On October 28th, we celebrated Connecticut’s Superheroes of Social Enterprise at the 4th Annual Social Enterprise Awards. The awards brought together industry leaders and community members from the municipal and state government, nonprofit and business sectors, and the entrepreneurial community.

That night, there were two reasons which called for celebration.

One: The success of the six entrepreneurs who entered their business into the year-long Social Enterprise Challenge, and after several rounds of judging and vetting, these entrepreneurs rose to the top as finalists and come out as award winners.

Two: To celebrate the evolution of social enterprise in Connecticut, and to learn what’s next for this growing sector.

In 2010 reSET’s Founder and CEO, Kate Emery, addressed a room full of people who, at the time, were curious about the potential of social enterprise. Since then, social entrepreneurs have made a home for themselves in Connecticut, and have started working towards large-scale and sustainable change. These entrepreneurs have built businesses focused on solving the unmet social and environmental problems facing our communities. The growth of the sector was made clear when over 50 Connecticut-based social entrepreneurs joined the celebration and stood in support of the six winners being recognized that night.

Kicking off the awards with a welcome and positive endorsement for reSET was Hartford City Mayor Pedro Segarra, who described social enterprise as exactly the type of business that Hartford needs.

“This event is a testament to the idea that the time for social enterprise has come, and that there is a vibrant and growing community who have come together to embrace this movement, right here in our capital city” Segarra said.

One of reSET’s aims is to build awareness about social enterprise and the potential it creates for driving significant and positive social and environmental change.

“We’ve clearly turned a corner,” said President of the CT Conference of Independent Colleges and reSET Board Vice President Judy Greiman. “We are no longer explaining what social enterprise is and how it can benefit our state. We are now able to focus on how it can be a cornerstone of what it means to be Connecticut!”

The community of social enterprises that have competed in the Social Enterprise Challenge and received awards continues to grow. To date, they exceed 30 businesses. Of the six businesses highlighted during the 2014 Awards, Tuckerman & Co., of New Haven, CT took home the top prize, the reSET Connecticut Social Enterprise Award.

“We’re grateful for the support that reSET’s Social Enterprise Awards will provide Tuckerman & Co., especially as we move from our Kickstarter campaign to making sales on our website” said Co-Founder of Tuckerman & Co., Amanda Rinderle “Since our organic cotton fabric is being woven for us in Italy and requires relatively large minimum order quantities, this financial support will allow us to have product ready for sale when we launch online!”

Social entrepreneurs have inspired many businesses, political leaders, the media, and community members. One business recognized for its innovative approach to helping other small businesses and municipalities maintain a strong online presence to encourage community, neighborhood connectivity, and civic engagement is CivicLift, of Torrington, CT.

“What is actually a vibrant community might not appear that way online, and that is something I always wanted to fix,” Dobos said “I’ve been approached by communities that are ready to sign up an use CivicLift but currently I am still working on developing the software, which is a very expensive process. This award is a real game changer for me, and now I can start working to fulfill those orders.”

In just four years, the Social Enterprise Awards have evolved out of a conversation and into a full-blown celebration! Attendance at this year’s event grew by 50% over 2013. Applications to the Social Enterprise Challenge more than tripled in the last two years. In 2014, the prize pool nearly tripled in size and scope, and the number of sponsors increased by 127%.

To us, this means that word is spreading, and that people from across the state are seeing the possibilities for impact through social enterprise businesses!!

Thank you for celebrating and supporting the superheroes in our community!