who we are

NHE3 is facilitating the growth of entrepreneurial pathways to economic independence and generational wealth.

New Haven is at an important inflection point; by boosting entrepreneurship and small business growth within under-connected communities, the community has the potential to undo structural inequities and remove the barriers to job creation.


Our Services

NHE3 Small Business Grant
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) awarded $7.2 million to The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven on October 24, 2022 in support of work to make the small business landscape more equitable. The grant is part of a $46.6 million statewide initiative to help underserved entrepreneurs and businesses owners.
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The Partnership Loan Program
The Partnership Loan Program for Minority and Women-owned Businesses in Greater New Haven  The Partnership Loan Program for Minority and Women-owned Businesses in Greater New Haven was created for small businesses that have experienced adverse financial impacts and economic injury due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

our team

Andrew F. (Drew) Alden is The Community Foundation’s Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, and also served as The Community Foundation and TCF’s Chief Financial Officer from 1994-2020. Alden oversees The Community Foundation’s overall investment management platforms. Alden also serves as President and CEO of The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company, LLC (TCF-MIC), which is a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of TCF and is dedicated to mission investment activities.

s Director of NHE3 (New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem) Operations, Joseph “Joe” Williams focuses on building, leading and coordinating the day-to-day activities related to the establishment of an inclusive, integrated and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in New Haven.

Joe completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he earned a BA in Political Science. He also holds an MBA from Southern Connecticut State University.