Chamber’s Signature Entrepreneur Academy Returns, Opening Doors for New Cohort

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is proud to announce that enrollment is now open for the third annual Entrepreneur Academy. Following a dynamic and successful first year, the eight-week program administered by the Chamber returns this fall with a sharpened focus, an expanded curriculum, and a growing network of partners committed to cultivating entrepreneurship in the region.

Developed by a Wesleyan University entrepreneurship professor, the Entrepreneur Academy equips aspiring and early-stage business owners with the practical tools and expert guidance needed to navigate the real-world challenges of launching and scaling a venture. Last year’s cohort included entrepreneurs from a range of industries - from biotech and media to personal services and food innovation - demonstrating the region’s diverse startup potential.

“Small businesses are the engine of economic growth - not just in our region, but across the state,” notes Tony Sheridan, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.

“In Connecticut, small businesses account for more than 99% of all companies and have generated 70% of new jobs since COVID. The Entrepreneur Academy is designed to ensure that more individuals have the opportunity to contribute to that growth by building sustainable, successful ventures in the region.”

Highlights of the Entrepreneur Academy:

• Expert-Led Weekly Sessions: Participants take part in engaging 90-minute sessions covering core business disciplines, including:
  • Idea Validation & Business Planning
  • Business Structures & Legal Considerations
  • Finance & Budgeting for Startups
  • Branding & Marketing Strategy
  • Customer Discovery & Sales Channels
  • Access to Capital & Small Business Lending
  • Pitch Development & Storytelling

Sessions will be led by a distinguished group of industry experts from organizations including TGezo Business Consulting, Wonderlosity, the Office of Secretary of the State, Reid & Riege P.C., Women’s Business Development Council, Couture Financial, and Miranda Creative, with key business insights from SCORE, Ace Overhead Doors, TurboFlow AI Solutions, and additional guest speakers to be announced. The program is further supported by mentors across Connecticut, including state agencies.

• Demo Day & Final Pitch Competition: The Academy culminates in a live pitch competition judged by local business leaders, where the top three ventures will receive cash awards sponsored by the Southeastern CT Enterprise Region (seCTer). Prize allocations are as follows: 1^st Place, $2,000; 2^nd Place, $1,500; 3^rd Place, $1,000. Finalists will be selected based on the clarity of their business model, growth potential, and presentation.
• Robust Support Network: In addition to expert instruction, participants gain access to a community of mentors, advisors, and peers to carry with them. The Academy partners with local resource organizations such as SCORE, the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, and U.S. Small Business Administration for ongoing entrepreneurial support, as well as renowned global investment firm, Goldman Sachs, whose “10,000 Small Businesses” program deployed by collegiate affiliate CCRI will help graduates grow further in their business development skills upon completion of the Entrepreneur Academy with their free, accredited training.

2025 Session Details:

• Dates: Tuesdays, September 9, 2025 – October 28, 2025
• Time: 5:30 – 7:00 P.M. (Orientation begins at 4:30 P.M. on Sept. 9)
• Location: Regional Innovation Center, 92 Eugene O’Neill Drive, New London, CT 06320

Who Should Apply:

Entrepreneur Academy is designed for Connecticut residents aged 21+ who are in the idea phase or within their first year of business. Space is limited to 45 participants to maintain a collaborative, workshop-style environment. Applicants must submit a short business plan and demonstrate a commitment to building their venture in eastern Connecticut. Entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds or with financial need are encouraged to apply.

Application Details:

• Deadline: Monday, August 18, 2025, at 8:00 A.M.
• Enrollment Fee: FREE, made possible by regional sponsors and partners
• Notification of Acceptance: by August 26 via email

Interested applicants can view full eligibility requirements and submit materials at chamberect.com/entrepreneur-academy.

Questions on enrollment may be directed to program coordinator and Community Manager for the Regional Innovation Center, Kevin Zhang, at kzhang@chamberect.com.

About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut: 
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is dedicated to advancing a vibrant, sustainable business community. Through thoughtful advocacy, innovative programming, and strategic collaboration, we meet the needs of our members while shaping the region’s future. Explore more about our vision and programming by visiting ChamberECT.com.