Hartford/E.Htfd. Among Innovation Places Grant Finalists

ewalsh • April 27, 2017

For full Hartford Business Journal article details and related content, please click here.


PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED

Startups and entrepreneurs are seen in 2016 collaborating at the reSET Business Factory in Hartford, which could be a potential site for an innovation place.

By Patricia Daddona

The combined team of Hartford and East Hartford is one of seven sets of municipalities dubbed finalists for CTNext’s Innovation Places program and funding.

CTNext, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Connecticut Innovations, is a statewide organization that works to support entrepreneurship.

CTNext created the Innovation Places program to enable communities across the state to become top-tier destinations and magnets for talent and high-growth companies.

The Hartford/East Hartford initiative is aimed at increasing commercialization and innovation around a cluster of insurance, healthcare and aerospace/advanced manufacturing industries based here. The goal is to build on the Capital City’s assets and amenities while creating new ones in the Trinity/Hartford Hospital area.

Some of the ideas to be implemented include a “pop-up” food park for healthy and fresh produce, an “InsureTech” accelerator to attract next generation insurance companies to Hartford, a digital health incubator and a new makerspace to be shared by the insurance, health and aerospace industries.

The Hartford/East Hartford team is comprised of the two cities, as well as UConn, Goodwin College, Trinity College, University of Hartford, the MetroHartford Alliance, Connecticut College for Advanced Technology, Hartford HealthCare, reSET, Small Business Development Corporation, Innovate Hartford, MakerspaceCT and several entrepreneurs.

Other finalists include Central Connecticut (New Britain, Farmington and Berlin), as well as the individual cities of Danbury, New Haven, New London, Stamford and Norwalk. Twelve communities originally applied for the program.

Innovation Places will distribute $30 million to the winning cities and communities over a period of five years to support projects that stimulate their local innovation ecosystem. A portion of the $30 million has been reserved for the first set of winners with future allocations to be determined by the CTNext board of directors at a later time.

Over the next two weeks, the CTNext board of directors will conduct site visits with each of the finalists to view the impact areas outlined in each strategic plan.Grant winners will be announced in June.

February 18, 2025
The Combined Organization Will Amplify Entrepreneurial Impact on Connecticut
By awalsh October 7, 2024
Pitches and Products to be Presented at the Parkville Pop-Up and Pitch Showcase on October 30th
By awalsh September 5, 2024
Sustainable CT Crowdfunding Campaign Launches to Support BBAU 2024, Gathering Innovators and Leaders to Explore Cooperative Economic Principles
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). # # #
By awalsh July 2, 2024
Winning Entrepreneurs Split Over $10,000 in Cash Prizes at the Conclusion of reSET’s Impact Accelerator
By awalsh June 4, 2024
Entrepreneurs to Present their Business Pitches for Over $10,000 in Cash Prizes
By awalsh May 7, 2024
12 Entrepreneurs Successfully Complete reSET’s Food Incubator Program Focus @ reSET on May 1 Showcased the Emerging Food Entrepreneurs in a Focus Group Setting
By awalsh March 26, 2024
Twelve Early Stage Food Companies Engage in reSET’s Two-Month Program to Grow Their Food Businesses
By awalsh March 6, 2024
Ten Businesses Working for Good in Greater Hartford
By awalsh January 8, 2024
Spring Programs Will Support Entrepreneurs Looking to Grow Businesses with Impact
More Posts
Share by: