CTNext

01/02/2024

The last day to apply for the first cohort is tomorrow!!

Our partners at BBCetc proposed Stage 2 funding to the SBA's Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) to sustain the Women's Catalyst Advantage Network (Women-CAN). This program is tailored to support women innovators in navigating and succeeding in the SBIR/STTR funding process.

If you're keen on joining, participants gain access to:

👉 Outreach webinars covering the basics of SBIR/STTR programs
👉 Personalized consulting with BBCetc staff
👉 Scholarships to attend the Leader Launch program with Capita3

Apply for Women-CAN here: bit.ly/Women-can

12/29/2023

We're always looking to "forge" new pathways to support innovators and entrepreneurs in the state.

That's why in February of this year we were proud to announce our new partnership with FORGE and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Connecticut’s manufacturing sector.

We know you can . Thanks to the expertise of FORGE is helping innovators with physical products navigate the journey from prototype to commercialization, getting an idea to market has gotten a whole lot easier.

12/27/2023

With over $4 billion in non-dilutive federal research and development funding available through the nation’s Small Business Innovation Research ( ) and Small Business Technology Transfer ( ) program, CTNext is focused on increasing the number of competitive proposals from Connecticut-based technology companies - specifically targeting underrepresented businesses and entrepreneurs.

How do we do this? Through:
✅ Free grant writing assistance
✅ Proposal development and review
✅ University designated office hours
✅ Complimentary workshops and events

In 2023, we’ve served 55 applicants, had 15 applicants awarded, and a total of $19.6MM in federal funds awarded to our applicants to date. 🎉

Learn more about SBIR/STTR support at ctnext.com/startups/ct-sbir-sttr-support-services/

12/23/2023

Looking back and looking ahead 👀

This year, we had the pleasure of hosting our talented and ambitious cohorts at Half Full Third Place in Stamford, CT.

Our goal is to create opportunities for fellows to develop both personally and professionally while building a cohort of talent, camaraderie, and growth within our state.

This year, we’ve recruited our largest cohort to date of 39 fellows, with an average income of $70K+, and $2.25MM of total income to date.

Learn more about the program at ctnext.com/startups/governors-innovation-fellowship/

And get ready! We'll be formally announcing our new cohort soon!

12/20/2023

We had a lot of firsts this year at CTNext.

Like the inaugural Yale Black Venture Summit where we gave away the FIRST-EVER Black Venture Summit Grand Prize! 🏆

Check out a recap of the summit below and get ready for another year of and . YBVS will be back and better this year.

Coming April 2024 🗓
https://yaleblackventuresummit.com

12/15/2023

Listen Up 🎧

Our ED Onyeka Obiocha recently sat down on Teresa Chahine's Impact and Innovation series to discuss the work of CTNext and what it means to build an innovation ecosystem for the state of CT.

Here's a little teaser: It's about who you include and invest in, how they play together, and what kind of place you're creating for them to live and thrive in.

Check out the full conversation here: https://bit.ly/46QThhr

12/13/2023

Earlier this year, our partners at BBCetc proposed Stage 2 funding to the SBA's Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) to sustain the Women's Catalyst Advantage Network (Women-CAN). This program is tailored to support women innovators in navigating and succeeding in the SBIR/STTR funding process.

We're thrilled to announce that they've secured funding to continue this crucial initiative! If you're keen on joining, participants gain access to:

👉 Outreach webinars covering the basics of SBIR/STTR programs
👉 Personalized consulting with BBCetc staff
👉 Scholarships to attend the Leader Launch program with Capita3

Apply for Women-CAN here: bit.ly/Women-can

12/07/2023

"Venture capital firms dominate the section of the investment community that focuses on startups — but women are starkly underrepresented at VC firms and among the recipients of their funding."

Check out this piece in the Register Citizen to learn more about the work CTNext and other organizations statewide, like our friends at the Tidal River Fund, are doing to get more dollars into the hands of founders with groundbreaking ideas. 💡

https://bit.ly/3Nc3HBe

Angel investing groups such as the Connecticut-based Tidal River Network are helping to...

12/06/2023

Looking to tap into the nation's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program?

We're here to help CT-based technology companies and entrepreneurs draft and create competitive proposals! 🙌💡

Take advantage of one of our complimentary university office hours with Michael A. Invernale, PhD, an entrepreneur and SBIR/STTR expert, who will help advise you on SBIR/STTR resources, training, and assistance.

Thursday, December 7, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. – Yale University (https://bit.ly/3T1TlaM)

Thursday, December 7, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Fairfield University (https://bit.ly/3RotkBf )

Wednesday, December 13, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. – University of Connecticut: Storrs (https://bit.ly/46IKYnH )

Wednesday, December 13, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Albertus Magnus College (https://bit.ly/3T8goRo )

Wednesday, December 13, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Quinnipiac University (https://bit.ly/3R2QsUE )

Thursday, December 21, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – University of Connecticut: Stamford (https://bit.ly/3T5p1vM )

Thursday, December 21, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – University of Bridgeport (https://bit.ly/482Et09)

If you have any questions or do not attend these institutions but would like to book a separate call to explore SBIR or CTNext, please reach out to Michael at michael.invernale@ctnext.com.

12/01/2023

Next Week: Get your tickets for the Well4Tech Health Equity Pitch Event on December 4, 2023! 👏 👏 👏

Come through to hear from fantastic health equity-focused startups, BLOOM, Lessonbee, BEHR Health, and Webquity.

Register at: rb.gy/jvk8uq

11/30/2023

What exactly do we do here at CTNext? In a nutshell, we help startups thrive by giving them the resources and connections they need.

We do this by focusing on three core strategies to build an ecosystem innovators can actually access and navigate:
⬆️ Startup Support
䷴ Sector Development
💡 Innovation Communities

Learn more about our work and mission on ctnext.com

11/28/2023

Unlock the secrets to SBIR Grant Programs and Non-Dilutive Funding in an upcoming Ask Me Anything series with TEN Capital Network! 🙌

Dive deep into the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, a competitive initiative boosting small businesses in the U.S. to lead federal research and development. Discover how grants and contracts can fuel technological innovation and meet government needs.

Join Earle Hager, Managing Partner at The Neutrino Donut, LLC and CTNext SBIR/STTR Grant Writing Consultant, for an in-depth exploration of the SBIR process from the applicant's perspective. Gain insights on navigating the process, identifying optimal application opportunities, and crafting a winning grant proposal outline.

🗓️ Save the Date:
📅 Tuesday, December 5th
🕓 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT

Secure your spot now: https://bit.ly/40Z4NWN

11/22/2023

Save the date for the Well4Tech Health Equity Pitch Event on December 4, 2023! 👏 👏 👏

Come through to hear from fantastic health equity-focused startups, BLOOM, Lessonbee, BEHR Health, and Webquity.

Register here: rb.gy/jvk8uq

11/16/2023

Congratulations to The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut on the launch of Regional Innovation Center in New London!

This center will serve as an incubator of ideas and startups for entrepreneurs and businesses in southeastern Connecticut!

We're thrilled to have provided funding to help get this new entrepreneurial hub off the ground.

Because that's what we do! We want to see our state's business ecosystem grow so you can in CT.

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is behind the center, which is housed at the Chamber’s new headquarters on Eugene O’Neill Drive. Startups can pay a day-rate for desk space, or a subsidized rent for a dedicated office.

11/15/2023

: Networking 🤝

Mark your calendars for Tidal River's Year's End Celebration on November 30!

Connect with angels, investors, and entrepreneurs from all across Connecticut who are here to build and foster a growing and healthy ecosystem.

For more information and to register, head here: https://bit.ly/47yL1U6

11/06/2023

CTNext is here to help get the great ideas off the ground -- but how do we do that? 🧐

CTNext's Executive Director Onyeka Obiocha recently sat down with Dennis House at WTNH News 8 to discuss our work investing in entrepreneurs and innovators.

Watch below to learn more about how we connect startups with the services, partners, and ecosystems they need to thrive. ↓

There are so many great business ideas in Connecticut, but many entrepreneurs say they lack the capital to get started.

11/02/2023

"There are clear opportunities to invest in CT-based companies. That's why CTNext is working to create more avenues for investors to engage with the companies that are right here." - CTNext Executive Director Onyeka Obiocha

A few weeks back, we brought together the three largest CT groups and active Angels across the State to explore how Angels and the State can fuel startup growth in Connecticut.

Huge thanks to our Angel panelists:
➡️ First Lady Annie Lamont, OAK HC/FT
➡️ Spring Hollis, Tidal River Fund & Star Strong Capital
➡️ Craig Mullett, Angel Investor Forum
➡️ Sam Hendel, Yale Angels



📍 Location: The Village, Stamford, CT

10/27/2023

Time and time again, we hear from entrepreneurs across the state about the need for growth-stage capital.

That's why, earlier this week, we announced our support for the Tidal River Fund to increase the number of women angel investors in our state so we can get more money into the hands of diverse entrepreneurs.

CTNext is supporting Tidal River in its focus on educating the next generation of investors, recruiting new angel investors, and investing in a diverse array of CT-based companies, as well as supporting the development of open-source resources and legal documents to encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to establish new angel funds here in CT.

Thank you to Marissa Fayer, CEO of DeepLook Medical and Tidal River investee; Chris McGarry Gelnaw, Managing Partner with the Tidal River Fund; Dan O’Keefe, Chief Innovation Officer for the State of Connecticut; and Alexis C. Brooks, first-time investor and Tidal River Fund member, for joining us. Thank you HAYVN for sharing your spectacular space!

Together, we're investing in networks, people, and energy to make Connecticut an even better place to live and grow.