-Graduates will have opportunity to compete for $20K in unrestricted funding-

(HARTFORD, CONN.) — reSET (www.reSETCo.org), a non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurs, today announced it will be opening applications for its 2018 accelerator on October 2. Tailored for impact driven businesses but available to early-stage ventures across all industries, reSET’s Impact Accelerator was a winner of the U.S. Small Business Administration Growth Accelerator Competition, and was the only Connecticut accelerator to receive the award in 2015. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, however the final deadline is December 8, 2017.

Running from next January through May, the five-year old program will provide entrepreneurs with access to the knowledge and resources they need to grow their businesses and impact. Over the course of four weekend summits, participants of reSET’s latest cohort will be connected to customers and industry-specific mentors. Up to 20 entrepreneurial teams will have access to:

• 20+ optional workshops covering a range of topics in business and social enterprise
• Numerous structured and unstructured opportunities to engage with investors and advisors
• 1-year reSET membership (includes access to coworking, programming and the on-site Entrepreneur-in-Residence)
• Exclusive discounts on business software packages and other resources

The accelerator will be free for accepted entrepreneurs and no equity will be taken from their operations. Graduates will also have an opportunity to compete for $20K in unrestricted funding at a culminating Venture Showcase in Spring 2018.

“As an entrepreneur myself, I have experienced the ups and downs of launching a new business,” said Jeremy Szechenyi, reSET’s Programs Manager. “Between reSET’s physical office and programs, we give entrepreneurs the resources and network that is critical to surviving and bringing their work to the next level. I strongly encourage all interested parties to attend one of the information sessions we’ll be hosting on September 28 from 8:30-9:30am, October 26 from 12:30-1:30pm, and November 15 from 5:30-6:30pm. All gatherings will be informal and meant to address candidates questions, and will be held at reSET (1429 Park Street in Hartford).”

reSET’s accelerator has graduated 80 businesses to date. Recent participants have experienced much success, including competitor acquisition, venture capital investment, nationwide sales and recognition, etc. For more information, please visit www.Resetco.org/Impact-Accelerator.

About reSET

reSET is a nonprofit organization whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector. Its strategic goals are threefold: to be the “go-to” place for impact entrepreneurs, to make Hartford known as Impact City, and Connecticut the Social Enterprise state. reSET serves all entrepreneurs, but 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. www.reSETCo.org