applicants typically demonstrate the following:


    Business traction or validation, such as:

    • Revenue generated or
    • Active efforts to raise funds (e.g., Kickstarter, pre-sales) or
    • Meaningful customer discovery through prototypes, surveys, pilots, or an MVP

    Clarity around the business, including:

    • A clear value proposition for your product or service
    • Initial understanding of competitors and the market
    • Early or rough financial projections, often outlined in a business plan

    For-profit business model

    • (Nonprofits are encouraged to schedule an intake call to explore other resources and opportunities.)

    Impact focus

    • A clearly identified social or environmental impact or
    • A thoughtful intention to define, track, and measure impact over time

    If you’re unsure whether you meet these requirements, we encourage you to reach out to info@resetco.org. Our team is happy to talk through your readiness and help you prepare a strong application. We also recommend scheduling a discovery call before applying to ensure the program is the right fit.

  • What are the benefits of the program?

    The Impact Accelerator is a high-touch, momentum-building experience for founders ready to grow their businesses and deepen their impact. From the moment you apply, we invest in getting to know you—your goals, challenges, and vision, so we can support you with the right tools, guidance, and connections at the right time.


    Throughout the program, you’ll receive 1:1 coaching from an experienced facilitator, work alongside a cohort of founders building at a similar stage, and learn directly from industry experts across reSET’s statewide mentor network. 


    You’ll sharpen your strategy, clarify your story, and leave with a strong, pitch-ready presentation. Many Impact Accelerator alumni have gone on to win pitch competitions and secure funding through programs like NHE3 and Building for Equity Match Grants and we’re proud to cheer them on every step of the way.


    What You’ll Build

    By the end of the program, you’ll have:

    • A clear understanding of your impact and how to measure it
    • Strategic goals and a realistic roadmap to reach them
    • A compelling pitch you can confidently deliver
    • A stronger grasp of your financials and future projections
    • A working knowledge of funding options and readiness
    • A repeatable sales process to support growth
    • Legal and operational systems that protect and support your business

    Why Founders Love the Impact Accelerator

    • Built-in accountability through a supportive peer cohort
    • Personalized coaching and real-time feedback
    • Access to legal support, templates, and discounted tools like HubSpot
    • Deep connections with fellow founders, mentors, and the reSET community
    • Increased visibility and long-term support as a reSET company
    • Opportunities to connect with angel investors and learn how investment decisions are made

    This isn’t just a program,it’s a launchpad. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and a community that continues to support your growth long after the Accelerator ends.


  • How much does it cost?

    To help cover the essentials of running the Impact Accelerator, the total program fee is $600. 


    This breaks down to $200 per month from April through June and covers participation for up to three team members. Additional team members may join for $50 per month.


    After completing the program, we invite founders to stay connected by becoming reSET members or contributing to our annual fund, helping to “pay it forward” and support future cohorts of entrepreneurs as your business grows.


    Importantly, reSET does not take equity in participating companies.


  • If I go through the Accelerator, am I guaranteed to get funding?

    No. While the Impact Accelerator will help you build a strong pitch deck, clarify your financial needs, and connect you to networks of potential funders, participation in the program does not guarantee funding.

About You

  • Is this a full-time program? Do we have to be full-time founders?

    No. With our goal of reducing the barrier to entrepreneurship, we’ve designed our program with jobs, classes, families, etc. in mind. That said, our program does require time outside of the scheduled summits + workshops. 


    Expect to spend an additional 5-10 hrs each week on 'homework' which will be really relevant to running your business, such as customer discovery, putting together your pitch deck, drafting financials, and more.  

  • Can I be a solo founder?

    Absolutely. We know that going it alone can be tough and we’re here to offer the support and network you need to drive your business forward.

  • I’m still at the idea stage. Am I eligible to sign up?

    The Accelerator is designed for entrepreneurs whose startup is past the initial concept stage and onto testing your MVP or is already generating revenue. 


    If you aren't at the stage yet where you're generating revenue and seeing traction with customers, reach out and we’d be happy to connect with resources and other programs that can help get you started.

  • I’m not in Hartford or New Haven. Can my startup participate?

    As an organization based in Hartford and New Haven, we have a soft spot for Hartford and New Haven residents creating locally-based businesses. That said, we’re not going to turn you away if  you are based in Connecticut and you’ve got an impactful and promising business that really benefits from our Impact Accelerator.

  • Can my startup participate if we’ve been a part of an incubator and/or accelerator before?

    You bet. Our program is designed to take your startup to the next level. If you’ve built and tested your MVP (minimal viable product) in a previous accelerator, we can establish your product market fit in our program. There already? Maybe your startup could really benefit from considering how it might become more of a social enterprise. Looking to expand a product line? Also a good time to consider signing up. See? There are plenty of options!

  • Do you think it would still be helpful for us to apply if we don’t need to raise money for a while?

    Sure thing. We aim to connect our startups with investors only where appropriate. Still, there are plenty of benefits from growing your network of mentors, collaborating with other entrepreneurs  and, at least, preparing to pitch to investors.

Get Started Today

Schedule a virtual meeting with a member of reSET.