HARTFORD, CT (November 20, 2023)-- reSET, the Hartford-based entrepreneur support organization committed to nurturing businesses with a social mission, will showcase eight food business entrepreneurs completing the Food Accelerator program with a demo day and pitch competition on Thursday, December 7 from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the YG Club at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford. The event is open to the public with tickets available at: https://bit.ly/reSETFoodie 

“These entrepreneurs are developing exciting new products and services that expand the food market in Connecticut,” said Sarah Bodley, reSET’s Executive Director. “We’re thrilled to showcase them at Foodie Demo Day and introduce them to the broader business community to help them make connections that will fuel their growth.”

The Food Accelerator program held virtual and in-person classes over three months, enrolling small food businesses ready for growth. The program included companies in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and food service sectors, helping them scale towards creating a sustainable impact in Connecticut’s food landscape. Four of the eight companies participating were graduates of previous reSET incubator programs, and all of the eight businesses are woman- and/or BIPOC-owned.

“During the Accelerator, the food entrepreneurs were able to work on their businesses, optimizing profitability and honing their social missions, which ranged from addressing sustainability issues, improving work culture by creating livable wages, to promoting cultural inclusivity,” commented Katrice Claudio, reSET’s Food Program Manager. 

Thanks to a $2.225 million 5-year grant in 2022 as part of reSET’s participation in the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Grants Program to Support Small Businesses, reSET has expanded programming to launch the Food Accelerator, including awarding grants to each of the entrepreneurs for business expenses upon completion of the program, in addition to prize money raised from the attendees at the Foodie Demo Day.

The 2023 Food Accelerator entrepreneurs and their companies are:

Deirdre Brickhouse is the chief baker and owner of SweetHouse Creations, a Hartford based bakery that specializes in simply elegant treats that happen to be vegan and/or gluten-free.

Kleon Clarke created Nyam Bakery, a local Jamaican bakery specializing in cocobread rolls and loaves, to bring different flavor varieties and Caribbean-inspired sweets to the community.

Artisianna is a woman-owned business launched by Anna DiMascio Flynn that manufactures fruit truffles made with fruit, nuts and seeds – just pure and simple ingredients mainly sourced from US farms.

Nicola Poplin founded Pop’s Famous Guac to produce wholesome, preservative-free guacamole with real, whole ingredients you feel good about feeding the people you love. Pop’s Famous Guac is dedicated to making a product that not only satisfies taste buds but also nourishes the heart, body and soul of you and your loved ones. 

A’s Artisanal, led by Antoinette Sappleton,  makes 'easy fancy' a reality! A’s Artisanal is the purveyor of piquancies, specializing in gourmet food sundries that effortlessly elevate your dining experience. Whether you're sprucing up an evening salad, enhancing a charcuterie and wine soirée, or elevating your favorite brunch bunch, our products are the ultimate 'easy fancy' solution. 

Lane Simmons is the creative founder of Smokin Lane’s BBQ & Seafood, specializing in southern style wood-flavored BBQ paired with traditional comfort food sides.

Narelle Thomas is the founder of K Cookies, a Hartford-based, Springfield-born artisanal cookie company that blends quality ingredients with exceptional taste. Specializing in vegan and gluten free cookies with sugar free and fruit sweetened options, K cookies makes desserts accessible to the allergen plagued and picky eaters alike.

Charlie’s Traveling Treat Truck, founded by Becky Tkacs, is a mobile dog bakery using all natural ingredients, compostable packaging and supporting rescue organizations. 

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).

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