**This press release previously posted to BusinessWire.**

–Prize purse valued at $100,000–

(HARTFORD, Conn., April 4, 2016) — Today reSET (www.reSETco.org), whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector, is pleased to announce that the application process for its 2016 Impact Challenge has commenced. Now in its sixth year, the competition is open to early-stage entrepreneurs and start-ups from all industries, which operate or have operations in New England, and whose business or business concept is designed to create a positive social and/or environmental impact. Start-ups from the following states can apply: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, or Vermont.

Applications close June 1 and honorees will be notified by late August. The competition culminates at reSET’s Impact Awards Night. After a three leveled application process, honorees chosen by an expert jury will receive unrestricted seed capital and expert professional services valued at $100,000. The event will be held on October 27, in Hartford, and winners will be required to attend.

“The purpose of the reSET Impact Challenge is to award funding and to bring regional attention to the most innovative, impactful, and viable start-up social ventures,” said Benjamin Simmons-Telep, Programs Manager at reSET. “And, we’re equally committed to providing feedback at every level of the application process so participants’ businesses benefit regardless of whether they make it to the final round.”

Please visit www.TheImpactChallenge.org for more info or attend one of the below information sessions at reSET (1429 Park St. in Hartford); all sessions will be videotaped.

April 26, 9-10am

May 11, 12-1pm

May 24, 4-5pm

May 26, 11am-12pm

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. reSET’s Impact Accelerator was recently a winner of the U.S. Small Business Administration Growth Accelerator Competition, and was the only Connecticut accelerator to receive the award this year. www.reSETCo.org