A Note From Managing Director Ojala Naeem

ewalsh • December 5, 2018

Six years ago, I moved back to Connecticut from New York City because I believed in a vision, where my home state could have a stronger future through business that does good but is also profitable. In reSET, I saw the potential to tackle national socio-economic challenges in my own backyard. I’m incredibly proud to say that we accomplished so much towards making that vision a reality.

Together, we coalesced an ecosystem of 120 stakeholders working across diverse industries, government, and the education and investment realms. We spearheaded the adoption of Benefit Corporation legislation to ensure Connecticut is at the forefront of “the future of business.” We built a nationally recognized accelerator program that’s served over 700 entrepreneurs and graduated more than 100 companies. We launched one of the country’s only social enterprise internship programs, among many other resources for startups.

On a more personal level, I’ve been fortunate to help lead strategic and policy decisions around entrepreneurship in the state. Through such work, I’ve established deep, long-lasting relationships with too many bright and talented entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners to name.

It’s been an invigorating, challenging, humbling, and exciting experience all at the same time.

Reflecting on this makes it hard for me to announce that I‘ll be transitioning into the next phase of my career. I‘m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been able to pursue. The entrepreneurs that reSET serves, its larger tribe, and the team members with whom I’ve worked over the years have all had a profound impact on me. However, knowing that reSET will be in such capable and experienced hands with Sarah helps makes this time easier for me.

While I haven’t decided where I’ll land next, I’m exploring opportunities to build on everything I’ve learned and accomplished through reSET in entrepreneurship, innovation, economic development and public/private partnerships. I remain dedicated to making Hartford and Connecticut stronger for all of us, and hope you’ll stay in touch (Ojala.Naeem@gmail.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/ojalanaeem)!

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Transform Your Business This Fall: Applications Open for 2 reSET Programs

By awalsh • July 17, 2024

Transform Your Business This Fall: Applications Open for reSET's Retail Incubator and Digital Marketing Mastermind Programs Hartford, CT – July 17, 2024 – reSET, the Hartford-based entrepreneur support organization committed to nurturing businesses with a social mission, is excited to announce that applications are now open for two separate programs designed to help entrepreneurs grow with impact: the Retail Incubator and the Digital Marketing Mastermind. Both programs are set to run this fall, providing invaluable resources and mentorship to early-stage and established entrepreneurs alike. Applications close at midnight on July 21, with classes set to start mid-August and run through October. “Both of these programs were developed because of demand from our alumni and local entrepreneurs,” said Sarah Bodley, Executive Director of reSET. “The Retail Incubator has been popular with Hartford-area founders preparing for fall and holiday markets, or opening their own storefronts. We developed the Digital Marketing Mastermind to help local entrepreneurs build an online business presence and stand out in the online world.” Retail Incubator The Floor-Plan Retail Business Incubator is a partnership between reSET and Hartford-based Breakfast Lunch & Dinner, a community venture-building studio. Now in its fourth year, the program is designed to support product-based businesses in their stages of entrepreneurship. Participants will learn to understand customer needs, define pricing strategies, address key legal and financial topics, all to prepare their businesses for fall and winter markets. Entrepreneurs will gain insights from industry experts, access a supportive community, and receive practical tools to enhance their business acumen. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.resetco.org/retail-incubator . Digital Marketing Mastermind The Digital Marketing Mastermind is tailored for entrepreneurs who already have a business and are looking to elevate their digital marketing efforts. This program will provide advanced strategies to boost online presence, engage with target audiences, and convert engagement into sales. Participants will learn from seasoned marketing professionals and peers, gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the digital marketplace. Entrepreneurs interested in more information on the program and application should visit https://www.resetco.org/digital-marketing-mastermind 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. Visit reSET | Where Great Companies Grow (resetco.org). # # #