Interested in Entrepreneur Academy? Class of 2026 enrollment starts in July!
Take the leap, launch your business with Entrepreneur Academy
Expert Training + Mentorship
Join 8 weeks of hands-on business classes led by experts. Wrap it up with Pitch Night, 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 Pitch Night 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.
2026 Session Schedule
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
September 15 | 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 : Kristy Tupper, Open Concept Strategy & Innovation
Participant Q+A.
September 22 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Speakers: David & Ellie Greenberg, Wonderlosity
Participant Q+A.
September 29 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Speaker: Christopher Drake, Office of Secretary of the State
Speaker: TBA
Participant Q+A
October 6 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Speaker: Sherry Konweski, Women’s Business Development Council
Speaker: Amy Nguyen, Department of Revenue Services
Participant Q+A
October 13 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Speaker: Maria Miranda, Miranda Creative
Participant Q+A
October 20 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Speaker: Elyse Gessler, Mitchell College
Participant Q+A
October 27 | 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Please note the time change for session 6
Funding Organization Exhibitors:
- Liberty Bank
- Black Business Alliance (BBA)
- Community Investment Corporation (CIC)
- Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF)
- Connecticut Department of Economic Community Development (DECD)
- Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO)
- Latin Financial
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (SECTER)
- U.S. Small Business Administration (US SBA)
- Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC)
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.
November 3 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Speaker: Tom Caliento, seCTer
Participants will have a chance to practice pitching their business idea and receive feedback from SCORE Mentors in preparation for the next session, Pitch Night.
November 10 | 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?
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, 2026) before the program start date (September 15, 2025). Selected applicants must confirm their enrollment promptly, or their spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.
Tip: To ensure you don’t miss important updates, add chamberect.com to your safe sender list and check your junk or spam folder just in case.
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