January 8, 2024 (Hartford, CT)--reSET, the Hartford-based entrepreneur support organization committed to nurturing businesses with a social mission, announced the opening of applications for two separate cohort-based entrepreneurial support programs to run this spring, as well as its first Community Pitch Night of 2024 for early stage entrepreneurs to gain pitching practice and audience feedback in a fun, low pressure format.

“It’s a new year and a great time to reflect and plan on your business growth goals for the year ahead. Connecticut is home to so many smart, driven people with great ideas - many of them hoping to make a positive mark on the world,” said Sarah Bodley, reSET’s Executive Director. “We’re excited to open applications for both our Impact Accelerator and Food Incubator programs this month. Plus, we’ll be hosting a Community Pitch Night on February 1st for folks just looking to get some feedback and test the waters. This is going to be a fun season.”

Impact Accelerator

The Impact Accelerator is Connecticut’s longest-running accelerator program, having started in 2013. It is a transformational experience designed for entrepreneurs seeking to solve a social, environmental, cultural, or economic problem either directly or indirectly through their business. The Impact Accelerator helps entrepreneurs build a solid business foundation and support network and set the stage for growth. The four-month program will consist of in-person and virtual meetings that focus on understanding customers, competitive product positioning, and laying a solid business foundation to prepare for building and scaling the startup while embedding a social impact lens from the early stages. A strong focus of the program will include business mentorship, business pitch practice, and access to reSET’s extensive network and resources.

More details on the Impact Accelerator, including Information Session event details, program dates, cost and application may be found here: https://www.resetco.org/impact-accelerator. The deadline to apply to the Impact Accelerator is February 11, 2024.

Food Incubator

For early-stage food entrepreneurs, reSET will be running its 6th Food Incubator program. The Food Incubator curriculum is designed to help new entrepreneurs develop their business plan and elevator pitch, develop strategic marketing and branding, explore food business resources available in Connecticut and the northeast region, review licensing and regulatory requirements, and more. The program targets entrepreneurs in the early stages of launching and growing their food service (i.e. catering, bakery, restaurant or food truck) businesses, or firms developing and selling consumer packaged goods through grocery and other retail outlets. Offered in partnership with Hands on Hartford, and thanks to support from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, successful graduates of the program are able to apply for up to $700 in grants to support their business growth at the conclusion of the program.

More details on the Food Incubator program, including, dates, cost and application may be found here: https://www.resetco.org/food-incubator. reSET will be hosting several information sessions and events before the application deadline, including a virtual information session on Monday, January 22 at 5:30 pm. Any emerging entrepreneur interested in applying is encouraged to attend and should register via this link: https://bit.ly/reset-FoodIncubatorInfo. The application for the Food Incubator closes on February 11, 2024.

reSET Community Pitch Night

The first reSET Community Pitch Night of 2024 will be held at reSET on Thursday, February 1 at 5:30pm. Entrepreneurs are invited to present their business in a 5 minute pitch and get feedback from the audience on the business idea in a quick fashion in a supportive environment. Networking before and after will also be available. More details and registration may be found at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reset-community-pitch-night-tickets-791290219347.

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. Visit reSET | Where Great Companies Grow (resetco.org).

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