reSET, the Hartford-based entrepreneur support organization committed to nurturing businesses with a social mission, is proud to announce the nine Connecticut food entrepreneurs who have been selected to participate in its inaugural Food Accelerator program.
The Food Accelerator program spans three months and caters to small food businesses. The program includes companies in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and food service sectors, helping them scale towards creating a sustainable impact in Connecticut’s food landscape.
During the Accelerator, small business food entrepreneurs have an opportunity to further develop their businesses, optimize profitability, and develop their social missions, which can be as varied as addressing sustainability issues, improving health, improved work culture, creating livable wages, and increasing community inclusivity.
“In Connecticut, the food service industry employs nearly 10% of our workforce and we have experienced a constant and growing demand for support among new food entrepreneurs over the last few years,” says Sarah Bodley, reSET Executive Director. “Food businesses hold great potential and responsibility to their workers, communities, and the environment. Through this program, reSET is proud to support these entrepreneurs in realizing their sustainable food future, nourishing our communities and protecting the environment.”
Thanks to a $2.225 million 5-year grant in 2022 as part of reSET’s participation in the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Grants Program to Support Small Businesses, reSET has not only expanded programming to launch this Food Accelerator, but will be awarding $2,000 grants to each of the entrepreneurs for business expenses upon completion of the program.
“This pilot Food Accelerator program is designed to address issues that are at the forefront of entrepreneurs’ challenges as they grow their businesses–how to scale with intention, price their products in a competitive environment, and plan staffing for growth and sustainability,” said Katrice Claudio, Food Program Manager at reSET. “We’re excited to welcome into the Accelerator four business owners who have participated in previous reSET programs as well as five new reSET entrepreneurs.”
The program will culminate with a public Pitch event and Demo Day in early December when these nine founders will pitch their businesses and provide samples to an audience of potential investors, buyers, partners, and community members.
The 2023 Food Accelerator entrepreneurs and their companies are:
- Deirdre Brickhouse is the chief baker and owner of SweetHouse Creations, a Hartford based bakery that specializes in simply elegant treats that happen to be vegan and/or gluten-free.
- Kleon Clarke created Nyam Bakery, a local Jamaican bakery specializing in cocobread rolls and loaves, to bring different flavor varieties and Caribbean-inspired sweets to the community.
- Artisianna is a woman-owned business launched by Anna DiMascio Flynn that manufactures fruit truffles made with fruit, nuts and seeds – just pure and simple ingredients mainly sourced from US farms.
- Nicola Poplin founded Pop’s Famous Guac to produce wholesome, preservative-free guacamole with real, whole ingredients you feel good about feeding the people you love. Pop’s Famous Guac is dedicated to making a product that not only satisfies taste buds but also nourishes the heart, body and soul of you and your loved ones.
- Phyllicia Pringle is a personal chef and founder of Exquisite Flavors, a full-service catering company featuring healthy Caribbean fusion flavors.
- A’s Artisanal, led by Antoinette Sappleton, makes ‘easy fancy’ a reality! A’s Artisanal is the purveyor of piquancies, specializing in gourmet food sundries that effortlessly elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re sprucing up an evening salad, enhancing a charcuterie and wine soirée, or elevating your favorite brunch bunch, our products are the ultimate ‘easy fancy’ solution.
- Lane Simmons is the creative founder of Smokin Lane’s BBQ & Seafood, specializing in southern style wood-flavored BBQ paired with traditional comfort food sides.
- Narelle Thomas is the founder of K Cookies, a Hartford-based, Springfield-born artisanal cookie company that blends quality ingredients with exceptional taste. Specializing in vegan and gluten free cookies with sugar free and fruit sweetened options, K cookies makes desserts accessible to the allergen plagued and picky eaters alike.
- Charlie’s Traveling Treat Truck, founded by Becky Tkacs, is a mobile dog bakery using all natural ingredients, compostable packaging and supports rescue organizations.
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).
