Collab is a boost program for Connecticut entrepreneurs. Our main mission is to make entrepreneurship accessible across the state.
Through our incubator program, we provide new entrepreneurs with cohort-based workshops, $1000 of funding, and mentors to get them to the next level. In addition, we provide childcare, transportation, and interpretation services to reduce barriers for participating ventures.
A few months back, we launched applications for our first Collab Winter Incubator 2018.
Here’s a high-level look at the ventures that applied:
We had seven spots in our Collab Winter Incubator. To select the seven of the seventy-five applications, we had a group of readers evaluate the proposals.
And here’s a high-level look at the seven ventures that the readers selected:
And now, we’re proud to introduce you to the 7 ventures in the 2018 Collab Winter Incubator cohort:
Cityseed Sanctuary Kitchen
Founders: Sumiya Khan & Amelia Masterson
Cityseed’s Sanctuary Kitchen Catering offers multicultural cuisines for institutions, organizations, and individuals while providing income and supporting food entrepreneurship for refugees and new immigrants resettled in the Greater New Haven area.
CodeSmash
Founders: Kati Fredlund & Summer Poole
CodeSmash develops and employs technology, emotional intelligence, and entrepreneurship programs for young people in Greater New Haven through afterschool programming. Their classes are lead by software engineers, developers, and educators who share their mission to empower our young community of wild thinkers and cultivate a culture of fearless doers.
Lotusleaf Therapeutics
Founders: Julie Robbins & Steve Machesney
Lotusleaf therapeutics offers a pregnancy sleep system inspired by prenatal side-lying massage ergonomics that allows moms-to-be to get the restorative sleep they need. Applications include home, hospital and hotel versions, at varying price points.
My City Initiative
Founders: Sheneta Walker
My City Initiative is a merchandise brand currently offering: “dad hats” with a embroidered replica the MTA city stops. They aim to be the first collaborative-design merchandising brand in Connecticut with a dedication to instill pride within self, craft, and community.
New Haven Counts
Founders: Ron Coleman, Dan Hicks (not pictured), & Dom Dugo (not pictured)
New Haven Counts aims to build high-school entrepreneurship programming in New Haven Public Schools to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, investors, and mathematicians.
Rock the Beat DJ Camp
Founders: Cleondra Fulcher & Bertrum Goldson (not pictured)
Rock the Beat DJ Camp teaches DJing through an engaging integrated curriculum that is aligned with the Common Core State Standards in reading, writing, and math. Through their approach, their goal is to build confidence and self-esteem in youth ages 7–14.
SciKit
Founders: Michelle Hutchings, Yick Lam, Greg Hutchings
SciKit is a subscription service that allows high school teachers to rent hands-on STEM education kits at an affordable monthly rate. STEM kits are designed to help students understand scientific concepts through experimentation and inquiry-based learning, putting students into the shoes of scientists.
To learn more about Collab, head to our website. Applications for the Collab Spring Incubator 2018 open mid-February.
