HARTFORD, CT, March 10, 2022 –reSET, a non-profit business support organization based in Parkville, announces the acceptance of 11 CT-based startups into the 2022 Impact Accelerator. reSET is the only accelerator in Hartford that prioritizes identifying and measuring impact alongside profit. This year we are pleased to welcome the 2022 participants which include a mother-daughter team publishing company, two skincare companies, a sustainable home goods maker, an eco cafe, and a variety of amazing food products. A public Kickoff event is scheduled for March 10th in Parkville to welcome and introduce this year’s startups.

The 2022 cohort will have three intensive months to work together to accelerate individual business growth through peer feedback, mentorship, and one-on-one guidance from reSET. Christine Sullivan, a small business consultant who focuses on social impact businesses, will be facilitating this year’s program.  We are pleased to again have the reSET Impact Accelerator Advisory Board lend their expertise and connections to reviewing and selecting this cohort. This year's board welcomed the addition of two reSET alumni. The 2022 Advisory Board members are:

• Janet Harris, Small Business Consultant
• Dorothy Adams, Capital for Change
• Ramon Peralta, Peralta Designs
• Steven Taylor, Berkshire Bank
• Aaron Bohigian, Webster Bank
• Dinika Hightower, reSET alumna Northend Rose
• Sam King, reSET alumnus Blue Earth Compost

The program will culminate in the Venture Showcase when the entrepreneurs will share their updated business plans and vision for growth in front of an audience of investors, collaborators, mentors, and more. Accepted participants are given access to reSET’s coworking space located in Parkville to be used as a place of business during the program. 

reSET is greater Hartford’s only business accelerator that supports the creation and growth of mission-driven businesses. reSET’s Accelerator has had 143 businesses graduate to date and participants have generated over 21 million dollars in revenue and supported more than 400 jobs. The program focuses on customer acquisition, venture capital investment, and nationwide sales and recognition. In addition, social enterprises impact the city of Hartford in various ways including:

• creating opportunities for employment
• solving a social or environmental challenge 
• building community wealth
• giving back through philanthropy or volunteerism

"My biggest takeaway from reSET was finding NorthEnd Rose's voice. I was able to really get my brand identity down in a way that felt good and validated me as the Founder. reSET helped me do that while connecting with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and supporters in a place I call home.” - Dinika Hightower, North End Rose

“The team at reSET was phenomenal to work with. They are knowledgeable and passionate folks that are willing to help you at every step. Their considerate approach is hands-on, flexible, and is oriented to make it easy for the business involved to handle the B-corp certification process and their day-to-day operations.” - Sam King, Blue Earth Compost

“This is an absolutely amazing group of entrepreneurs, each leading with heart and values. We are excited to have eleven socially and environmentally conscious businesses in this year's cohort. Connecticut is a great place to start a business, and we have an opportunity here to really stand out as a place that prioritizes sustainability and social impact. The past two years have forced entrepreneurs to be more nimble than ever, not only to stay afloat through the pandemic, but just as importantly, to meet the needs of consumers in a changing world. I can't wait to see what these innovators accomplish over the coming months.” - Sarah Bodley, reSET Executive Director 

The companies selected for this year’s Impact Accelerator are:

• Lauren Simone Publishing is a publishing service located in Hartford, CT. Lauren Simone Publishing House empowers youth and connects aspiring diverse authors with diverse illustrators to create diverse and inclusive children's books for all to enjoy.
• The Greener Gift is an earth-conscious business with two main focuses: consciously produced textile goods that are designed to support a greener lifestyle, and shame-free eco-education and empowerment. 
• Breakfast Belle has been introducing the North to authentic Southern-style cuisine since 2015, specializing in breakfast and brunch. Breakfast Belle offers two well-known food products for retail sale; Bamma Fish Fry Seasoned Seafood Cornmeal and Breakfast Belle Hot Sauce.
• Eco Evolution is a low-waste marketplace and ethical retail store.  All products are good for people and the planet.  We sell consumer products for the home, bath, body, kitchen, laundry as well as vintage and upcycled products.
• Ital Creations is a natural body care company specializing in educating the community on effective self/skincare and products that are safe for the skin. 
• More Than A Coloring Book is a therapy tool inspired by people of color around the world. From coloring pages to inspirational quotes and plenty of journaling space for reflection, this is the perfect mindfulness tool to break from those busy days.
• HR Zoom empowers organizations to achieve operational excellence elevated by top talent and inclusive workplace cultures. The HR Zoom brand features trendy merchandise promoting diversity, social equity, empowerment, and all things related to workplace culture.
• SoChill is a CBD lifestyle brand promoting self-care culture via ethically sourced hemp products.
• History Chip History Chip invites everyone in the world - including women, people of color, and other marginalized groups - to add their true stories to our fully searchable online archive. These stories will fill in gaps to make history more truthful and complete.
• Jodi Cup of Health all natural handmade products are made with love to enhance your Divine Beauty. Holistic beauty, health, and wellness are the core essentials of what we do. Jodi Cup of Health looks forward to changing the narrative of beauty; making "Healthy Living Divine Love".
• Momentum Life Mastery Coaching supports individuals and groups using a holistic approach to facilitate customized coaching programs, workshops, and 1:1 personal development services. Clients work in close partnership to move forward from root assessment to achieve tangible results with clarity & confidence.

The Hybrid Kickoff Party is a VIP/Virtual Event - March 10, 2022

Meet the cohort on Thursday, March 10 @ 5:30-8 p.m. at reSET’s first ever hybrid Impact Accelerator Hybrid Kick-Off Party! We will have a small in-person audience as well as a virtual audience. You’ll have the opportunity to hear each startup give a one minute pitch highlighting their plan for growth and impact. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Mayor Luke Bronin of Hartford and Onyeka Obiocha of CTNext will join us in welcoming the entrepreneurs to Hartford as they build their companies in CT’s capital.  RSVP today!

About reSET

reSET is a nonprofit organization in Hartford, CT, whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector. reSET 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