Startups
Read success stories and lessons learned from dozens of startups in every stage from many different industries.
Helping Creativepreneurs Thrive
“It can be a lonely, isolating experience if nobody around you understands that you’re trying to be an artist, or start an art business, or launch something new. The main takeaway is feeling supported and having community around you as you’re on this journey,” says The Un.Inc Co-Founder Ben Wright Gibson
Pet Care Services Startup Finds Success in West Hartford
Katelyn Smiley shares about founding K8’s Pet Care Services and the experience of becoming a small business owner.
Entrepreneur Builds and Grows Wellness Center
“I’m all about resources and being connected,” says Healing Springs Wellness Center Founder Shawniel Chamanlal.
From Baker to Business Owner
“If I can do it, anybody can do it. And if something’s not working out for you, you can always reinvent yourself,” advises Little Owls Bakery Owner Stephanie Barnes.
From Special Education Teacher to Business Owner
“If you have an idea and you have the passion behind it, you can figure the rest out,” advises The Power Within Project Founder Natalie Scheidt.
Providing Health Advocacy in CT
CT HealthAdvocate Founder Ria Pattison shares about transitioning to opening her own business: “The biggest challenge was overcoming my fear of failure and taking a step back to realize success doesn’t happen overnight,” she says.
RINZED Provides Innovative Laundry Service in Connecticut
“One of the best tips I always remind myself about is consistency. If you can stay consistent and keep going, there’s always going to be a light at the end of the tunnel because every tunnel has an end,” advises RINZED LLC Co-Owner Rahjay Lugg.
CT Startup Serves Bespoke Scoops and Sprinkles
“I always knew I wanted to be my own boss and create something cool to market to people,” says Chill Out Ice Cream Founder Casie Sullivan.
CT Entrepreneur Finds Her Passion in Providing Multiple Services
“My biggest piece of advice is to find something you’re passionate about, whether it’s a service or a product you’re building. Once you find something you’re passionate about you’re going to get to your purpose,” says Tiffany Young of TIFFANYYOUNG From Pain to Purpose, LLC.
Helping Local Small Businesses Thrive
“As far as advice from an entrepreneurial standpoint, you just need to start,” advises Giverrang Head of Programs Mark Walerysiak Jr. “That’s what happened with us. If we didn’t start, there’s no way we would be even close to where we are right now.”
CT Entrepreneur Accelerates Her HR & Culture Architecture Business
“I’ve always embraced an entrepreneurial, innovative spirit and enjoyed using my skills and expertise to serve others,” says HR Zoom and HR Swag Shop Founder Orlena Cowan-Bailey.
CT Life Coach Focuses on Being Present in the Journey
“As a solopreneur, I have to be very realistic about what I’m trying to achieve and how—and aligning the entrepreneurial journey into the life I live every day,” says Momentum Life Mastery Coaching Founder Typhanie Alexander.
CT Entrepreneur Accelerates Her Health and Beauty Business
“I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. I knew early on that I didn’t want to work for someone for the rest of my life,” says Jodi Cup of Health Owner Jodi Bryan.
The Caf by Cafeteria Opens Flagship Store in Hartford
“There are so many new businesses coming to Hartford adding to the city’s vibrancy,” noted Marian Andoh, Director of Small Business Development at the Chamber. “What’s great about The Caf is the tie to local makers and creators.”
CT-Based Photographer and Graphic Design Specialist
Royal Lilac Photo & Design, LLC Founding CEO and Creative Director Rondasia Curry shares about launching her company in 2020 and why she’s passionate about teaching others.
Columns Dance and Wellness Centre Is Dedicated to Supporting Dance
Why did Sonia Plumb create Columns Dance and Wellness Centre? “It had been in my mind that Hartford needed a space dedicated to dance, particularly modern dance, that also had a performance and wellness space,” she explains.
CT Construction Startup Combines Creativity, Craftsmanship, and Technology
“As an entrepreneur, having people you can trust in your circle is very important,” says Leading Edge Construction Owner Todd Lessard.
The Greener Gift Enhances Eco-Consciousness
“My advice is to find people who support you. Find people you can talk things out with and those who can help pick you up and keep pushing you through the challenging times,” says The Greener Gift Founder Lolly Nicol.
CT Custom Woodworking Shop
“If you have a business idea, my advice is definitely just do it. If you feel it in your soul, you can absolutely make it happen,” says Dusty Dude Woodworks Co-Owner Carolyn Verikas.
CT-Based Custom Gift Box Company Mia Bella
“As we were talking about starting a new venture, we had to consider what would still be relevant if something like the pandemic were to come up again, where everything around you shuts down,” explains Daria Luczkowski, who Co-Founded custom gift box company Mia Bella with her mother, Ewa Zagorska.
btone Fitness Finds Its Place In Hartford
“There’s a connection between the businesses downtown that’s almost like a brotherhood. The idea of joining that kind of community is really exciting,” says btone Fitness Hartford Co-Owner Emily Walsh.
Providing Creative Space for Creatives
“I’ve always been inspired by community and bringing people together. That’s how the space came to mind,” says photographer Kelly Peterson, who recently opened The Pineapple Space, a unique shared space for creatives.
CT-Based History Chip Creates A Global Collaborative Storytelling Website
“It’s a serious passion project for me. And if there’s a way to maintain that momentum, I’m going to do that because it’s not a question how much money I can make doing this, it’s really a question of how to make it happen,” says History Chip Founder Jean McGavin.
CT Publishing Company Elevates Multicultural Literature for Young Readers
“This business isn’t just about me, but it’s about building the community around me and people seeing that there’s value in the community,” says Lauren Simone Publishing House Founder Dr. Melissa-Sue John.
Hydroponics the Key to Innovative Food Delivery
“This is just the start, but it is an important start. It gives people a chance to take control of their own food security, at the individual level,” says Levo International Founder Christian Heiden.
CT “Shef” Innovates and Accelerates
“I have so many ideas for other food products and I want to continue to grow my brand. I’m at the place right now where I want to learn everything and learn from everybody,” says Breakfast Belle Founder “Shef” Tori Brown.
CT Entrepreneur Is Creating More Than An Outlet for Healing and Inspiration
What does More Than A Coloring Book Founder Shyanne Valentine hope to gain from participating in the reSET Impact Accelerator: “I hope to build my network with other local entrepreneurs and gain the knowledge I need to fine tune my business,” she says.
Female Entrepreneur Empowers Other Female Entrepreneurs
“Be ready to pivot. As entrepreneurs, we need to be light on our feet and not stick with something that’s not working—that could be a team member, a niche, or a program/product you’re offering. Don’t be married to anything. Be ready to be nimble,” advises Biz With Grace Founder Grace Napolitano.
CT Entrepreneur Is Helping Hartford Become a Bridal Destination
“I’m committed to helping empower the community through economic development and entrepreneurship,” says By Dani Simone Studio Founder Dani Simone, who plans to open a bridal shop, The Hartford Bride in Hartford.
Connecting CT Students with CT Startups
Learn about how Startups & Scholars (S&S) provides personalized matchmaking, connecting local student freelancers with local startups and entrepreneurs.
Israeli-Based InsurTech Startup Sees Value In A Hartford Location
“When we visited Hartford in the fall, we were very impressed by the State of Connecticut welcome and the region’s desire to attract innovation and promote the InsurTech ecosystem,” says Psyber CEO and Co-Founder Noam Zolberg.
Teaching About And Living The Entrepreneurial Dream
“There’s a lot of time in the day and, whether you’re working on your business at nights or on weekends, it’s very possible to get an idea off the ground. And there’s really nothing stopping you from just trying something and seeing if it can work,” advises Wesleyan University professor and Healthy PlanEat Founder Rosemary Ostfeld.
Junity Helps Create Opportunities for Local Youth
Junity President Janoye Williams shares about the biggest startup challenge: “Really understanding what the problem is…and then trying to ensure that our solution aligns to the problem,” he admits.
CT Startup Helps Build Thriving Remote and Hybrid Teams
“My biggest advice is to be persistent. You’re not going to get things right the first time,” says BeRemote Chief Operations Officer Kevin Gardiner. “You’ve got to constantly ideate, iterate, and adjust your plan and your message.”
Rundown Comes to Hartford’s Pratt Street
“As long as I can remember, I’ve always gravitated toward the idea of being my own boss,” says Rundown Owner Christian Scott. “It’s an unmatched feeling knowing that every ounce of my day is dedicated to building a future for my family and me.”
My Local Chefs Creates An Innovative Revenue Stream for Connecticut Food Businesses
“Surround yourself with people who are experts in their field, people who are smarter than you,” advises My Local Chefs Founder Vanessa Sena.
Home Organization Startup Connects with CT Community
“If you have something you really love doing and you want to make a business out of it, then do it because you’re going to be successful if it’s something you’re truly passionate about,” advises Harmonious Homesteads Founder Christina Anthony.
CT Startup Aims to Elevate Local Foodpreneurs
“I believe so much in NearPlate because I see it as a way to give people a sense of pride, a sense of community, a sense of belonging, and a sense of security. Because when your business is thriving, you feel a lot more secure,” says Co-Founder Masem Enyong.
CT Startup Provides a Training Platform for First Responders and EMTs
“Be ready to pivot because, however great an idea you have, it may not be what the market wants, especially if there are not already people out there who know how to buy what you want to sell,” advises Mission CIT CEO and Co-Founder Warren Fisher.
Hartford’s Own AfroFuturistric, Black-Owned Bookstore
“When people think about spending local, one of the first types of business they think of tends to be a local bookstore,” says Key Bookstore Owner and Founder Khamani Harrison.
CT Interior Designer Brings Harmony to Local Homes and Businesses
“I found that, as a new small business, Connecticut has been very welcoming. There are so many smart people out there who are willing to cater to small businesses, which made the whole starting out process fairly easy,” says Vibrant Interiors Founder Mary Grace Peak.
Startup Mortgage Wholesaler TPO GO
“Making myself dive in the deep end and learn how to swim really forced me to do the things that needed to be done,” says TPO GO Account Executive/Team Lead Southeast Region Trey Van de Bogart.
YJ Cleaning and Maintenance Networks and Grows
"Network and learn from others. That’s how I really grew, by meeting people and learning from them," says YJ Cleaning and Maintenance LLC Founder Willie Jones.
West Hartford Inventor Patents Innovative Backyard Tool
“Once I had the idea, I had to convince myself that this was a product that could make it one day,” says Ultimate Leaf Lifter creator Bruce Feldman. “With other ideas I’d had, I was too late. Someone else had got it to market. I’d see my idea on the shelf at Bed Bath & Beyond and smack my forehead! That tells me that my ideas are worthy and it gave me the confidence I needed.”
Hospitality-Designer Launches Home Decor Auxiliary and Gift Shop
“My advice to business professionals starting their own business is to always take time to journal their ideas in a notebook and include the dates. Let your spirit guide the vision. Take risks throughout your life, especially when you feel your life is at a standstill,” advises BEEAHOS Inc. Founder Barbara Elizabeth.
Indian Robotics Startup Finds a Home in Hartford
“One thing the Stanley+Techstars Accelerator program and even the network of Hartford has enabled us to do is connect to the right people who can provide guidance,” says Peer Robotics CEO and Co-Founder Rishabh Agarwal.
CT Skin Care Startup Ital Creations
“My advice for new entrepreneurs is to continue to push forward. There will be times when you feel like giving up but don’t,” says Ital Creations Owner Audrene Dias.
Hartford Has A Startup Independent Record Label
“For those beginning their entrepreneurial journey, I encourage you to approach it with as much fervor as patience,” advises Funnybone Records Owner Dylan Healy.
Specialty Coffee Company Aims to Diversify The Food And Beverage Industry
“From a traditional point of view, starting this business was challenging because we’re in a pandemic. But my passion for business ownership, coffee, our community, and making an impact made it easier,” says Jermaine Frazer-Phillips of Big Up Brew.
CT Entrepreneurs Develop an Innovative Way to Celebrate Life Events
Startup advice from E-Bration Co-Founder Jeff Cohen, “If you have an idea you feel passionate about it, just go for it.”
Kidpreneurs Promote the Power of Positivity
“For years, the boys had been building a list of all these phrases they wanted to share with the world to help people feel better about themselves. They came to us one morning in the fall of 2019 and said, we want to start a company and we want to be We Shine. I said, okay!” explains We Shine Apparel & Accessories mom and COO Jaclyn.
Handmade Body Butters Made in CT
“My business is totally e-commerce right now. When you’re an entrepreneur, you don’t always have the funding you need to open a shop. You start where you can. You have to crawl before you can walk,” says Temple Body Butter Founder and Owner June Lyons.
Lost Lands Collections Finds and Keeps Its CT Connection
Find out how female photography and styling duo Jade Soto and Marianne Bell used the pandemic as an opportunity to collaborate and launch fairytale photography and styling company Lost Lands Collections.
Reboot Eco Finds Small Business Success in CT
“I wouldn’t even begin to know how to define an entrepreneur,” admits Reboot Eco Founder Yasemin Ugurlu. “ I think it could include anyone willing to break the mold, take a risk, and pursue their dreams.”
WeHa Fit Founder Finds Passion in Helping Others Get Healthy
“I think a lot of people think they need to get everything in place before they can launch. Just go for it, figure out how to make money, and deal with the challenges as they arise,” advises WeHa Fit Owner Mike Walker.
With The Help Of Goodwin’s Entrepreneurial Program, Nutmeg Kettlecorn Plans To Open Storefront
“If you think you can plan to be fail-safe from any mistakes, then you’re truly not in business,” emphasizes Nutmeg Kettlecorn Co-Founder Robbin Jackson.
Drumroll Coffee Roasters Talks Entrepreneurial Risks and Entrepreneurial Rewards
“We wanted the focus to be on offering a selection of high-quality coffee beans rather than assuming the risk of opening a coffee shop and competing with others,” explains Drumroll Coffee Roasters Co-Owner Vincent Federici.
CT Nonprofit Startup Fostering the Community
“When you have authenticity and you connect to your mission, other people connect to it, too,” says Fostering the Community President and CEO Jennifer Fell. “The doors open because people want to help and they want to support you.”
CT Serial Entrepreneur Offers Creative Outdoor Dining Experience
Entrepreneurial advice from serial entrepreneur Mary Leigh Enders, founder of The Picnic Project: “If you start from a place of authenticity in yourself, then you’re never compromising your joy.”
CT Couple Manufactures Innovative Teddy Bear
“You’re learning constant lessons from the moment of the idea, all the way through each stage. It takes patience and total openness about trying things and making errors to get to the finish line,” says Tooth Bear-y creator Elizabeth Carroll.
CT Entrepreneur Committed to Strengthening Organizations for Social Change
“I approach the work I do with a lot of humility, something I learned early on. It’s also part of who I am and something that I continue to uplift as I do my work,” says Moon Shadow Consulting, LLC Founder Wendy Brown Helmkamp.
Creative Content Marketers Cater to Small Business Owners
“My best advice is to just go out there and do it. Work hard, put in the time and the effort, and you will find success,” says RSP LLC Co-Owner and Chief Marketing Officer Jason Pinette.
Hartford Yoga Studio Provides Opportunities for Local Creatives
“Owning a business is always going to be stressful, so you have to let things roll off your back and remember to be grateful for what is working,” advises Afterglow Studio Owner Jane Krantz.
Storyteller’s Cottage Pivots from In-Person to Online Activities
“The Storyteller’s Cottage was originally founded to ‘Bring Literature to Life.’ When it became impossible to create in-person events based on literature, I changed course to instruct literature fans how to do so themselves,” explains The Storyteller’s Cottage Founder Lisa Natcharian.
Hartford Entrepreneur Launches Marketing and Design Startup
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” says Neck of the Woods Marketing Founder Kyle Shemanskis.
CT Gifting Company Showcases Local Small Businesses and Artisans
“We feel passionate about our business because we know how challenging the past year has been for all small businesses and we’ve created a new way to showcase them,” says Nutmeg + Honey Co-Founder Jordan Abbott.
CT Startup Marketing Business Wants to Help Small Businesses Succeed
"Come up with a realistic plan, set your goals, and then just do it," advises Northland Marketing Owner Bri Michaud.
CT Covidpreneur Opens Online Yarn Shop
“For anybody even remotely thinking about getting into business for themselves, I would tell them just to do it,” advises Sassy Black Yarns Founder Lakisher Hurst.
Goodwin’s ENet Program Helps Launch Successful Barbershop
“Because of the ENet entrepreneurial program at Goodwin University, I got the experience of turning the lights on for the first time in my own business,” says Look Sharp Barbershop owner Ob Lugo.
Curated CT Supports Small Businesses and Showcases Local Artisans
"The more people I meet—whether through networking or mutual friends—the more I see the Curated CT concept being embraced, which is very validating," says Founder and Owner Donald Pendagast.
CT Entrepreneur Still ROCing—and Now Smashing
“Every business I open has got to be innovative and it’s got to affect positive change in people,” says, BODYROC Fit Lab CEO and Founder Shaun Chambers, who recently co-founded Smash Avenue.
Hartford InsurTech Startup Finds Value in Community
Combined Ratio Solutions Co-Founders Michael Jones, Chief Executive Officer and Luke Magnan, Chief Operating Officer share about their experience launching an InsurTech startup and the importance of locating their business in Hartford.
CT Customer Clothier and Innovative Entrepreneur
“One thing that was really important for me before pulling the trigger and leaving my good job was the ability to look forward. I could see opportunities coming,” says Bards Clothing Founder Matthew Banever.
Hartford-Based Digital Health Startup Silver Fern Healthcare
“One of the things we love about Hartford is that it’s a very manageable city in terms of size and we’ve made some great contacts between all of our networks,” says Silver Fern Healthcare Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Colleen McGuire.
West Hartford Entrepreneur Provides Inclusive Cheerleading Opportunities
West Hartford-based CT Hart Cheer provides instructional cheerleading classes, performance team opportunities, and camps and clinics for athletes of all ages, abilities, and levels.
Student Entrepreneur and Innovator Creates Autonomous Robot for the Agriculture Industry
“Team collaboration is really important for startups,” says Land Maverick LLC Founder and CEO Emily Yale.
CT Entrepreneur Launches Sports Performance Company
Green Light Sports Performance Founder Connor Green shares about his startup experience.
Coffee and Tea Startup INI Sips Gives Back to Community
INI Sips Co-Founder Davina Ismail shares about the business evolution.
CT Entrepreneur Provides Virtual Programming for Youth
"With the pandemic and schools closing, I had to think outside the box," says Creativista Charm Founder Tia Miller.
UConn Student Founds Innovative Social Enterprise Nonprofit
"We’re looking to create sustainable impact, which includes our dollars and how we’re investing in a community," says Levo International Founder Christian Heiden.
CareerPath Mobile Helps Engage Connecticut’s Workforce
"Programs like ours that can engage people remotely have become essential," explains CareerPath Mobile Founder/CEO Richard Portelance.
Global Digital Health Startup Creates a Presence in Hartford
“I’ve learned the CEO’s role is about not just leading the team, it’s about finding the right talent to create a team to make everything happen,” says ONESOFTDIGM CEO and Co-Founder Chang Hun (Douglass) Lee.
Startup Creates Employment Opportunities for Adults with Special Needs
Find out more about SockStarz, a social enterprise novelty sock business developed by Harc, Inc. to create employment opportunities for adults with special needs.
Hartford-Based Attorney with a Social Mission
“I want to be intentional about how I’m building my business. My client load needs to be big enough to make the business sustainable, but small enough that I can achieve my mission goals in terms of what I give—and what I receive from giving,” says Isis M. Irizarry, Founder of The Law Offices of Isis M. Irizarry.
KARO Swimwear Joins Think Pop-Up in Downtown Hartford
"With KARO Swimwear, my vision was always to create a unique product," emphasizes CEO Kasia Roginska.
CT Startup Digitally Connects Volunteers to Those Who Need Services
UR Community Cares, Inc. co-founders Michelle Puzzo and M.D. Birmingham have created a charity that digitally connects volunteers to elderly and physically disabled people who are homebound.
CT Startup Aims to Bring Mindfulness to Inner City Communities
The Wellness Initiative Inc. Founder Devin McCrorey shares about his startup experience and his passion for introducing mindfulness and meditation to communities he feels need it most.
Young Entrepreneur Encourages Healthy Lifestyle in Hartford
“When I first started, people told me: It’s the wrong time to do it. You can’t open a business in Hartford. I told them: This is Hartford. Hartford has a chance. You just have to believe in Hartford enough to make change,” says Breakthrough Nutrition Founder Emanuel Morales.
16 Impact Accelerator Startups Aim to Grow Their Businesses in Hartford in 2020
Learn about the 16 startups participating in the 2020 Impact Accelerator at reSET in this writeup from CT by the Numbers.
Female Entrepreneur Turns Love of Music into Full-Time DJ Business
Qiana Coachman-Strickland (a.k.a. DJ Q Boogie) shares about how her passion developed and when she knew it was time to take the leap to launch her start up.
CT Startup Helps Small Businesses Track the Ways They’re Doing Good
"We want to help small businesses recognize that the investment they make in the community can also help drive their businesses," explains seedership co-founder Jennifer Smithberger.
CT Trio Finds Success with a Four-Way Outdoor Gaming Net
Find out how Connecticut natives Greg Meade, MikeDelpapa, and Chris Meade created the idea for CROSSNET, a unique game that merges traditional volleyball with four square.
Ali Lazowski Builds a Business in Connecticut
Bare Life founder Ali Lazowski talks about launching a startup and becoming a part of the Hartford-area entrepreneurial ecosystem.
CT Entrepreneur Awards 2018 Winner Update: Hartford Artisans Weaving Center
The CT Entrepreneur Awards is following up with 2018 award winners, starting with Hartford Artisans Weaving Center Director Fran Curran, who won 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year: Social Good.
Where Are They Now? Follow Up with CareerPath Mobile
"Entrepreneurism will buoy the economy by providing new types of jobs and unique opportunities that attract young, eager minds," says CareerPath Mobile Founder/CEO Richard Portelance.
Meet Hartford Native and Entrepreneur Natasha Harris
Hartford native Natasha Harris is studying for her doctorate in business psychology, running her startup NaBii Organics, and in the process of becoming a business consultant.
CT Entrepreneur Helps Early-Stage Startups with Pitches
“I really want to bring more entrepreneurship to Hartford, and I’m hoping this role and my work with Vitches will help,” says Girls For Technology Program Manager Victoria Parisi who recently launched Vitches, a business aimed to help early-stage startups with their pitches.
CT Startup Offers Floatation Therapy, Gives Back to Local Veterans
Float Forty One co-founder Sarah LaTeano shared about her experience launching a startup in Greater Hartford and why she is passionate about providing float experiences to those who have served in the military.
UConn Alumni Create a Marketplace for Wheel Enthusiasts
“We hear the concept of failing fast and I really think it speaks to being resilient,” says WheelPrice co-founder Wally Namane.
CT Startup Creates Fundraising Events for Nonprofits
Mary O’Neill founded Get Your Bingo On! For the Cause in May 2019 to help local nonprofits raise funds in a new way.
Young Entrepreneur Launches Startup to Help Small Business Owners
Bridge Connection LLC Founder Patrick O’Connor offers advice for other younger entrepreneurs: If you have an idea, you think it’s sustainable, and you think there’s a way to monetize it, write a plan, stick to it, and be ready to change that plan in an instant.
CT Business Owners Launch Innovative, Healthy Lifestyle Business
“The only way for your business to work is to be passionate about what you do,” says Salon Medusa co-founder Steven Adelstein, who with his partner Sandro Vernali, recently launched Believe in the Magick.
The Coder School Opens Second Location in Glastonbury, CT
After opening in Farmington, we had interest from many people who lived east of the river,” says co-owner Vaishali Shah. "We thought: Why not just open another location in Glastonbury?”
Hartford Startup Aims to Help Retailers Grow Online
“Hartford is a great city to house an eCommerce consulting firm like Plura Interactive,” says Founder Timothy Paskowski.
West Hartford-Based Small Business Heir Cash Now
By networking and building relationships with people in different fields, it’s possible to exchange knowledge without spending a fortune,” says Heir Cash Now, LLC Manager Matthew Lakenbach.
West Hartford-Based Fitness Startup Knockout Fitness
Knockout Fitness Owner Antony Atallah on business ownership: “No matter what you do, it’s going to be a challenge, so why not take the leap and do you what you truly believe in?”
Startup Manufactures New Product in CT
“I decided to headquarter my business and manufacturer my product in Connecticut to support the local economy,” says Fingaz Bowl CEO Julien Debelle Duplan.
Creative Entrepreneur Opens Seven Ravens Tattoo
Creative entrepreneur Erica Lynn launched her own company Seven Ravens Tattoo in July 2018. “I think more than anything I did it to just have a space where it’s about the energy of just my clients and myself,” she says.
CT Entrepreneur Provides Career and Life Coaching for Students
“Being an entrepreneur means you were born to run businesses with your passion for business and people—any business!” says Lori Theriault is CEO & Founder of WORK IT!
Hartford-Based Social Enterprise Company Shares Updates
“We think entrepreneurship and social change are social in nature, so the closer we can get those people to one another, the better we’ll all be,” says Breakfast Lunch & Dinner co-founder Jeff Devereux about the recent collaboration with reSET.
West Hartford Business Owner Shares Updates
“I love that the landscape of Connecticut is growing—there are always new shops and restaurants. I love being involved in that. There’s so much to experience,” says Samantha Hines, Co-Owner of West Hartford-based Cookshop Plus.
CT Business Owner Shares About Her Entrepreneurial Journey
Ayelet Connell of Healthy Eating Made Simple with Ayelet Connell PhD shares updates about her entrepreneurial journey with IDH.
CT Startup Café Opens Second Location in Hartford
“Being an entrepreneur means we can provide a differentiated service and product. We can create community by offering a comfortable space and fresh foods and drinks. We can show our children they should not be afraid to try if they ever want to branch out on their own,” says Andrea Hawkins, Co-Founder of Berkins Blend and Berkins on Oak.
Innovative Startup Provides 3D Virtual Property Tours
“Our long-term goal as a company is to create a virtual online community for metro Hartford where people can visit shops, houses, restaurants, historic sites, art galleries, and more, so the rest of the world can tune into what we have to offer here in Connecticut,” says 360 Properties Founder Johnny Bello.
Parkville Sounds Provides a Creative Space for Musicians
"Hartford is not like New Haven or New York City. Anything you can put your mind to is really possible," says Parkville Sounds Founder Stephen Cusano.
CT Startup Finds Success with Laser Engraved Chocolate
“When you’re starting something new you must be adaptable to what you think is going to happen and the reality of what happens. You can’t just think: If you build it they will come,” advises of Noteworthy Chocolates co-founder Michael Sauvageau.
Entrepreneurs Open Gyms in Greater Hartford
“When we first opened we were afraid of failure. To look back now and see that we did it—and now we’ve done it three times?! It feels incredible,” says WIP Fitness Co-Founder Laura Keever.
Social Impact Startup Creates Customized Subscription Boxes for Dogs
“We decided to create a company that spends most of its profits on giving back. It’s important to be to be able to produce income I can put back into society,” says Toby’s Treasure Box Founder Kyle Knight.
Hartford-Based Printing Company Finds Its Place in Parkville
Located in the historic manufacturing neighborhood of Parkville in Hartford, CT, IdleWilde Printing Company offers graphic design and screen printing services.
Hartford-Based Startup Provides Innovative Drone Technology
Entrepreneurial advice from Candoo CEO & Co-Founder Michael Xu: “Throw something out, listen to feedback, and then throw something better and newer out until you’re better than everyone else on the market.”
Asarasi Shares Updates About the Startup
Connecticut startup Asarasi on the importance of supporting entrepreneurship in Connecticut: “A lot of terrific companies need help in Connecticut. By providing necessary support and incentives, they would be more inclined to stay and grow in the state rather than look for resources in other geographies.”
UConn Grad Develops Innovative Medical Device
Lactation Innovations Chief Executive Officer Brittany Molkenthin talks about her entrepreneurial journey and her experience bringing an innovative new product to market.
Startup Provides Risk Management Software for Businesses
FieldOwler LLC Co-Founder Mark Barry shares what he hopes to gain from the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator and his plans to become more involved with the Connecticut entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Connecticut Company Provides Co-Parenting Tools
Two Happy Homes Founder Traci Whitney joined the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator to get support to help grow her business. She told Innovation Destination Hartford about her startup experience and future goals.
Startup Launches Natural Beauty Product Line
Sami Jo Jensen, Founder + Chief Beauty Maker at florapothecarie, shared what she hopes to gain from participating in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator and the advice she’s received about being a business owner.
Startup Brings Fitness/Dance Workouts to Wethersfield, CT
CNG Fit Founder and CEO Brandi Kilbourne told Innovation Destination Hartford about the importance of making connections when launching a startup.
Startup Makes Smartphones Accessible for the Visually Impaired
Boaz Zilberman, CEO of Israeli-based Project Ray, discussed the evolution of the startup, challenges the company has encountered, and the importance of creating a U.S. presence in Connecticut.
Startup Provides Messaging Solutions for Nonprofits and Growing Businesses
SKYWIREme Founder Jeremy Smith talked to Innovation Destination Hartford about what he hopes to gain from participating in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator.
Food and Beverage Startup for Healthy Eating
Bare Life Founder Ali Lazowski discussed some of her startup challenges and her experience participating in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator.
Global InsurTech Startup Creates a Presence in Hartford
Aureus Analytics CEO & Co-Founder Anurag Shah shares about how and why the InsurTech startup chose to create a presence in Hartford, CT.
Where Are They Now? Follow Up with Blue Earth Compost
CT Entrepreneur Creates Space for Literary Events and Adventures
The Storyteller's Cottage provides a unique space for public and private events including book clubs and literary escape rooms.
Entrepreneurial Operating System-Based Consulting Startup
Meet Bernadette Bolton, Founder of Be Real Culture, a Connecticut-area Entrepreneurial Operating System-based consulting startup.
West Hartford Entrepreneur Launches Food Delivery Startup
What does being an entrepreneur meant to NALA’s Kitchen Founder Rebeca Tuinei? “It means being your own boss. Taking that one idea you really love and seeing what goes into it to make it become not a dream but a reality.”
CT Entrepreneurs Turn Passion into Fruitful Startup
Simply Jam Co-Founders Julia and Mike Stewart share about their experience as entrepreneurs bringing a local, handmade product to market.
CT Startup Campaign for Tomorrow’s Jobs
There is so much opportunity, especially for startups, in Hartford,” says Brett Broesder, Co-Founder and Vice President of Campaign for Tomorrow’s Jobs. “Hartford remains a place that has a lot to offer entrepreneurs.”
Social Impact Startup Engages Students in Career Development
CareerPath Mobile is one of many startups participating in the 2017 reSET Impact Accelerator, a program designed for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development.
Startup Concept Cyber Café Promotes Community Building
“The business coaches have been really great. And more importantly, our involvement in the accelerator exposed us to them,” says Berkins Blend Co-Founder Andréa Hawkins about the startup’s participation in the 2017 reSET accelerator program.
Chilean-Based Startup Part of CT Accelerator
“Don’t be afraid to go and ask for advice. You can ask questions to find out whether or not you have a good idea and then you can start drawing a better picture of what you should be doing,” advises Tomás Sánchez CEO of Alma Suite. The Chilean-based startup is participating in the reSET accelerator.