Reflecting on Our Summer Events: A Journey of Growth, Connection, and Empowerment
This summer at Collab has been nothing short of inspiring. As we look back on the events that brought our community together, we’re filled with gratitude for the passion, creativity, and resilience that each participant brought to the table. Here’s a look at the highlights from our recent events and the lasting impact they’ve had on our community.
Collab is proudly supported by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the Community Foundation Mission Investments Company (TCF-MIC), REX Development, the City of New Haven, NewAlliance Foundation, and others — as well as a growing network of individual donors.
Business Plan & Financial Analysis 101 Webinar Recap
On August 20th, we also hosted our "Business Plan & Financial Analysis 101" webinar, led by Ndubisi Okeke. This virtual session was packed with valuable insights and tools to help entrepreneurs deepen their understanding of building robust business plans and performing effective financial analysis.Participants left the session feeling more confident in their ability to navigate the financial aspects of their businesses. We’re committed to providing ongoing education and resources to ensure our entrepreneurs have the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
Immigrants in Entrepreneurship:
Stories of Resilience and Innovation
Immigrants in Entrepreneurship: Stories of Resilience and Innovation
The "Immigrants in Entrepreneurship" panel held on August 20th was a powerful gathering that brought together immigrant entrepreneurs to share their unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs. The event, hosted in partnership with the IRIS SUN Program and IVES Squared NHFPL, highlighted the resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination that define the immigrant experience in entrepreneurship.
Maria Torres: From Selling Tamales to Leading the Way
Maria Torres shared her inspiring journey that began with selling tamales to her neighbors. Her story is a testament to the power of community and the challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs. Maria spoke candidly about the struggles of balancing work, raising children, and the difficulty of learning a new language in a foreign land. Without the knowledge or background to start a business, she found herself navigating a complex path. But Maria’s tenacity and drive propelled her forward, ultimately leading her to build a successful venture.
Maria’s journey is not just about business success; it’s also about leadership and setting an example for her daughters. She emphasized that women entrepreneurs can be more than just homemakers—they can be business owners who pay fair wages and value their employees. Maria highlighted how entrepreneurship is a path to create wealth, power, and opportunities, not just for oneself but for the community. Her story is a powerful reminder that women of color can inspire and lead, making a lasting impact on future generations.
Tabitha Sookdeo: Overcoming Barriers and Building a Path Forward
Tabitha Sookdeo’s story echoed the struggles many immigrants face, particularly those who are undocumented. She shared how being stuck in the DACA system forced her to pick up various skills, leading to the question: “What can I do with all these skills?” Building a business became her answer, but not without challenges. The barriers to employment for undocumented individuals pushed her to create her own opportunities. Tabitha emphasized the importance of tenacity and adaptability, traits ingrained in her immigrant experience. She also highlighted the supportive nature of the New Haven community, expressing surprise and gratitude for how everyone wanted to help her succeed. Her experience underscores the critical role that community plays in empowering immigrant entrepreneurs.
Domingo Medina: The Push to Create Something New
For Domingo Medina, being an immigrant gave him a “push” to explore new grounds and build something meaningful. He spoke about the isolation of being away from family and the pressure of having to work harder as a minority. Domingo's journey began with a low investment, starting with just 10-15 clients. Today, his business has grown to serve over 500 clients. He shared the importance of learning who your market is and going where there’s a need, a lesson that has been pivotal to his success. Domingo also reflected on the broader tensions surrounding immigration, particularly the fear that immigrants are seen as a threat rather than as contributors to society. His story is a powerful reminder of the contributions that immigrants make, not only as entrepreneurs but as valuable members of the community.
Collective Reflections: The Power of Community and Shared Experiences
The panelists collectively reflected on the shared experiences of being immigrants and entrepreneurs. They spoke about the importance of having a “village” behind them—a community that helps make decisions, offers support, and grows together. The panel highlighted the need for immigrants to find niches within their communities, where they can follow their passions and build businesses that fulfill both personal and communal needs.
The stories shared during the panel were not just about overcoming obstacles; they were about finding strength in adversity, leveraging unique skills, and creating opportunities where none existed before. These entrepreneurs have faced significant challenges, from language barriers to systemic issues, but their stories are a testament to the resilience and innovation that immigrant entrepreneurs bring to the table.
Continuing the Journey
The “Immigrants in Entrepreneurship” panel was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit. It showcased how immigrant entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are building bridges—connecting cultures, communities, and opportunities. As we move forward, the stories shared during this panel will continue to inspire and remind us of the incredible impact that immigrants have on our economy and society. We are grateful for the courage and vulnerability of the panelists, and we look forward to supporting and celebrating immigrant entrepreneurs in our community.
Food Business Accelerator Showcase 2024
On August 21st, 2024, the CitySeed/Q House Farmers Market was transformed into a vibrant hub of culinary creativity as we gathered for the annual Food Business Accelerator (FBA) Showcase. This event marked a significant milestone for ten outstanding food entrepreneurs who have been part of our accelerator program—a program designed to empower and elevate local food businesses since its inception in 2017.
The showcase was a feast for the senses, with the tantalizing aromas of freshly prepared dishes wafting through the air and the buzz of lively conversation filling the space. But beyond the food, this event was a celebration of the hard work, creativity, and passion that each of these entrepreneurs has poured into their ventures. It was a moment to recognize their achievements and the journey they’ve undertaken to bring their culinary dreams to life.
Let’s take a moment to spotlight the ten incredible ventures that were featured at this year’s showcase:
Shayne A. Miller - Razzi's Eats & Treats
Shayne brought a unique twist to comfort food with Razzi’s Eats & Treats, offering mouth-watering dishes that combine traditional flavors with innovative techniques. Shayne’s dedication to quality and creativity shone through in every bite.Shakeema Romero - Suga & Spice Me
Shakeema delighted attendees with her range of gourmet spices and seasonings, each crafted with a passion for bringing bold, authentic flavors to home kitchens. Suga & Spice Me is all about elevating everyday meals into something extraordinary.Hazel Lebron - Caribe Soul
Hazel’s Caribe Soul transported us to the Caribbean with her vibrant and flavorful empanadas, a true taste of her cultural heritage. Each empanada was a perfect blend of spices and hearty ingredients, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. Her food is a celebration of Caribbean cuisine, bringing authentic flavors to life and leaving everyone eager for more.
Aaron Lee - Heartfelt Catering
Aaron’s Heartfelt Catering lived up to its name, delivering soulful dishes that comforted and nourished. Aaron’s commitment to using fresh, local ingredients was evident in the depth of flavor and the care put into each dish.Smita Shrestha - Mitho Garden
Smita introduced us to the rich, aromatic flavors of Nepal through Mitho Garden. Her food is not just a meal but a journey, offering a taste of traditional Nepalese cuisine with a modern twist. Each dish was a delightful exploration of taste and tradition.Anabel Javier & Elizabeth - Tortilleria Semilla Cooperative
Anabel and Elizabeth brought the authentic taste of freshly made tortillas to the showcase. Tortilleria Semilla Cooperative is more than just a business, it’s a celebration of community and heritage, with each tortilla crafted by hand with love and care.Zoey Hodge - Pup Pizza Dog Bakery
Zoey’s Pup Pizza Dog Bakery was a hit, not just with the human attendees but also with their furry friends. Her innovative approach to pet treats—delicious, pizza-inspired snacks—showcased her creativity and love for animals.Kismet Douglass - Momma Kiss Kitchen Cuisine
Kismet’s Momma Kiss Kitchen Cuisine brought comfort food to the forefront, serving dishes that felt like a warm hug from home. Her passion for cooking was evident in the rich, hearty flavors that reminded everyone of their favorite home-cooked meals.Brittney M. Williams - Brittney's Famous Alabama Kitchen
Brittney’s Famous Alabama Kitchen offered a taste of the South, with dishes rich in tradition and flavor. Brittney’s cooking is a tribute to her roots, bringing the warmth and hospitality of Southern cuisine to the table.Sheila Cain - Auntie Sheelah's Cheesecakes
Sheila’s cheesecakes were the perfect sweet finish to the event. Auntie Sheelah’s Cheesecakes are known for their rich, creamy texture and innovative flavors, each slice a decadent treat that left everyone craving more.
The showcase was more than just a tasting event; it was an opportunity for these entrepreneurs to share their stories, connect with the community, and celebrate the cultural richness that their businesses bring to the local food scene. The event was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment, as these ten ventures represented the diverse and dynamic nature of our food ecosystem.
We are incredibly grateful to the City of New Haven's Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, and Arts & Ideas for their unwavering support in making this event possible. Their commitment to fostering local talent and culture plays a vital role in the success of initiatives like the Food Business Accelerator.
As we reflect on the event, we are reminded of the power of community and the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs. The FBA Showcase was a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets opportunity, and we look forward to seeing how these ten businesses continue to grow and thrive.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our food entrepreneurs including our amazing volunteers, videographer Alex from AXM Productions and Photographer Alyssa from April Dreams. Your presence and encouragement made the event truly special. We are excited to continue this tradition and can’t wait to see what our talented entrepreneurs will cook up next time!
Collab Alumni Reception
Our first-ever alumni meet-up on August 15th was a beautiful reunion of the Collab family. Held at the Southern Connecticut State University School of Business, the event was a chance to reconnect with the amazing individuals who have gone through our programs and see firsthand how their entrepreneurial journeys have evolved.
The room was filled with warmth as alumni shared their successes, challenges, and everything in between. The vulnerability and support displayed during the meet-up were a testament to the strong bonds that have been formed through Collab. While we missed those who couldn’t attend, we’re already looking forward to the next gathering where we hope to see even more familiar faces.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on these events, we’re reminded of the power of community, the importance of resilience, and the impact of continued learning. The momentum we’ve built this summer is just the beginning, and we’re excited to carry this energy forward into our upcoming events and initiatives.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Your dedication, passion, and support are what make Collab the vibrant community that it is. We look forward to continuing this journey together, with more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.
Stay tuned for what’s next, and let’s keep building a brighter future—together.