Applications Open for Two Fall Programs Supporting Connecticut's Impact-Driven Entrepreneurs

awalsh • June 17, 2025

Food Accelerator and Retail Incubator Offer Comprehensive Support, Mentorship, and Grant Opportunities for Growing Businesses

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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Leadership Transition Announcement: reSET Executive Director to Step Down in 2026

By awalsh • February 13, 2026

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

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reSET Food and Retail Programs Featured in Radio Interview

July 7, 2025

Listen in to the replay of John Voket of Connoisseur Media's interview of reSET Food Program Manager Katrice Claudio and Program Manager Ndubisi Okeke that aired on Sunday July 6, 2025. They talked about the reSET programs that are enrolling for the fall--the Food Accelerator for food businesses looking to scale, and the Retail Incubator for early stage product-based businesses looking to ramp up for holiday markets in Connecticut. Listen here: https://audioboom.com/posts/8745230-reset-fall-program-preview The interview aired on the award-winning "For the People" show on Sunday, July 6 on WEBE 108 FM, STAR 99.9, WPLR FM and THe VOICE of Connecticut and on the podcast.