Collab Announcement: Meet the Ten Ventures from the Fall 2024 Accelerator
Collab is proudly supported by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, REX Development, the City of New Haven, NewAlliance Foundation, and others — as well as a growing network of individual donors.
Ten Connecticut-based ventures have been selected from over 35 applications.
Now in it’s 14th cohort, the Collab Accelerator is Collab’s flagship program to support New Haven and Connecticut entrepreneurs. It is a 10-week program that includes in-depth 1-on-1 coaching, an educational curriculum and a pro bono partner network.
Past graduates from the Collab Accelerator have gone on to create successful ventures, receive investment, create local jobs and more.
The Collab Accelerator is our flagship program to support local entrepreneurs based in New Haven and Connecticut. Now in its seventh year, the Collab Accelerator has over 160 graduates. Of those graduates, 86% are people of color-led ventures and 77% are women-led ventures.
Each of these businesses brings something special to the table, whether it's through fashion, food, health, or community building. Together, they reflect the creativity, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit of this cohort.
Meet The Cohort
More Amour Boutique
Founder: Kimberly Sewell-Poole
More Amour Boutique brings retro-chic fashion to life with bold, one-of-a-kind statement pieces that merge timeless style with a modern edge. This boutique specializes in offering unique, affordable accessories and clothing, making high-fashion accessible to everyone. Kimberly is on a mission to empower her customers to express themselves confidently, helping them stand out with distinctive, stylish looks that turn heads.
J.Aaron Smokehouse
Founder: Joshua Wyrtzen
J.Aaron Smokehouse is more than just a BBQ business—it's a community experience. With a 15-foot mobile smoker that can serve over 100 people, Joshua brings the essence of barbecue culture to New Haven, creating gatherings full of smoked meats, vegetables, music, and laughter. His goal is to build a sense of family and togetherness through delicious food, offering a shared experience that’s about much more than what’s on the plate.
Scissor Society Inc
Founder: Miguel Delvalle
Scissor Society Inc is a nonprofit committed to changing lives through barbering. Miguel’s academy offers hands-on training and mentorship, empowering individuals to develop professional barbering skills and build successful careers. With a mission to uplift underrepresented communities, Scissor Society provides not just skills but opportunities for personal growth, employment, and a pathway to financial independence.
Axxi Wellness at Home, LLC
Founder: Tajhma Burroughs
Axxi Wellness at Home brings personalized wellness services directly into the comfort of people’s homes. Tajhma offers holistic care solutions tailored to the needs of each client, particularly those looking to improve their quality of life and independence. From home modifications to comprehensive health plans, Axxi Wellness is focused on transforming homes into wellness spaces that enhance everyday living.
Own Your Funk, LLC
Founders: Kyra James
Own Your Funk is revolutionizing the artisan food scene by creating fun, interactive tasting experiences that reconnect people to farm-fresh, handcrafted foods. Kyra’s mission is to build food equity, educate diverse communities, and bring a sense of empowerment through food knowledge. By combining unique artisan foods with vibrant events, she’s creating spaces where learning, fun, and flavor come together.
Get Swankey LLC
Founder: Jessica Halprin
Get Swankey is a game-changing event planning platform designed to make organizing any event seamless and stress-free. Jessica’s all-in-one SaaS product helps hosts manage every detail of their event—big or small—by streamlining communication and planning. Whether it’s a family gathering or a large-scale celebration, Swankey helps users create unforgettable, flawless events from start to finish.
Master Cooks Corps
Founder: Nadine Nelson
Master Cooks Corps is transforming culinary education by training community-based instructors to teach cooking skills that celebrate cultural traditions and focus on health. Nadine’s program addresses food insecurity and diet-related health issues by bringing culturally-relevant, health-focused cooking classes to underserved communities. With a “pantry to plate” approach, Master Cooks Corps empowers participants to reclaim their food traditions while learning how to cook healthy, delicious meals.
I Feel [Spaces]
Founder: Ellie Kleinhans
I Feel [Spaces] believes that our homes should nurture our mental well-being. Ellie’s business focuses on transforming living spaces using neuroaesthetic design principles to create environments that promote healing and emotional wellness. Through personalized assessments and tailored design plans, I Feel [Spaces] helps people turn their homes into places of comfort, calm, and inspiration.
Common Thread Co
Founder: Douglas Guilford
Common Thread Co is a fashion brand that blends the classic "Black Ivy" style with a modern twist, celebrating the creativity and individuality of diverse communities. Douglas’s clothing line draws inspiration from art, music, and culture, creating timeless pieces with personalized tailoring. Beyond fashion, Common Thread Co is about connecting people from different walks of life who share a common passion for creativity and self-expression.
Brainy Bakery
Founder: Hillary Babalola
Brainy Bakery is a health-conscious micro-bakery specializing in creative, low-GI cinnamon rolls that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Hillary offers unique flavors like matcha and red velvet, giving traditional baked goods a healthier twist without compromising on taste. Brainy Bakery is redefining indulgence by making sweet treats that fit into a balanced, mindful lifestyle.