reSET in partnership with Breakfast Lunch & Dinner has announced the start of its fall Retail Incubator program with 14 businesses participating.
The businesses were selected from a competitive application process and focus on a variety of retail sectors, including fashion and apparel, art and design, food, cosmetics, and home goods. Participants are at the early stages of developing their ventures and will learn business model design, customer acquisition, startup financing, and retail market preparation over the 10-week program.
Participants will be showcased as Retail Incubator Vendors at a pop-up during KNOW GOOD Market organized by Breakfast Lunch & Dinner on Thursday November 10, and will be ready to participate in additional holiday and winter markets in the Hartford area.
“In an age when buyers can get anything via a click and retail is dominated by national brands, unique home-grown retail experiences contribute to the vibrancy of the Hartford Region,” said reSET Executive Director Sarah Bodley. “Strengthening local entrepreneurs is core to reSET’s mission, and we’re thrilled about the range of offerings from this cohort who are developing retail solutions that address local needs in their community,” she added.
“The Retail Incubator is a component of Breakfast Lunch & Dinner’s Floor–Plan retail activation initiative, and we’re excited to welcome this cohort of entrepreneurs to contribute to the vitality of Hartford’s retail and small businesses,” said Breakfast Lunch & Dinner Partner Joshua Jenkins. He continued, “Through their participation in this program, these entrepreneurs will be well-positioned to access additional resources through BL&D’s pop-up events such as KNOW GOOD Market, The CAF by Cafeteria retail storefront, and e-commerce platform.”
The program Retail Incubator will be facilitated by Momentum Life Mastery Coaching Founder Typhanie Winfield-Alexander, a certified life coach, trainer, and proud reSET Impact Accelerator alumna. Typhanie is also a class of 2022 recipient of the 100 Women of Color Awards.
The fall Retail Incubator includes:
3rd Eye FC LLC founded by James Black
Creates safe spaces for creatives and athletes to leverage their skills and talents.
Airis LLC founded by Lindaluz Carrillo
Creating a space where people can explore their creativity outside what they imagine.
Amparo Merced founded by Veronica Brown
A loungewear company providing comfort for plus-size bodies via sustainable and comfortable collections.
Cool Bri’s Smoothies founded by Brianna Gervickas
Creates awesome smoothies with organic fruit and fun ingredients at your event or in your fridge.
By Dani Simone Studio founded by Dani Simone
A luxury custom corset wedding dress brand with a mission to train BIPOC in sewing and fashion tech with the goal of creating employee-owned small batch manufacturing businesses for the community.
Desde Almagro con Amor founded by Colleen Fitzgerald and Pablo Werner
Sells a curated collection of artisanal, handcrafted., and vintage pieces that support indigenous artists who create beautiful objects using the finest materials.
The D.N.A. Shop founded by Jose Arroyo
A modern print shop and online marketplace specializing in printing custom apparel.
Glossy Diva Cosmetics & Supplies, LLC: founded by Sharla Weaver
A 100% vegan/organically based cosmetic product and service company promoting safe, healthy, natural ingredients and regimens for sensitive skin clients and providing hands-on education and training.
Good Vibez founded by Akilah Christina Hill
Believes in spreading positivity by removing the negative energy from our hearts and minds, uplifting ourselves and others, being free, and inhaling the freshness of life.
Hecho by Helena founded by Helena Martinez
A Latina-owned business with a mission to empower all Latin generations through sassy Spanish and English phrased creations and eye-catching art.
Kobéy Enterprises LLC founded by Kobéy Smith
A merchandise company that sells mindfulness-themed merchandise to inform people about meditation and mental health awareness.
Risarranged by LMB founded by Larissa Boni
A photographic art and design business that creates items made to appreciate, celebrate, and decorate the everyday.
SweetHouse Creations LLC founded by Deirdre Brickhouse
A licensed home bakery specializing in vegan and gluten-free desserts and food items.
Xarea LLC founded by Xarea Lockhart
A clothing and accessories label that aims to create sweet, simple, and responsibly made accessible luxuries.