The Refinery, an accelerator for women-run companies, is seeking applicants for its fall class.
The 12-week accelerator program is designed to help early-stage companies grow as well as improve their business model and pitch.
The fall program begins Sept. 9. Workshops are held Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in The Westport Library and consist of panels and discussions. Participants also have mentor meetings throughout the program.
The program costs are a combination of fees plus equity, which can range from $1,000 to $2,000 in cash with up to 2.5 percent equity. The accelerator class culminates in a demo night Dec. 2, when each entrepreneur makes a presentation to potential investors, mentors and community members.
The Refinery held the last class”™ demo night in April. PregPrep, which produces natural supplements to aid in conception, was the winner, receiving an $8,000 grant. Beacon and Lively, a company developing a wearable technology bracelet to connect users discreetly to their mobile devices, was awarded a grant from the East Hartford-based Angel Investor Forum. Two food companies, The Bites Co., which produces round biscotti, and Kerry Wood Health Foods, which makes natural dressings, won the audience favorite award.
Applications for the fall class are due June 30 and decisions will be made by Aug. 15. Criteria for applicants include a strong management team with at least one woman in a leadership role, a product or digital service already launched or in testing, and a significant value proposition and/or intellectual property.
Those interested can apply at refineryct.com/application.
