PROGRAMS

Impact Accelerator

Check back in 2025 for the next cohort!

IMPACT ACCELERATOR

About the Program

The Impact Accelerator is a transformational experience designed for entrepreneurs seeking to solve a social, environmental, cultural, or economic problem either directly or indirectly through their business. The program helps entrepreneurs build a solid business foundation and support network and set the stage for growth. We look for passionate, motivated individuals who represent the diversity of our state. 


The program is open to entrepreneurs in any industry but is particularly well suited to consumer-facing businesses (retail, beauty, etc), tech-enabled services (SaaS, mobile apps, and service businesses utilizing technology/digital platforms to enhance delivery), and tech platforms enabling sustainable or impact-oriented solutions.

  • Examples of “direct solutions” of social entrepreneurship: Blue Earth Compost - redirecting food waste from landfills into soil (‘16 Accelerator); Raise Green - making solar power more accessible through equity crowdfunding for community projects (‘19 Accelerator); Lauren Simone Publishing - addressing the lack of diversity in children’s books (‘22 Accelerator).

 

  • Examples of “indirect solutions” of social entrepreneurship: florapothecarie - 100% natural and vegan skincare products, donating to LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and women's rights (‘18 Accelerator); The Walker Group - providing IT services and donating a portion of proceeds to social entrepreneurship and other causes (reSET founding partner). 


The four-month Impact Accelerator supports small or early-stage businesses, ranging from proof of concept to $500,000 in annual revenues, seeking to strengthen their business models and amplify their social or environmental impact. Our goal is to help embed sustainability and impact early on, and to meet companies where they are in their journey toward creating positive impact.

To Find Out More:


We encourage applicants to participate in our upcoming Community Pitch Night February 1.

More info and sign up here.


Find out if the Impact Accelerator program is right for you! Gain perspective from past cohort members and choose to be present virtually or via zoom by attending the Info Session on Thursday, January 25 at 5:30pm.

More info and sign up here.


Applications close 11:59pm, February 11, 2024

Accelerator Program Experience: Summits & Workshops

The Accelerator experience is a combination of intensive summits one Saturday per month, coupled with a selection of workshops led by business, legal, and design professionals. The workshops focus on a variety of topics, including understanding customers, competitive positioning, and preparation steps for building and scaling your startup. In the Saturday summits, we gather in person to dive deep into peer and expert mentorship, mock board meetings, pitch practice, and more.

Mentors

Mentors are a key component to the success of an entrepreneur and their startup. Our extensive mentor network is comprised of professionals from many industries who are seeking opportunities to help guide and support startups. The large network size and high participation rate gives participants many opportunities for guidance.

Community

Startup success takes a lot of hard work and requires many tools and resources. A vibrant and supportive community is a critical component. In the Accelerator, you are part of a cohort of folks who are also building up their businesses. Plus, participants get direct access to the large reSET community where they can find support, guidance, suggestions, and customer leads. Alumni will often return as guest experts and we host quarterly alumni meetups that are also open to current program participants.

Access to Resources

Participants get access to discounted and free resources including legal office hours, HubSpot discounted subscription, accounting advising and more. Plus, Hartford and the surrounding areas are a wealth of resources for entrepreneurs, and a tight-knit community that we can help connect you with.

Affordable

If you are selected for the program, there is a nominal fee of $600, (payable in monthly installments of $150 or as a lump sum), to participate, which helps us provide access to the resources and networks to grow your business. We offer payment plans, and can also discuss financial aid if the cost is a barrier. The good news is, doing business in Hartford means bigger bang for your buck than most average cities. With easy access to affordable housing and a lower cost of living, entrepreneurs find Hartford a great city to launch and grow their startups.

Proximity

Situated about half way between the two hubs and full of affordable transportation options, Hartford is an excellent place to base and grow your startup while remaining close to other major entrepreneurial hubs like Boston and New York City.

FAQs

  • Who is this program for?

    This program does not require any specific educational background. Instead, we are looking for people with great business ideas and the focus and energy to put these ideas into action. You are not required to have a co-founder, but it can be helpful to grow a company in partnership. You can be a full-time entrepreneur or have a side hustle, as long as you are looking to grow your business.


    While this program is not industry-specific, we are interested in the following categories:

    • Consumer packaged goods 
    • Durable products 
    • Tech-enabled services (may include traditional service businesses utilizing technology/digital platforms to enhance delivery) 
    • Tech platforms enabling sustainable or impact-oriented solutions

    reSET is particularly interested in ventures that: 

    • Are led by women or people of color and based in or around greater Hartford, CT
    • Address a problem or challenge that impacts a large number of people; ventures that have a high impact potential
    • Are committed to growing a values-aligned business that prioritizes sustainability, people and planet
    • Authentically promote a message of sustainability and impact
    • Are ready to commit the time and energy to launching or growing your impact-driven startup

  • What is the Impact Accelerator schedule?

    In 2024 we will be running in a hybrid format with a combination of some high-impact in person gatherings, and workshops and coaching occurring virtually. 


    The key required program dates are as follows:

    • Tues March 12, 5-7pm - Orientation (virtual)
    • Thurs March 14, 5:00-8:00pm - Kickoff Party at reSET
    • Thurs March 21, 5-8pm - Pre-summit workshop (virtual)
    • Sat March 23, 10am-4pm - Summit 1 at reSET
    • Thurs April 18, 5-8pm - Pre-summit workshop (virtual)
    • Sat April 20, 10am-4pm - Summit 2 at reSET
    • Thurs May 16, 5-8pm - Pre-summit workshop (virtual)
    • Sat May 18, 10am-4pm - Summit 3 at reSET
    • Thurs June 13, 5-8pm - Pre-summit workshop (virtual)
    • Sat June 15, 10am-4pm - Summit 4 at reSET
    • Thurs June 27 - Venture Showcase in Hartford area

    In addition, participants can opt-in to weekly accountability groups and 1:1 coaching meetings with the program facilitator via zoom. Links to reSET’s mentorship network are offered during the Saturday sessions. Optional workshops will be scheduled, typically during lunch hours, in the weeks between summits. Accelerator participants also have coworking memberships at reSET’s office space during the program.


  • Are there requirements to apply?

    We are looking for ventures that:


    Have generated revenue  OR have made efforts to raise funds, such as launching a kickstarter, or have taken significant steps in connecting with potential customers or users through a prototype survey or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).


    Can explain the value of your goods and services, initial research on competition, and rough financial projections through a business plan.


    Are for-profit* 


    Have an Impact focus - You have identified social or environmental impact; Intention for identifying social or environmental impact and measuring it.


    Please reach out to info@resetco.org to discuss these prerequisites. We can work together to help you prepare the best application. We also encourage you to schedule a discovery call with our team before applying.


    *Nonprofits are recommended to set up an intake call instead, to learn about other resources and opportunities.



  • What are the benefits of the program?

    The Impact Accelerator is a transformational experience. Starting from the application, we want to get to know each founder so that we can work together to understand and help you meet your goals for growth and impact. 


    You’ll get access to 1:1 coaching from the skilled facilitator, plus the chance to connect with other founders on your level. You’ll meet experts from our mentor pool of more than 50 individuals statewide. You’ll walk away with a solid pitch deck - we’re proud to say that many reSET accelerator grads have gone on to win pitch and funding competitions like Girls for Technology, CTNext and the Building For Equity Match Grants. 


    Key milestones that we aim to help each of our founders meet are: 

    • Identify & measure your impact
    • Identify strategic goals and map your path to reach them
    • Create and deliver a solid pitch presentation
    • Understand your financial reality and business financial projections
    • Learn the basics of raising money for your venture
    • Develop a strategic sales process
    • Protect your business - make sure you have sound legal structures, operating agreements, and systems in place to support your growth

    Other perks of participation include:

    • Built-in accountability group of peers in your cohort
    • Access to free legal advice and templates
    • Access to discounted services like Hubspot CRM
    • Build community with other entrepreneurs and mentors 
    • PR visibility - once you’re a reSET company we will be your cheerleaders for life. 
    • Opportunity to meet potential angel investors, and observe behind-the-scenes angel investor meetings

  • How much does it cost?

    To help cover the essentials of running this program in 2024, we charge a nominal fee of $600 ($150 per team per month from March through June for up to 3 members; additional members add $50 per month). 


    We encourage startups post-program to become members or contribute to the annual fund, to help “pay it forward” to the next cohort of entrepreneurs as your business grows. At this time we are not taking equity in companies.

  • If I go through the Accelerator, am I guaranteed to get funding?

    No. We will make sure you have a solid pitch deck and presentation, understand your financial needs, and introduce you to networks of potential funders, but we can’t guarantee you will get any type of funding. 

About You

  • Is this a full-time program? Do we have to be full-time founders?

    No. With our goal of reducing the barrier to entrepreneurship, we’ve designed our program with jobs, classes, families, etc. in mind. That said, our program does require time outside of the scheduled summits + workshops. Expect to spend an additional 5-10 hrs each week on 'homework' which will be really relevant to running your business, such as customer discovery, putting together your pitch deck, drafting financials, and more.  

  • Can I be a solo founder?

    Absolutely. We know that going it alone can be tough and we’re here to offer the support and network you need to drive your business forward.

  • I’m still at the idea stage. Am I eligible to sign up?

    The Accelerator is designed for entrepreneurs whose startup is past the initial concept stage and onto testing your MVP or is already generating revenue. If not, reach out and we’d be happy to connect with resources and other programs that can help get you started.

  • I’m not in Hartford. Can my startup participate?

    As a Hartford-based program, we have a soft spot for Hartford residents creating Hartford-based businesses that serve the greater Hartford area. That said, we’re not going to turn you away if  you are based in Connecticut and you’ve got an impactful and promising business that really benefits from our Impact Accelerator.

  • Can my startup participate if we’ve been a part of an incubator and/or accelerator before?

    You bet. Our program is designed to take your startup to the next level. If you’ve built and tested your MVP (minimal viable product) in a previous accelerator, we can establish your product market fit in our program. There already? Maybe your startup could really benefit from considering how it might become more of a social enterprise. Looking to expand a product line? Also a good time to consider signing up. See? There are plenty of options!

  • Do you think it would still be helpful for us to apply if we don’t need to raise money for a while?

    Sure thing. We aim to connect our startups with investors only where appropriate. Still, there are plenty of benefits from growing your network of mentors, collaborating with other entrepreneurs  and, at least, preparing to pitch to investors.

Get Started Today

Schedule a virtual meeting with a member of reSET.