Reset, the Connecticut-based entrepreneurial support organization committed to advancing social entrepreneurship, today announced the winners of its 2026 Impact Accelerator Venture Showcase, held June 24 at CT State Community College–Gateway in New Haven. Nine entrepreneurs representing eight ventures delivered live pitches before a panel of judges and a supportive community audience, capping a three-month accelerator focused on scaling impact-driven businesses.
The evening’s winners are:
1st Place: Cassandra Hamer, Design Elementary — a creative education company that teaches children the fundamentals of graphic design while reinforcing core academic and critical thinking skills.
2nd Place: Christina Outlaw, The Kem Lab — a brand media agency that builds visual campaigns and cultural moments for entrepreneurs, brands, and organizations.
3rd Place and Audience Choice: Scott “Pepe” Bodnar, Stay Free Coffee — a cafe and music venue, born from Bodnar’s lived experience with isolation and incarceration, built to provide space for connection, creativity, and second chances.
Presenting alongside the winners were IFS Dating and Matchmaking, LEAP Consulting, The Main Avent | T-Shirt World, ReST Therapeutics, and The Sanctuary Club — together completing the full Spring 2026 Impact Accelerator cohort.
“Every founder on that stage showed how far focus and accountability can take a business in just three months,” said Ndubisi Okeke, Reset’s Program Manager. “These nine entrepreneurs put in the real work this spring by testing their models, sharpening their pitches, and pushing each other to grow. We’re proud to celebrate them at graduation and even more excited to keep supporting them as they scale their impact.”
Judges for the evening were Malik Okoro of Connecticut Innovations, Alexander Sulpasso of Ascend Bank, and Sarah Blecher, Reset’s incoming Executive Director. The group deliberated on first, second, and third place while audience members cast votes and contributed to the Audience Choice prize pool throughout the night.
The Venture Showcase distributed more than $15,000 in prizes and grant support, including $1,000 micro-grants to each presenting venture. Reset thanks program and prize sponsors Wells Fargo, the Connecticut Department of Economic Development, and the Berkins Family Fund for making the evening possible, along with the audience members whose support and donations directly funded the Audience Choice award.
All eight ventures graduate into Reset’s alumni community of more than 700 companies that have participated in its cohort-based programs since 2013. Collectively, Reset alumni have generated over $39 million in revenue, attracted more than $22.9 million in outside investment, and supported over 779 jobs across Connecticut.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-holding-a-medal-11091975/
