Regional Chamber Welcomes Newest Cohort into Annual Entrepreneur Academy

On September 9, 2025, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut launched its third annual Entrepreneur Academy, welcoming a diverse and promising cohort of 47 up-and-coming business owners from across Connecticut. Selected from a pool of 70 applicants, participants gathered at the Regional Innovation Center for an orientation, which featured opening remarks by Tony Sheridan, Chamber President and CEO, program overview delivered by Kevin Zhang, Community Manager and Program Coordinator, and resource rundown by the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer), TGezo Business Consulting, and SCORE.

“We are proud to continue this vital initiative that reflects the Chamber’s deep commitment to advancing the economic vitality of our region,” states Zhang.  

“When entrepreneurs understand each foundational step of building a business, they’re not only more likely to succeed—they’re positioned to sustain that success long-term. This program is about building that future together. And the results have been proven,” emphasizes Sheridan. 

Program Backed by Regional Support

The Entrepreneur Academy is offered at no cost to participants, thanks to the generous support of local partners including Liberty Bank, seCTer, The Simon Konover Company, Waterford Hotel Group, and The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut’s Women and Girls Fund.

About the Program

The 8-week pipeline provides entrepreneurs with the basic tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to bring their ideas to life. Participants receive targeted instruction and mentoring in areas such as:

• Market Research & Target Market Definition
• MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Development
• Legal & State Registration Requirements
• Budgeting, Accounting & Tax Essentials
• Branding, Marketing & Advertising Strategy
• Accessing Capital & Funding Sources
• Pitching to Investors

Subject matter experts from Couture Financial, Reid & Riege, Miranda Creative, Wonderlosity, SCORE, the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), the City of New London Office of Development and Planning, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Office of the Secretary of the State, along with local banks and credit institutions, will serve as guest presenters throughout the program.

Participant Snapshot

This year’s cohort reflects a growing wave of entrepreneurial activity across demographics.

• More than 85% identify as female
• More than 67% of participants are from minority backgrounds
• The average age is approximately 40
• Industry focus areas include hospitality, technology, retail, arts, wellness, education, and agriculture

Looking Ahead: Culminating with Community Impact

The Academy concludes with a Final Pitch Night, a.k.a. “graduation”, where participants will pitch their ventures to community stakeholders, potential investors, and the public. This culminating event offers a platform for visibility, validation, and the opportunity to win cash prizes and business support provided by seCTer and Charter Oak State College respectively, plus an official citation from the state General Assembly, and a complimentary 1-year Chamber membership for entrepreneurs to continue their journey forward. In addition, participants are encouraged to follow an exclusive, second-step growth opportunity, with Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses.

Learn More

To hear testimonials from past Entrepreneur Academy graduates or to join the waitlist for the 2026 cohort, visit https://chamberect.com/entrepreneur-academy/.

About The Regional Innovation Center: 

We’re a vibrant community hub where small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups converge to thrive affordably. With Chamber programming, inclusive partner services, and dedicated advocacy, we offer the tools needed to ignite growth and success. Learn about our Ask An Expert program and available coworking and meeting spaces at ChamberECT.com/regional-innovation-center/.