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February 5, 2020

Got an idea for a business? Accelerator program can help

IMAGE | Pixabay.com
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

One entrepreneur’s business is teaching kids to cook. Another installs beehives and sells honey.

These are just a couple of examples of entrepreneurs who have benefitted from Collab’s accelerator programs.

Now it’s your turn.

Collab New Haven is currently accepting applications for its Spring Accelerator program.

The organization was formed in 2017 and works to help budding businesses, with a focus on nurturing entrepreneurship among people of color, women, LGBTQ+ and immigrants.

"With the Collab Accelerator, our goal is to provide entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence and connections they need to take their idea to the next level,” said Caroline Smith, co-founder and co-director (with Margaret Lee) of Collab. “Past Collab graduates have gone on to sell their first products to their customers, host events for their programs, and build broader awareness around their mission.”

According to Smith, program graduates are becoming “stronger leaders in their community — inspiring others to build ventures and projects, too."  

The 11-week program meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. It starts on April 1 and meets weekly, culminating with a June 3 “Pitch Day” and a final celebration on June 10.

Participants will receive assistance with developing their ideas, including workshops on subjects such as leadership and entrepreneurship, customer discovery, value propositions, business planning, business law, accounting, marketing and more.

Those selected will also get $1,000, weekly one-on-one coaching sessions, a mentor from the Collab Mentor Network, and an opportunity to pitch in front of both potential investors and the community.

Collab can provide those accepted into the program with child care, transportation to and from sessions, and interpreter services if needed. 

Participants from the Collab Spring Accelerator 2019.

After the program concludes, Collab works to support graduates with a goal of helping them succeed, including helping them build relationships with potential funders.

Past ventures have gone on to make significant strides toward their goals. The Huneebee Project, for example, was launched in 2018 and has trained beekeepers, planted pollinator gardens and installed honey bee colonies. It has started an online marketplace where it sells honey, seeds, vases and other products. Another venture, Cooking Social Kids, is helping young people learn to cook and make smart food choices.

The deadline to apply is March 8 at 11:59 p.m. Click here to apply.

Collab will host an information session at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at the New Haven Free Public Library, Performing Arts Area, 133 Elm St.

For additional information email Collab at team@collabnewhaven.org.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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