HARTFORD, CT – June 17, 2025 – reSET, Connecticut's leading entrepreneurial support organization dedicated to growing impact-driven businesses throughout Hartford, New Haven, and statewide, announced today that applications are open for two comprehensive fall programs designed to accelerate business growth and community impact.

"We're not just offering business training—reSET has always focused on building a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem that helps businesses deliver on their social impact," noted Sarah Bodley, Executive Director of reSET. "Since 2013 our human-centered approach to entrepreneurship has helped thousands of entrepreneurs across Connecticut access the tools, resources, and networks they need to grow their businesses with confidence while making a meaningful difference in their communities."

Food Accelerator: Scaling Connecticut's Food Businesses

reSET's Food Accelerator, running from August 25 through November 10, 2025, is designed for food entrepreneurs ready to scale their operations and amplify their impact. This three-month hybrid program serves businesses generating up to $250,000 in annual revenue, with priority given to Greater Hartford-based ventures.

"A majority of the entrepreneurs we serve are operating as a team of one. Our goal is to get small food-based businesses to build operation and management systems that leverage their expertise and lead to scaling." said Katrice Claudio, reSET’s Food Program Manager. "Our Food Accelerator provides the hands-on business support, expert mentorship, and vibrant community these founders need to build systems and strategies to grow beyond handling everything themselves."

The program is ideal for businesses with shelf-ready consumer packaged goods or established food-service businesses that are actively fundraising or building customer traction. We prioritize ventures committed to creating positive impact such as thriving-wage jobs and sustainability in the food ecosystem.

Participants will engage in Monday virtual workshops and Thursday implementation sessions (5:30–8:00 PM) covering critical business topics including customer understanding, business model strengthening, team building, sustainable scaling, and impact storytelling. The program culminates with Foodie Demo Day in mid-November.

Food Accelerator Key Details:

• Application Deadline: July 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM
• Program Cost: $450 (financial aid available)
• Grant Support: Up to $2,000 in small business grants made possible through funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
• Virtual Info Sessions: June 27 (12:30–1:30 PM) and July 7 (5:30–6:30 PM), sign up at www.resetco.org/events

Floor–Plan Retail Incubator: Five Years of Launching Retail Success

Since 2021, the Floor–Plan Retail Incubator has been Connecticut's premier program for product-based entrepreneurs looking to launch or scale their retail ventures. The 12-week hybrid program, running August 27 through November 19, 2025, serves early-stage entrepreneurs throughout Hartford, New Haven, and statewide.

“We’re excited to be recruiting our fifth cohort of retail businesses, with programming designed to get them ready for holiday sales and sustainable operations into the future,” said Ndubisi Okeke, reSET Program Manager. “This program offers mentorship, training and support for growing businesses right here in Connecticut.”

Developed in partnership with Breakfast Lunch & Dinner (BL&D) as part of the Floor–Plan Retail Activation initiative, the program offers weekly hands-on training, expert mentorship, and real-world retail exposure opportunities through pop-up markets and digital platforms. Participants gain access to sales and vending opportunities in addition to accessing a $700 small business grant at the conclusion of the program.

The program especially encourages applications from Greater Hartford and New Haven residents, women- and BIPOC-owned ventures, and businesses seeking to serve local communities.

Retail Incubator Key Details:

• Application Deadline: August 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM
• Program Cost: $150 (financial assistance available)
• Grant Opportunity: $700 small business grant for program completers who register their business
• Virtual Info Session: July 9 (12:00–1:00 PM), register at www.resetco.org/events
• Sessions: Wednesdays 5:30–8:00 PM, plus Saturday workshops

Comprehensive Support for Connecticut Entrepreneurs



Both programs reflect reSET's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs who are building businesses that create positive community impact. Participants gain access to experienced mentors, legal and financial support, peer networks, and real-world opportunities to test and refine their business models. Thanks to support from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, these programs award microgrants to each participating entrepreneur for business growth upon completion.

reSET's long history in Hartford, combined with its recent acquisition of the New Haven based entrepreneurial support organization Collab, enables participants to access robust partnerships across Connecticut’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem with convenient access to Boston and New York City markets, affordable transportation, and ample space for business growth.

How to Apply

Interested entrepreneurs can learn more and apply through reSET's website:

• Food Accelerator: https://www.resetco.org/FoodAccelerator
• For program questions, contact Katrice Claudio, Food Program Manager: kclaudio@resetco.org
• Retail Incubator: https://www.resetco.org/retail-incubator
• For program questions, contact Ndubisi Okeke, Program Manager: nokeke@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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