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“Entrepreneurial Spirit Perseveres in Eastern Connecticut” Regional Chamber’s program celebrates rising small business owners. On the evening of Tuesday, October 29, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s Entrepreneur Academy program was pleased to host more than 80 guests at its 2024 Final Pitch Night. In its second year, the Academy surpassed more than double its initial application enrollment. The program accepted a cohort of 40 students, of which almost all had completed the 8-week program focused on learning how to build and expand a business. Weekly sessions consisted of accounting and marketing principles, learning how to pitch to investors, and networking with local and state organizations. The program concluded with yesterday’s graduation of 28 entrepreneurs. Final Pitch Night allowed the cohort to share their business plans and compete for ‘Most Promising Venture’ by public vote. Among the audience were local media, State Representative Anthony Nolan, Mayor Mike Passero, and Sheila Hummel from the state’s Small Business Development Office. Paul Whitescarver and R.T. Brown of economic development organization Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region, in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, awarded three top entrepreneurs checks for continuing their business efforts. Miriam Headlam of Angelic Hall & Events, awarded $1,000 in third place, seeks additional funding for a multipurpose venue where she’ll host weddings, private gatherings, and corporate events. Couple Talita and Chris Stackpole that were awarded $1,500 in second place, are current owners of Lady Copacabana Authentic Brazilian food truck, and aspire to own a brick-and-mortar restaurant in downtown New London. Founder Jenny Blanchette of Orange Elephant Press earned the title of ‘Most Promising Venture’, receiving $2,000 for her start-up business aiming to help companies integrate disabled and neurodiverse individuals into their workforce. Blanchette, representing one of the 26% disabled in Connecticut (of those who identify), summarizes the significance of founding her business: “There’s this invisible wall between people in my shoes and like the rest of the world - a logistical piece that we have to figure out. I don’t have a ton of experience as a business owner, but I have enough experience being in this limbo, wanting to be an active, productive member of the community; yet there’s always been these biases and barriers in the way, so, I built [Orange Elephant Press] to remove those.” The company will help business owners become more comfortable serving and employing disabled and neurodiverse populations by offering one-on-one consultations and both virtual and in-person courses, trainings, and workshops. She explains how her experience with the Academy has helped her gain confidence in her brand: “Disability and neurodiversity are two things that stand out in a crowd, [but] we’re not the white elephant in the room, we’re the bright creative orange elephant in the room [that people shouldn’t tiptoe around]. Your community will find you and rally around you, and as you navigate those doors that shut down others will open. So just keep being yourself loudly. We need to meet [these] challenges head on as a community,” she concludes. Mayor Passero and Chamber President Tony Sheridan echoed that in their remarks to supporting the graduating class: “There’s no better place to be in business than in eastern Connecticut right now,” states Sheridan. “We have a storefront waiting for any of you folks and we’d love to get your business off to a great start,” continues Passero. The contact information for the top three 2024 Entrepreneur Academy businesses can be found below. Company Information Orange Elephant Press: (401) 286-1167 Lady Copacabana Authentic Brazilian: Angelic Hall & Events: (407) 494-9853 Those interested in applying for next year’s program or who would like to volunteer as a session guest speaker may contact Community Manager Kevin Zhang at kzhang@chamberect.com. ### About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut: The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut. For more information, visit ChamberECT.com. Media Contact : Julia Florence, Communications Manager, jflorence@chamberect.com 
Chamber ECT Celebrates Region's Newest Entrepreneurs
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