SBA Awards Quinnipiac $400K for Community Business Accelerator

08.26.2022
Small Business

Minority, women, and veteran small business owners in the greater New Haven area will soon have access to new resources through Quinnipiac University. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration awarded the university a $406,000 grant to develop a new business accelerator program. 

As a result, the school announced the creation of the Quinnipiac University Community Entrepreneurship Academy and Clinic, or CEAC.

The program will serve small businesses and minority entrepreneurs in the area. 

“Our long-term vision as the university of the future includes helping our local communities thrive, and this new academy will advance those efforts in a meaningful way,” Quinnipiac provost Debra Liebowitz said.

Educational Partnership

University officials said the clinic will serve as the educational partner to the Connecticut Community Outreach Revitalization Program, which focuses on economic development in New Haven. 

Businesses who work with ConnCORP will have access to the business accelerator resources.

“We often talk about the responsibility and privilege of sowing back into our community,” ConnCORP president Erik Clemons said. 

“The opportunity we have before us through CEAC will allow us to take that next step towards continuing the growth of sustainable wealth generation for Black entrepreneurs throughout New Haven.”

CEAC’s roughly 12-week program will blend in-person workshops and virtual coaching. 

University Resources

Businesses should have a full business plan and support resources for the future by the conclusion of the program.

Faculty from the university’s various schools will support the program in various capacities, including through teaching, coaching, and mentoring business owners. 

Students at the university will also have a role in the program. 

They are slated to provide a range of services including cybersecurity audits, fabricating product prototypes, producing podcasts, and providing marketing support. 

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