Twelve Early Stage Food Companies Engage in reSET’s Two-Month Program to Grow Their Food Businesses
reSET, the Hartford-based entrepreneur support organization committed to nurturing businesses with a social mission, is proud to announce the twelve participating businesses in the sixth edition of its Food Incubator cohort.
The Food Incubator program provides expertise and time for entrepreneurially-minded people to take the seed of a food idea and create a new business. Starting in March, the entrepreneurs are developing their food businesses by exploring customer discovery, market development, pricing their products, business plan structuring, sales and marketing channels, and food-specific licensing and certification.
“reSET is excited to continue our work with new food entrepreneurs in this year’s outstanding cohort,” said Sarah Bodley, reSET’s Executive Director. “We seek out entrepreneurs who have an interest in making positive change through their business. Food entrepreneurs we speak with are already thinking deeply about their environmental and cultural impact, and we aim to help them navigate the essential steps of business development, to grow with intention.”
The program is facilitated by Katrice Claudio, reSET’s Food Program Manager, with assistance from members of the Hartford Culinary Collaborative. Since the launch of the Food Incubator program in 2019, reSET has graduated over 70 food businesses, adding to over 270 alumni companies across all of reSET’s incubator and accelerator programs.
“We have gathered entrepreneurs with an impressive range of ideas from catering, food trucks, spice blends and seasoning products, a coffee truck, bakers, breadmakers, bartenders, and more, who are looking to bring their unique food ventures to life,” commented Katrice Claudio, Food Program Manager. “Our program is designed to provide the guidance, resources, and mentorship needed to navigate the complexities of the food industry and build sustainable businesses with a meaningful social mission. I look forward to the significant impact in the culinary landscape that this cohort will make, while also contributing positively to our community’s economic and social fabric.”
Thanks to a $2.225 million 5-year grant awarded in 2022 as part of reSET’s participation in the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Grants Program to Support Small Businesses, reSET’s DECD-supporting programming includes the Food Incubator, Food Accelerator, Floor–Plan Retail Incubator, and Digital Marketing Mastermind program. All of these programs award microgrants to each participating entrepreneur for business expenses upon completion of the programs.
Save the Date to Meet the Food Incubator Entrepreneurs!
On May 1, the public is invited to experience these emerging businesses at the “Focus @ reSET” concluding event showcasing the graduating businesses, to be held at the Lyceum in Hartford. Event attendees will have a chance to support and shape the growth of these new veneers by offering feedback and serving as a focus group for the new food entrepreneurs. Tickets and more information are available here:
Entrepreneurs in the 2024 Food Incubator Are:
Sasha Allen Walton, Sasha’s Whole Earth,(@sashaswholeearth) provides a holistic approach to herbal tea blends that offer healing to the mind, body and spirit.
Karen Amaker, Good for the Soul Food, a food truck specializing in soul food and Jamaican cuisine.
Mark and Marissa Belgrave, Los Barbados, (@losbarbados2021)a pop-up restaurant specializing in authentic Bajan grilled goods and desserts.
Sara Sutton & Maria Bergan, Pachamama’s Empanadas, offering crispy empanada treats in the palm of your hand.
Alwyn Clarke, Momentum Spice, (@momentumspice) is a spice and seasoning company.
Samantha Dale, Spyc Babe Catering, (@spycbabe) offers event catering, meal prep and date night services. Specializing in West Indian and Soul food cuisine that is far from traditional and packed with flavor.
Ebonie Grant, Amy’s Sweet Spot, (@amy_sweet_spot) offers sweet treats and custom cakes.
Tanya Owen, Ladybug’s Breadstuff, (@ladybugs_breadstuff) a mobile bread bakery offering focaccia, French breads, cinnamon swirl, cinnamon rolls, Swedish donuts and other bread treats.
Phyllicia Pringle, Exquisite Flavors,(@exquisiteflavorsct) creates signature spices and seasonings which, combined with their private chef offerings, elevates meals to an unforgettable experience.
Evelyn Ruiz, Hasta Luego Friend, (@hastaluegofriend_) a mobile coffee service bringing the cafe experience directly to you for events and private gatherings.
Monique Sharp, Kama Cafe Community Park, (@theveganizerconsultant) enriches lives through plant-based cuisine, urban agriculture and communal gatherings in the heart of the city, inviting all to gather, grow and thrive together.
Khalid Williams, The Barrel Age, (@thebarrelage) a bartender-led, beverage culture focused platform for education about the beverage industry, drinking culture, cocktails, spirits, beer, wine and mocktails.
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).
