reSET
The Impact Accelerator is a 4-month program designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to the knowledge, networks, and resources they need to grow their businesses and their im…
reSET at a glance
| Address | Hartford, CT, United States |
|---|---|
| Programmes | 4 standing programmes |
| Official website | resetco.org/resource/impact-accelerator |
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at reSET, separate from the funding calls above.
Impact Accelerator
AcceleratorConnecticut's longest-running accelerator program, started in 2013, for entrepreneurs seeking to solve social, environmental, cultural, or economic problems through their business.
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The four-month hybrid program consists of in-person and virtual meetings that focus on understanding customers, competitive product positioning, and laying a solid business foundation to prepare for building and scaling the startup while embedding a social impact lens from the early stages. A strong focus of the program includes business mentorship, business pitch practice, and access to reSET’s extensive network and resources.
Food Incubator
IncubationAn early-stage program for food entrepreneurs to develop business plans, marketing, branding, and understand regulatory requirements, with grant opportunities.
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The curriculum is designed to help new entrepreneurs develop their business plan and elevator pitch, develop strategic marketing and branding, explore food business resources available in Connecticut and the northeast region, and review licensing and regulatory requirements. It targets entrepreneurs in the early stages of launching and growing their food service (catering, bakery, restaurant or food truck) businesses, or firms developing and selling consumer packaged goods. Offered in partnership with Hands on Hartford, successful graduates are able to apply for up to $700 in grants to support their business growth.
Food Accelerator
AcceleratorA three-month hybrid program for food entrepreneurs generating up to $250,000 in annual revenue, focusing on scaling operations and amplifying impact.
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The program runs from August 25 through November 10, 2025, with Monday virtual workshops and Thursday implementation sessions covering critical business topics including customer understanding, business model strengthening, team building, sustainable scaling, and impact storytelling. The program culminates with Foodie Demo Day in mid-November and offers up to $2,000 in small business grants. Priority is given to Greater Hartford-based ventures.
Floor-Plan Retail Incubator
IncubationA 12-week hybrid program for product-based entrepreneurs launching or scaling retail ventures, providing mentorship, training, and retail exposure.
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The program runs from August 27 through November 19, 2025, offering weekly hands-on training, expert mentorship, and real-world retail exposure opportunities through pop-up markets and digital platforms. Participants gain access to sales and vending opportunities and a $700 small business grant at the conclusion of the program. Developed in partnership with Breakfast Lunch & Dinner (BL&D), the program encourages applications from Greater Hartford and New Haven residents, women- and BIPOC-owned ventures.
Incubation tracks
The routes into reSET, and what each one includes.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food AcceleratorA three-month hybrid program designed for food entrepreneurs ready to scale their operations and amplify their impact. It serves businesses generating up to $250,000 in annual revenue, with priority given to Greater Hartford-based ventures. Ideal for businesses with shelf-ready consumer packaged goods or established food-service businesses that are actively fundraising or building customer traction. Prioritizes ventures committed to creating positive impact such as thriving-wage jobs and sustainability in the food ecosystem. | Acceleration | — | hands-on business support, expert mentorship, vibrant community, virtual workshops, implementation sessions, customer understanding, business model strengthening, team building, sustainable scaling, impact storytelling |
| Floor-Plan Retail IncubatorA 12-week hybrid program for product-based entrepreneurs looking to launch or scale their retail ventures. It serves early-stage entrepreneurs throughout Hartford, New Haven, and statewide, with programming designed to get them ready for holiday sales and sustainable operations. The program especially encourages applications from Greater Hartford and New Haven residents, women- and BIPOC-owned ventures, and businesses seeking to serve local communities. | Pre-incubation | — | weekly hands-on training, expert mentorship, real-world retail exposure opportunities through pop-up markets and digital platforms, access to sales and vending opportunities |
| Impact AcceleratorConnecticut’s longest-running accelerator program, started in 2013. It is a four-month program designed for entrepreneurs seeking to solve a social, environmental, cultural, or economic problem either directly or indirectly through their business. It helps entrepreneurs build a solid business foundation and support network and set the stage for growth. | Acceleration | — | in-person and virtual meetings that focus on understanding customers, competitive product positioning, laying a solid business foundation to prepare for building and scaling the startup while embedding a social impact lens from the early stages, business mentorship, business pitch practice, access to reSET’s extensive network and resources |
| Food IncubatorFor early-stage food entrepreneurs. The program targets entrepreneurs in the early stages of launching and growing their food service (catering, bakery, restaurant or food truck) businesses, or firms developing and selling consumer packaged goods through grocery and other retail outlets. | Pre-incubation | — | curriculum designed to help new entrepreneurs develop their business plan and elevator pitch, develop strategic marketing and branding, explore food business resources available in Connecticut and the northeast region, review licensing and regulatory requirements |
Labs & facilities
Equipment and space on campus.
coworking space
reSET Business Factory
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
Recognitions & empanelments
Official approvals this incubator holds.
About reSET
reSET is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 and headquartered in Hartford, CT. Its mission is to advance the social enterprise sector and provide inclusive entrepreneurial support across Connecticut. reSET specializes in social enterprise, supporting impact-driven businesses with a double or triple bottom line. It offers coworking space, accelerator programs, and mentoring services to inspire innovation and community collaboration. The organization supports entrepreneurs in creating market-based solutions to community challenges and helps them take their businesses to the next level. In February 2025, reSET acquired New Haven-based Collab to further support impact-driven entrepreneurs throughout the region.
Who they work with
Tags
Frequently asked questions about reSET
What does reSET do?
reSET is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 and headquartered in Hartford, CT. Its mission is to advance the social enterprise sector and provide inclusive entrepreneurial support across Connecticut. reSET specializes in social enterprise, supporting impact-driven businesses with a double or triple bottom line.
Where is reSET located?
reSET is located at Hartford, CT, United States.
What programs does reSET run?
reSET runs Impact Accelerator, Food Incubator, Food Accelerator and Floor-Plan Retail Incubator.
What facilities does reSET offer?
reSET offers coworking space and reSET Business Factory.
Is reSET government recognised?
reSET holds the following recognitions and affiliations: Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.
Recommended grants & schemes
Other open programmes matching reSET's focus areas.
