THE FOUNDER'S LOUNGE @ CCEI
Big ideas need room to grow, and we’ve got the space for yours.
The Founder’s Lounge @ CCEI is more than just a co-working space — it’s a vibrant community hub built to support, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Located within the UConn School of Business in Storrs, it offers student founders a welcoming place to collaborate, recharge, and access the resources they need to bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re drafting your first business plan or scaling a growing venture, The Founder’s Lounge provides an environment that fuels both creativity and productivity.
Stocked with resources and tools (and the occasional snack!), The Founder’s Lounge keeps UConn innovators energized and ready to tackle their next big challenge. It’s a space where conversations spark ideas, collaborations take shape, and a strong sense of belonging is built among student founders from all backgrounds and industries.
Applications for the Fall 2026 semester closed on August 31, 2026. If you're interested in applying for a future cohort, please email michaela.hartl@uconn.edu.
I’m interested! How does it work?
The Founder’s Lounge is open to UConn student entrepreneurs who are actively working on a venture. Startups will be accepted into the incubator each semester upon submitting an application prior to the semester's start. Once you’re in, you can drop in between classes to work on your business, meet with team members, or connect with other founders. The space is a low-pressure, high-energy environment where spontaneous conversations often turn into collaborations, and where you can easily tap into CCEI staff, ambassadors, mentors, and resources to help your idea grow.
If you have additional questions on if your startup is eligible, please contact michaela.hartl@uconn.edu.
What would I gain access to?
- Free Admission to CCEI Events
- Enjoy free access to all paid CCEI events, including workshops, networking opportunities — giving you significant tools and connections to grow.
- Features on CCEI Social Media
- Showcase your business to our community through features on our Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn channels.
- Special Opportunities
- Participate in "Lunch and Learns" with program alumni, office hours with industry mentors, and mastermind sessions to enhance your entrepreneurial journey.
- Storage Space
- Labeled storage cabinets available behind the front desk for you to securely store your business materials and products. While we provide this space, CCEI is not responsible for any lost or stolen items stored.
- Public Logo Display
- Display your business' logo in our center space and on this webpage.
I want to apply, but it’s the middle of the semester.
Founders Lounge is a cohort-based space designed to bring together a group of UConn student founders for connection, collaboration, and community throughout the semester. Because space is limited and each cohort is selected for a specific semester, applications open at the beginning of each semester.
If you’re interested in joining, keep an eye out for the next application period and be sure to apply when applications open.
FALL 2025 COHORT
If you have questions about this program, please contact Outreach & Engagement Coordinator Michaela Hartl at michaela.hartl@uconn.edu or Assistant Director of Brand & Venture Development Alycia Chrosniak at alycia.chrosniak@uconn.edu.