Regional Innovation Center Hosts Open House to Kick Off Entrepreneur Academy 2026 Enrollment

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut's Regional Innovation Center (RIC) welcomed entrepreneurs, business leaders, community members, and elected officials to its Open House on July 24, celebrating innovation while officially kicking off enrollment for Entrepreneur Academy 2026.

The event gave visitors an inside look at the many resources available to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Eastern Connecticut. Guests toured the facility, connected with local business leaders, learned about Entrepreneur Academy and other Chamber programs, and experienced firsthand how the Innovation Center is helping businesses start, grow, and succeed.

Opened in 2023, the Regional Innovation Center was created with the mission of serving as Eastern Connecticut's business resource hub. Since opening its doors, the Center has brought together a wide range of professional services and support programs tailored to entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey - from individuals exploring a new business idea to established companies looking to scale. Through private offices, coworking and meeting spaces, educational workshops and programs, networking opportunities, and connections to regional partners, the Center provides entrepreneurs with a single destination to access the resources they need to succeed.

The evening embraced the theme of innovation, featuring live demonstrations of personal manufacturing and rapid prototyping using consumer 3D printing technology, interactive robotics demonstrations presented by Southeastern CT Robotics, live music, live painting, a content creator challenge, and networking opportunities with local entrepreneurs and business professionals. Guests also enjoyed food and refreshments prepared by graduates of the Chamber's Entrepreneur Academy, highlighting the success of local businesses that have emerged from the program.

The Open House also served as the official launch of Entrepreneur Academy 2026, the Chamber's signature entrepreneurship program that equips aspiring and startup business owners with the knowledge, mentorship, and professional network needed to build successful ventures. This 9-week program covers business planning, finance, legal fundamentals, marketing, access to capital, and artificial intelligence for small businesses. Culminating in a public Pitch Night where participants compete for more than $12,000 in prizes and business support.

Since its launch, Entrepreneur Academy has received nearly 200 applications from aspiring entrepreneurs across Eastern Connecticut and has provided intensive training and mentorship to more than 100 participants. More than half of recent graduates have gone on to launch or operate their own businesses, contributing to job creation and strengthening the region's economy.

"The Open House was an opportunity to showcase not only our facility but the entire ecosystem of resources available to entrepreneurs," said Tony Sheridan, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. "Many people know the Chamber, but they don't realize the breadth of services available here. Whether someone has an idea they're ready to explore or an established business looking to grow, the Regional Innovation Center exists to connect them with the tools, expertise, and network they need to succeed."

Applications for Entrepreneur Academy 2026 are now being accepted. The program begins this fall and is open to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs throughout Eastern Connecticut. The application deadline is Sunday, August 23, at 11:59 p.m.

Entrepreneur Academy is offered at no cost thanks to the program sponsors Liberty Bank, Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region, Waterford Hotel Group, Simon Konover Company, and Chater Oak Federal Credit Union.

To learn more about the Regional Innovation Center or to apply for Entrepreneur Academy 2026, visit chamberect.com/entrepreneur-academy/.