Collab Accelerator 

The Collab Accelerator is an 12-session hybrid program for entrepreneurs who want to create positive change in their communities by building unique businesses and organizations. 

Entrepreneurs who fit best and get the most out of the program demonstrate: 

• Willingness to Learn: This program includes weekly 1-on-1 coaching and workshops where you’ll be introduced to new ideas and other perspectives. Entrepreneurs who benefit the most from this program have a willingness to have their ideas and processes challenged and refined.

• Commitment and Availability: This program is intensive. Participating in the Collab Accelerator will ask for your time, attention, and focus. In order to get the most from the program, it is preferred that you are able to give your undivided attention and access shared documents during workshops and 1-on-1s. Workshops take place Wednesday evenings 6-8pm, and 1-on-1s occur weekdays 9am-5pm.  

• Passion for Community Building: Collab is committed to creating an anti-racist, inclusive, and vibrant entrepreneurial community, and seeks to hold space for Black, Latinx, and women entrepreneurs. Our community of entrepreneurs come from all backgrounds but share this commitment to fostering a safe learning environment for their fellow cohort members. 

ACCEPTED ENTREPRENEURS RECEIVE: 

• Workshops: Via Zoom, a spot in a workshop series on leadership and entrepreneurship, including customer discovery, value propositions, business planning, legal 101, accounting 101, marketing 101, and more.

• Weekly 1-on-1s: Via Zoom, 1-on-1 coaching sessions for strategic goal setting and accountability

• Mentor: A mentor from the Collab Mentor Network

• Fundraising: Connections to potential funders post-program

• Technical Assistance: Case-by-case pro bono services from our partners (legal, marketing, etc.)

• Graduation Ceremony: Opportunity to celebrate completion of program with the Collab community.

WBDC is not a lending institution however we support clients with preparing to access capital. We also have grant programs for childcare businesses and women-owned businesses. Bilingual service available.

Business Development Services from HEDCO - Free!

Starting a Business in CT

Starting a new business in Connecticut can seem like a daunting task. HEDCO is here to help walk you through it with our step-by-step guide. We go into even more detail for each step with tutorials and examples of all the forms and documents you may need to supply. Overwhelmed? Give us a call. We’re here for you!

HEDCO also offers an ecosystem of providers that consists of industry professionals and software subscriptions which can assist you with your small business needs.

Learn more here: https://hedcoinc.com/business-101

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. The program was created through a partnership among TCF-MIC, the City of New Haven, the Amour Proper Fund, and HEDCO.

About the 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.

The well-being of a business owner can significantly reduce or induce the likelihood of success. Holistic entrepreneurial wellness services is critical to the success of your business.

Owning and operating viable minority, women, and disadvantaged businesses relies on a series of factors, such as capital, capacity, childcare, networks, wellness, and racial and economic justice. Therefore, we provide an integrated and impactful wellness services approach that includes whole-health strategies that focus on various dimensions of wellness, including mental, financial, physical, social, & occupational wellness.

With a focus on Black moms, we understand how childcare significantly impacts moms’ and caregivers' ability to participate in beneficial events and activities due to childcare obligations. 

This program addresses the lack of attention to the childcare needs of entrepreneurs and Black moms and caregivers.  This program supports Black moms and caregivers who lack the necessary resources, support, timing accommodations, & relationships to strategically grow their businesses. It includes targeted support, resources, funding, and opportunities for Black women entrepreneurs. 

Kiddie Koworking allows moms and caregivers to network, attend classes or workshops, meet with their Strategic Growth Partner, or just cowork as their children are cared for by licensed childcare providers who will also teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, investment, and more.

Unlike any other entrepreneurial program, MAGNIFY by CMWP supports Black moms & caregivers lacking the necessary resources, support, timing accommodations, & relationships to strategically grow their businesses!

Your business will be MAGNIFIED while receiving targeted support, resources, funding, and opportunities while also being paired with a Strategic Growth Partner to assist you with developing a customized business development plan. Participants are also connected with vital local and national resources and organizations based on their individual business needs.

As a bonus, we’ve included Kiddie KoWorking with MAGNIFY by CMWP!

Programming also includes various aspects of entrepreneurial wellness

4-month program strengthening, reinforcing, and growing Black businesses. Targeted curriculum meeting the needs of Black business owners.

Core Areas of Impact:

Cohort Size: 12-15 businesses

Program Length: 4 months

Investment: FREE

All participants will receive a significant financial investment into their business. 

Collab Office Hours provide Connecticut leaders and entrepreneurs with a chance to deep dive into themselves and their venture — whether it's just an idea or an existing organization. Sessions are 30 minutes, conducted in-person or over the phone, and open to anyone in Connecticut. 

Each session can address questions such as: 

• Mission: What is the core value of your organization?

• Marketing: Who are your customers and how can you reach them?

• Maintenance: What are the logistical processes you need in place?

• Mindset: What are some mindsets that can help propel you forward?

Office hours are held over the phone. Our normal in-person at Ives Squared at the New Haven Free Public Library will be conducted over phone as well due to COVID-19.

CMWP members meet every Monday on Zoom for Manifestation Monday. 

Agenda:
- Mastermind topic

- Goal update

- Book update

- Events & Promos

The Minority Business Growth Program (MBGP) will provide students with knowledge and access to resources to help their business scale and thrive while taking part in a shared collaborative experience. 

At Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), we believe small and minority businesses are an important component for building and sustaining vibrant communities, therefore, a key objective of the MBGP is to help business owners understand essential drivers for growth.

Your MBGP journey will commence with a critical review of your business, its operational capability, performance, and resource adequacy to build a snapshot of your business status. Your journey will continue over eight engaging sessions where you will receive valuable information from subject experts, participate in practical exercises, networking sessions, and be guided through operational and technical challenges that are common to many small businesses.

1. Budget and Credit Education: Achieving personal financial stability is the first crucial step towards building a thriving business. Our certified counselors will provide comprehensive budgeting techniques and credit management strategies. Learn how to effectively manage your expenses, track your income, and make informed financial decisions that set the foundation for your business's financial health.

2. Counseling for Business Readiness: Starting a business demands a strong foundation of knowledge and preparation. Our seasoned counselors will work closely with you to assess your business concept, refine your business plan, and identify potential financial challenges. With our guidance, you'll be better equipped to address market trends, competition, and target audiences, ensuring your business concept is well-positioned for success.

3. Personalized Financial Roadmaps: Every entrepreneur's journey is unique. Our experts will collaborate with you to create a personalized financial roadmap that aligns with your goals, aspirations, and current financial situation. This tailored approach ensures that you receive the most relevant guidance and support on your path to entrepreneurship.

4. Credit Repair and Enhancement: Your credit score plays a pivotal role in securing financing for your business. We provide strategies to repair and enhance your credit profile, helping you access the necessary funds to start or expand your venture. Our guidance will empower you to make informed decisions that positively impact your creditworthiness.

5. Business Financing Guidance: Navigating the world of business financing can be overwhelming. Our Small Business Services team will demystify the process, helping you explore various funding options such as loans, grants, and angel investments. Learn how to prepare compelling funding applications and create a solid financial presentation that attracts potential investors.