PROGRAMS

Retail Incubator

Applications are open! Apply by 11:59pm August 3, 2025

Ready to Launch or Level-Up Your Retail Brand?

Build your Business.

Strengthen Your Brand.

Unlock Capital.

About the Floor–Plan Retail Incubator

Have a product you're proud of and ready to sell? Whether you’re launching something new or scaling an existing venture, the Floor–Plan Retail Incubator is your opportunity to bring your vision to life and gain real traction in the retail world.


This 12-week hybrid program is designed for early-stage, product-based entrepreneurs based in Hartford, New Haven and statewide. The program offers weekly hands-on training, expert mentorship, and retail exposure opportunities, from pop-up markets to digital platforms.


And the best part?

Receive a $700 Small Business Grant


Participants who complete the program and register their business become eligible to apply for a $700 grant from reSET, funded by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.


Key Dates:

Application Opens: June 2

Info Session: July 9 (12-1PM) Virtual: RSVP for the session link here

Deadline: August 3

Review Board: August 4–5

Interviews: August 6–8

Final Selection: August 13


Program Dates: August 27 – November 19, 2025

First Payment of $50 due upon acceptance
Session Time: Wednesdays from 5:30–8:00 PM
Saturday Workshops: September 13, October 11, and November 8 *
Final Showcase Event: November 19 *

dates subject to final confirmation

Program Cost & Grant Opportunity

The total cost to participate in this 12-week program is $150. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.


Participants who complete the program and register their business will be eligible to apply for a $700 small business grant from reSET. These funds can be used to support growth initiatives like inventory, branding, equipment, or market fees.

Program Benefits

Participants in the Floor–Plan Retail Incubator gain more than just business training—they become part of a supportive entrepreneurial community. Through reSET’s human-centered approach, you’ll access tools, resources, and networks that help you grow your retail business with confidence.


As a program participant, you’ll receive:

  • 40 hours/month of weekday access to reSET’s coworking space in Hartford
  • Free admission to reSET workshops
  • Discounted rates for reSET events
  • Invitations to exclusive networking and community events
  • Discounted rates for meeting and event space rentals
  • Business mailing address
  • Peer-to-peer learning and feedback opportunities


Completion of the program also makes you eligible to apply for a $700 small business grant from reSET, funded by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (CT DECD).

Overview

The Floor–Plan Retail Incubator is a 12-week hybrid program built to fit into your life while providing high-impact, hands-on support for product-based entrepreneurs.


Through weekly sessions and in-person workshops, participants will learn how to:

  • Create a business plan and pitch
  • Understand their target customer and pricing strategy
  • Build a brand and digital presence
  • Access funding and growth opportunities
  • Prepare for pop-up markets and local retail exposure

In addition to expert-led sessions, you'll gain access to experienced mentors, legal and financial support, peer feedback, and real-world opportunities to pitch and sell your product.

Who is it for?

The Floor–Plan Retail Incubator is designed for Connecticut-based individuals and micro-enterprises (teams of 5 or fewer) who are ready to grow their product-based business.

We are especially encourage applications from:

  • Greater Hartford and Greater New Haven residents
  • Businesses based in Greater Hartford or Greater New Haven
  • Women- and BIPOC-owned ventures
  • Businesses that seek to serve local communities in Hartford and New Haven

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, this program is built to support your next step.

In Partnership With BL&D

Breakfast Lunch & Dinner (BL&D) builds collective culture through inclusive, community-centered ventures. By leveraging the talent, creativity, and assets of Connecticut communities, BL&D creates spaces and experiences that bring people together and spark economic opportunity.



As Hartford experiences renewed investment and energy, BL&D works to ensure that local residents, entrepreneurs, and creatives are part of the city’s growth—championing projects that reflect and uplift the communities they serve.

Floor–Plan: A Retail Activation Initiative

Led by BL&D in collaboration with community partners like reSET, Floor–Plan is a dynamic initiative that brings retail to life across Greater Hartford. From large-scale markets to curated storefronts, Floor–Plan transforms underused spaces into vibrant retail experiences.


Signature events include the Winterfair Holiday Market, KNOW GOOD Markets, and The CAF in downtown Hartford—each designed to increase foot traffic, support local businesses, and shift consumer habits back to Hartford’s neighborhoods.

Beyond the Retail Incubator, Floor–Plan offers:

  • A full-time retail store program
  • An e-commerce selling platform
  • A pop-up shop booking system

Retail Incubator participants gain exclusive access to:

  • Local market events
  • Pop-up selling opportunities
  • Community art activations
  • Ongoing exposure and engagement activities

It’s not just a program—it’s a platform for visibility, connection, and growth.

Apply Here!