Applications Open for Spring 2026 Impact Accelerator

awalsh • February 10, 2026

Inviting Impact Entrepreneurs Into Transformative Growth

Hartford, CT – February 10, 2026 – reSET, Connecticut's nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization supporting social entrepreneurs, announces that applications are now open for its Spring 2026 Impact Accelerator. This intensive 3-month program will run from April through June with virtual sessions and in-person meetings in both Hartford and New Haven. The program offers growth-stage entrepreneurs the strategic support, expert guidance, and peer community needed to transform early wins into scalable, sustainable businesses.

Since its first cohort in 2013, the Impact Accelerator is designed for founders who have moved beyond the idea stage and validated their market through real customer demand and find themselves at critical growth inflection points. The Accelerator is an ideal fit for entrepreneurs who are looking for ways to include their social mission in their growth and also move beyond solo entrepreneurship. 

"Too many talented entrepreneurs hit a wall after their initial success because they lack the structured support to scale," said Ndubisi Okeke, Program Manager at reSET. "Our Impact Accelerator gives entrepreneurs the frameworks, accountability, and expert coaching to break through that ceiling, while also helping entrepreneurs integrate their business’ social mission as a differentiating factor in the marketplace.”

During the three month program, participants will engage in expert-led workshops that provide actionable tools for pricing strategy, customer acquisition, financial modeling, and operational scaling. Weekly peer sessions create accountability and collaborative problem-solving alongside fellow entrepreneurs facing similar challenges. One-on-one mentorship helps entrepreneurs apply these frameworks directly to their unique business context.

Learn More at the Virtual Info Session On February 19

Interested entrepreneurs who are curious if the Impact Accelerator is right for them are encouraged to sign up for the virtual Info Session on Wednesday, February 18 at 4pm at www.resetco.org/events. Attendees will learn more about the program, who it’s designed for and what to expect from the application process.

Venture Showcase Save the Date:

The program culminates on June 24 with a high-profile Venture Showcase, where participants pitch to an audience of potential investors, strategic partners, customers, and community, providing a supportive launchpad for their next chapter.

"The Impact Accelerator benefits extend far beyond the program. These founders are building economically and socially impactful businesses that give back in their own right. Our alumni highlight the access to Connecticut’s entrepreneurial networks as an ongoing benefit, bolstering their connection to reSET's thriving community of successful entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts," said Sarah Bodley, Executive Director of reSET. "By the Venture Showcase, our participants have clear roadmaps for their next 12-18 months and confidence to pursue their next stage of growth and impact—whether that's new revenue streams, strategic partnerships, or capital."

Applications are open on reSET’s website at https://www.resetco.org/impact-accelerator and close the week of March 8, 2026. The program costs $600 for up to a three person founding team and begins with an in-person Saturday kickoff on April 11 and runs through June 24. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention and meaningful peer connections.

For questions about fit or eligibility, contact reSET at info@resetco.org.

About reSET

Founded in 2007, reSET is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Hartford, CT, whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector and providing inclusive entrepreneurial support across Connecticut. In February 2025, reSET acquired New Haven-based Collab, combining complementary strengths to create a more robust ecosystem for impact-driven entrepreneurs throughout the region. reSET specializes in social enterprise — impact-driven businesses with double or triple bottom lines — providing coworking space, accelerator programs, and mentoring services that inspire innovation and community collaboration. To date, reSET and Collab have assisted over 500 small businesses to start and grow with impact, and reached thousands more through low-touch supports. Visit resetco.org to learn more.

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