Entrepreneur Academy

Take the leap, launch your business with Entrepreneur Academy

Turn your idea into action. This 8-week program gives you the tools, mentorship, and local connections you need to start and grow your business in Connecticut.

Expert Training + Mentorship

Join 8 weeks of hands-on business classes led by experts. Wrap it up with Demo Day, where you’ll pitch your idea to local business leaders.

Local Resources + Networking

Get connected with legal, financial, and community resources, plus build relationships with other local entrepreneurs and professionals.

Perks Upon Graduation

Earn a certificate and top ventures from Demo Day may receive a cash prize to grow even faster.

About the Program

Originally designed by a Wesleyan University entrepreneurship professor, the Entrepreneur Academy is a fast-paced, 8-week journey for passionate, early-stage entrepreneurs ready to turn ambition into action.

Through expert-led classes, hands-on learning, and a built-in support network, entrepreneurs gain the tools, strategies, and support they need to navigate obstacles, refine their vision, and turn bold ideas into successful ventures.

From former Pfizer scientists and AI tech founders to family business owners, influencers, and even a Hollywood producer, the Academy has supported entrepreneurs from all backgrounds through the real-world challenges of launching and growing a business.

2025 Session Schedule

Tuesdays, September 9, 2025 to October 28, 2025, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
ChamberECT’s Regional Innovation Center: 92 Eugene O’Neill Drive, New London, CT.

Additional speakers and special guests are to be announced. Curriculum is subjected to change

1. Orientation + Market Research and Defining Your Initial Target Market

September 9 | 4:30 – 7:00 pm
Please note the time change for session 1.

Orientation: 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Facilitated by Tony Sheridan, Chamber President and CEO; Kevin Zhang, Regional Innovation Center Community Manager

Session 1: Market Research and Defining Your Initial Target Market
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Speaker: Tom Gezo, TGezo Business Consulting
Special Guest : Margo Weitekamp, SCORE(Service Corps of Retired Executives)

Participant Q+A.

2. Creating A Minimum Viable Product

September 16 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Speaker: Ellie Greenberg, Wonderlosity

Special Guest: Hope Lee, Lashes by Lee

Participant Q+A.

3. Legal Fundamentals and State Registration Requirements

September 23 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Opening Speaker: Christopher Drake, Office of Secretary of the State

Speaker: Thomas Kasper & Mary Miller, Reid & Riege

Participant Q+A

4. Finance: Budgeting, Accounting, and Tax Implications

September 30 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Speaker: Sherry Konweski, Women’s Business Development Council

Speaker: Lee Couture, Couture Financial

Special Guest: Amanda Ljubicic, Ace Overhead Doors

Participant Q+A

5. Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Development Execution

October 7 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Speaker: Maria Miranda, Miranda Creative

Special Guest: Atif Faruqui, TurboFlow AI Solutions

Participant Q+A

6. Access to Capital

October 14| 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Please note the time change for session 6

Funding Organization Exhibitors:

Community Investment Corporation (CIC)
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (SECTER)
Connecticut Department of Economic Community Development (DECD)
U.S. Small Business Administration (US SBA)
Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC)
Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO)
Black Business Alliance (BBA)
Latin Financial
Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF)

More funding organizations to be announced.

Time will allow for individual discussions with attending funding organizations. Participants are required to collect a certain number of stamps from exhibitors to complete this session.

7. Pitching Your Idea

October 21 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Speaker: Felix Reyes, City of New London

Participants will have a chance to practice pitching their business idea and receive feedback in preparation for the next session, Final Demo Day.

8. Final Demo Day Event

October 28 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Presentation of business plans by participants, voting by attendees, and awarding of cash prizes courtesy of seCTer for the most promising ventures.

Prize allocations are as follows: 1st Place, $2,000; 2nd Place, $1,500; 3rd Place, $1,000.

Who should apply?

Class of 2025 applications have closed! Scroll to sign up for Entrepreneur Academy news.

The Entrepreneur Academy is for aspiring business owners in the early stages of their journey, whether you’re just starting with an idea or have been in business for up to a year. No prior entrepreneurial experience required!

Eligibility:

Must live or work in Connecticut
Must be 21 or older
Must be in the idea stage or within the first year of business
Past participants are not eligible
Make sure to include a brief business plan with your application.

Class Size: Limited to 45 participants.

Acceptance: A Selection Committee reviews all applications and selects participants based on the strength and completeness of application materials. Be sure to include a brief business plan in your application to be considered.

Selected applicants will be notified via email two weeks (approx. August 26, 2025) before the program start date (September 9, 2025). Selected applicants must confirm their enrollment promptly, or their spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.

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