The Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CCEI) is proud to present the 23 veterans and military spouses selected to participate in our annual Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) program! Offered in three phases, EBV provides veterans with the skills necessary to successfully launch and grow a new business. Through online coursework, an intense on-campus […]
EBV Alumni Spotlight | Rachel Czmyr, EBV ’19
CCEI’s EBV program continues our quarterly Alumni Spotlight series with Rachel Czmyr. Rachel and her husband Stephen Budner are both Air Force Veterans. After 45 years of combined service, they, along with their 3 boys, made Ohio their final home and began their journey to founding ECOthrive Farms, LLC. Mehgan Williams, Program Coordinator for our […]
Accelerate UConn Propelus | April 2025
The Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI) is proud to celebrate the achievements of the April cohort of the Accelerate UConn Propelus program. Over the course of this four-week initiative, as part of UConn’s National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps site, participants gained critical skills and resources to explore the market potential of their […]
The Power of Passion: Why It’s Essential When Starting a Business
Starting a business is an exhilarating journey, but it’s also one filled with challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties. One of the key factors that separates those who succeed from those who give up is passion. While strategy, funding, and market research are critical, passion is the fuel that keeps entrepreneurs moving forward when things get tough. […]
Accelerate UConn Propelus | February 2025
The Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI) is pleased to recognize the February cohort of the Accelerate UConn Propelus program for successfully completing the four-week initiative. As part of UConn’s National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps site, this program is designed to equip early-stage ventures with the skills and resources needed to assess the […]
EBV Alumni Spotlight | Shon Barnwell, EBV ’16
CCEI’s EBV program continues our quarterly Alumni Spotlight series with Shon Barnwell. Shon is currently the proud owner and operator of three entrepreneurial efforts: Shon Barnwell Events produces memorable celebrations and travel adventures; Barnwell Publishing designs and delivers impactful workforce training; and Team Barnwell Properties acquires, rents, and manages residential real estate. Mehgan Williams, EBV’s […]
Alignment: The Word of the Year for 2025
I’m embracing the word alignment as not only my guiding theme for 2025, but the word of the year for CCEI. For me, alignment is about ensuring that all aspects of life and work move cohesively toward a shared vision. It’s about harmonizing values, actions, and ultimately the outcomes that I achieve. What is Alignment? […]
How YOU Can Help CCEI Startup Alumni
Since our Wolff New Venture Competition ended in October, the 25+ startups featured in our Startup Showcase component of the evening are actively moving forward — but many still need support to reach their next milestones. Each company presented bold solutions across diverse industries, from sustainable agriculture and health tech to digital accessibility and consumer […]
Accelerate UConn Propelus | November 2024
The Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI) is pleased to announce the startups selected to participate in our Accelerate UConn Propelus program, UConn’s National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps site. Each four-week Propelus program provides hands-on training in the fundamental components of new venture creation and is delivered by experienced entrepreneurs and NSF-trained instructors. […]
Accelerate UConn Propelus | October 2024
The Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI) is excited to announce the startups selected for the October cohort of Accelerate UConn Propelus, UConn’s National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) site. The four-week Propelus program offers immersive, hands-on training in the key elements of new venture creation, led by seasoned entrepreneurs and NSF-certified instructors. […]