
ABOUT TRACTION
Traction was originally launched as a way to provide students with early-stage business support and to help them validate their idea with potential customers. CCEI has now expanded the Traction program, starting in Fall 2023, to include additional elements to support student entrepreneurs. This program is now designed to provide on- and off-ramps for students to participate in various entrepreneurship programs. The main elements of this program include: open workshops, office hours with mentors, a point system for students to gain access to seed funding, and an application process to join our incubation space. If you participated in a previous cohort of Traction you are welcome to join the new iteration!

Workshops: Twelve workshops will be offered each academic year to support entrepreneurs at various stages of building their business idea. These workshops will be led by experienced entrepreneurs, CCEI instructors, and faculty. They are open to all UConn students.

Mentor Office Hours: Office hours are hosted the week following the live workshops and are available to those who attended the workshop. They are an opportunity to dive deeper into your business on a one-on-one basis with the instructor.

Seed Funding: Any student at UConn can generate points to cash in for seed funding. Points are generated through entrepreneurship program participation including all Traction workshops & office hours, and any CCEI entrepreneurship course, event, program, or workshop.

Incubation Space: Students can apply for incubation space in the CCEI center space (Storrs) in November. Students will be accepted on a rolling basis. This space includes access to an open co-working space in Business 121. Locked cabinets and a private meeting space may be reserved upon request.
FALL 2023 & SPRING 2024 WORKSHOPS

Design Thinking
September 27, 2023
6:30-7:30pm
register here
Design thinking is about building human-centered solutions to complex problems. Creative problem-solving is at the foundation of innovation, and developing a practice of design thinking can help any and every entrepreneur to create better products for their customers. In design thinking, we approach problem solving by empathizing with human needs. For entrepreneurs, this approach means thinking first about the problems we are trying to solve for our potential customers, and then designing a product or service that meets those needs.
This workshop will introduce some basic concepts and techniques in design thinking. We will also guide participants through a hands-on design thinking activity suitable for entrepreneurs at any stage, including those just beginning to develop an idea for a product or business.
Led by Brooke Foti Gemmell and Wes Hamrick
Brooke (she/her) is a Design Strategist at UConn’s Greenhouse Studios and enjoys big-picture thinking and dreaming up creative solutions to big problems. Though she is trained as a creative generalist, Brooke believes that her greater calling is in the development of the people around her, and is wholly energized by the successes of her mentees and peers alike. When she isn't at UConn, she is riding horses, chasing her kid around, and asking if she can pet your dog.
Wes is a Postdoctoral Researcher at UConn’s Greenhouse Studios. He is interested in how traditional pedagogy can be augmented by using digital technology at scale, and enthusiastic about the ways that conventional scholarship can be transformed through diverse collaboration and the application of the principles of design thinking. He specializes in British and Irish literature of the long eighteenth century.

The Business Model
November 7, 2023
6:30-7:30pm
register here
A business model describes the rationale of how an organization creates, delivers, and captures value. It is a foundational document for detailing a startup company and is required to access debt and equity capital. In this workshop, we'll discuss the key components of a business model (and the short form version, referred to as a Business Model Canvas) and how we can use it to highlight value creation and identify risks and assumptions in your business. All participants will leave the session having begun (or honed an existing) business model canvas.
Led by Leland Holcomb
Leland is a Sr. Innovation Associate at CSAA Insurance Group. In his role, Leland helps AAA’s insurance arm respond to emerging threats and opportunities through new product development, core business collaboration, and partnership with startups and leading companies. Leland is also an EIR at CCEI where he helps student entrepreneurs design and conduct initial customer discovery and engage in experiential learning experiences within insurtechs.
Leland previously served as the Director of Business Development focused on technology at AdvanceCT helping technology companies grow and expand into and within Connecticut. Prior to joining AdvanceCT, Leland led Customer Success at Aureus Analytics, a venture backed insurtech company, was Head of Scouting for Startupbootcamp's Hartford InsurTech Hub accelerator, and was a Global Fellow at Patamar Capital, an impact investment venture capital fund.

Problem Solution Fit
January 29, 2024
6:30-7:30pm
register here
In this workshop, we will be discussing the foundational principles of introducing a new product or service to market. We will analyze and discuss best practices for conducting customer discovery to hone in on actionable customer problem statements, and ultimately market insights, to maximize success potential when launching a startup business.
Led by Leland Holcomb
Leland is a Sr. Innovation Associate at CSAA Insurance Group. In his role, Leland helps AAA’s insurance arm respond to emerging threats and opportunities through new product development, core business collaboration, and partnership with startups and leading companies. Leland is also an EIR at CCEI where he helps student entrepreneurs design and conduct initial customer discovery and engage in experiential learning experiences within insurtechs.
Leland previously served as the Director of Business Development focused on technology at AdvanceCT helping technology companies grow and expand into and within Connecticut. Prior to joining AdvanceCT, Leland led Customer Success at Aureus Analytics, a venture backed insurtech company, was Head of Scouting for Startupbootcamp's Hartford InsurTech Hub accelerator, and was a Global Fellow at Patamar Capital, an impact investment venture capital fund.

The Pitch Deck
March 19, 2024
6:30-7:30pm
register here
Learn the basics of creating a pitch deck for your startup. A great pitch deck gets your audience excited about your idea and engages them in a conversation about your business — hopefully leading to investment. In this workshop we’ll cover what slides you should include in your deck, how you should structure your pitch and how to make your deck look visually appealing.
Led by Alycia Chrosniak
With over nine years of experience in entrepreneurship, marketing and innovation, Alycia is passionate about creating and promoting impactful programs that support the growth and success of startups and entrepreneurs. Currently, she is the Assistant Director of Brand and Venture Development at the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI), where she oversees the operation and management of four startup accelerators, a pitch competition series and the center's marketing. She is driven by the mission of CCEI to foster a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Connecticut, and brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the team, having founded and grown a digital food brand, CT Eats Out, to national recognition.

Problem Solution Fit
October 12, 2023
6:30-7:30pm
register here
In this workshop, we will be discussing the foundational principles of introducing a new product or service to market. We will analyze and discuss best practices for conducting customer discovery to hone in on actionable customer problem statements, and ultimately market insights, to maximize success potential when launching a startup business.
Led by Leland Holcomb
Leland is a Sr. Innovation Associate at CSAA Insurance Group. In his role, Leland helps AAA’s insurance arm respond to emerging threats and opportunities through new product development, core business collaboration, and partnership with startups and leading companies. Leland is also an EIR at CCEI where he helps student entrepreneurs design and conduct initial customer discovery and engage in experiential learning experiences within insurtechs.
Leland previously served as the Director of Business Development focused on technology at AdvanceCT helping technology companies grow and expand into and within Connecticut. Prior to joining AdvanceCT, Leland led Customer Success at Aureus Analytics, a venture backed insurtech company, was Head of Scouting for Startupbootcamp's Hartford InsurTech Hub accelerator, and was a Global Fellow at Patamar Capital, an impact investment venture capital fund.

The Pitch Deck
November 28, 2023
6:30-7:30pm
register here
Learn the basics of creating a pitch deck for your startup. A great pitch deck gets your audience excited about your idea and engages them in a conversation about your business — hopefully leading to investment. In this workshop we’ll cover what slides you should include in your deck, how you should structure your pitch and how to make your deck look visually appealing.
Led by Alycia Chrosniak
With over nine years of experience in entrepreneurship, marketing and innovation, Alycia is passionate about creating and promoting impactful programs that support the growth and success of startups and entrepreneurs. Currently, she is the Assistant Director of Brand and Venture Development at the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI), where she oversees the operation and management of four startup accelerators, a pitch competition series and the center's marketing. She is driven by the mission of CCEI to foster a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Connecticut, and brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the team, having founded and grown a digital food brand, CT Eats Out, to national recognition.

Customer Insights
February 15, 2024
6:30-7:30pm
register here
Workshop Description TBA
Led by Jennifer Mathieu
Jennifer is the Executive Director of CCEI and supports economic development by fostering initiatives for startups and small businesses at UConn, across Connecticut and to alumni worldwide. In this role she has helped to launch and grow hundreds of startups and several new programs and initiatives to support entrepreneurs. Jennifer is an entrepreneurship educator and teaches courses and programs to support entrepreneurs. In addition, she is a mentor within community organizations, serves on several advisory boards for startups, and works one-on-one with entrepreneurs through her consulting business. Jennifer is passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs and coaches them to leverage their skill sets and overcome mindset barriers to build the life and the businesses they have imagined.


Understanding Your Customer
October 23, 2023
6:30-7:30pm
register here
workshop description TBA
Led by Michelle Cote
Michelle Cote is a Lead Instructor at CCEI, as well as Director of Launc[H], an innovation ecosystem in Hartford. At CCEI, Michelle teaches courses that help students and faculty build skills critical for entrepreneurship and innovation, and supports them in forming and bringing new ventures to market.
Through Launc[H], Michelle leads the design and development of initiatives that help to make Hartford a visible and vibrant hub of entrepreneurship and innovation. Working together with anchor institutions and other community partners, Michelle has helped to seed and support several key accelerator and incubator programs, including: Hartford InsurTech Hub, Digital HealthCT, and Nassau Re/Imagine. Launc[H] also provides entrepreneurs with critical connectivity to business growth resources across the Hartford region.

Legal Basics for Startups
January 17, 2024
6:30-7:30pm
register here
Workshop description TBA
Led by TBA

The Business Model
February 27, 2024
6:30-7:30pm
register here
A business model describes the rationale of how an organization creates, delivers, and captures value. It is a foundational document for detailing a startup company and is required to access debt and equity capital. In this workshop, we'll discuss the key components of a business model (and the short form version, referred to as a Business Model Canvas) and how we can use it to highlight value creation and identify risks and assumptions in your business. All participants will leave the session having begun (or honed an existing) business model canvas.
Led by Leland Holcomb
Leland is a Sr. Innovation Associate at CSAA Insurance Group. In his role, Leland helps AAA’s insurance arm respond to emerging threats and opportunities through new product development, core business collaboration, and partnership with startups and leading companies. Leland is also an EIR at CCEI where he helps student entrepreneurs design and conduct initial customer discovery and engage in experiential learning experiences within insurtechs.
Leland previously served as the Director of Business Development focused on technology at AdvanceCT helping technology companies grow and expand into and within Connecticut. Prior to joining AdvanceCT, Leland led Customer Success at Aureus Analytics, a venture backed insurtech company, was Head of Scouting for Startupbootcamp's Hartford InsurTech Hub accelerator, and was a Global Fellow at Patamar Capital, an impact investment venture capital fund.

The Revenue Model
April 18, 2024
6:30-7:30pm
register here
Workshop Description TBA
Led by Michelle Cote
Michelle Cote is a Lead Instructor at CCEI, as well as Director of Launc[H], an innovation ecosystem in Hartford. At CCEI, Michelle teaches courses that help students and faculty build skills critical for entrepreneurship and innovation, and supports them in forming and bringing new ventures to market.
Through Launc[H], Michelle leads the design and development of initiatives that help to make Hartford a visible and vibrant hub of entrepreneurship and innovation. Working together with anchor institutions and other community partners, Michelle has helped to seed and support several key accelerator and incubator programs, including: Hartford InsurTech Hub, Digital HealthCT, and Nassau Re/Imagine. Launc[H] also provides entrepreneurs with critical connectivity to business growth resources across the Hartford region.
SEED FUNDING
By participating in at least one Traction workshop, your startup is eligible to receive seed funding. Use the point tracker linked below to account for your startup's participation in UConn's entrepreneurial ecosystem activities. When your startup reaches the minimum threshold, you may submit the form to CCEI's Financial Assistant, Rachel Ayers (rachel.ayers@uconn.edu) to confirm participation and receive funding.
PAST COHORTS
TBLL: Kashish Manchanda (School of Business)
Project Clean Surf: Amelia Martin (CLAS, CAHNR)
Sage Productions: Sage Bhagwansingh (School of Business)
Paza Tech: Nicole Muthoni (CLAS), Faith Kyalo
SBHS Solutions: Himanshu Jha (School of Business), Kshitja Dhakane (School of Business)
Happy Dinosaur: Lyla Andrick (CAHNR), Benjamin Becker (CLAS)
Tony's Denims: Patricia Oliva (School of Business)
Meritocracy LLC: Matthew Riley (School of Business)
Cocotfyma: Mariella Magan & Fiorella Magan
Forvrd: Rashana Weerasinghe
Geomate: Audrey Larson, Charlotte Chen, & Angel Velasquez
Peer Expertise: Jennifer Ndjomou
Doodle Artwear: Kristina DeMichiel (ACES)
Kibble Finder: Brooke Chao (School of Business)
Kizer's Kollection: Madeline Kizer (School of Business)
Whale Steps: Lorraine Linkhauer (School of Fine Arts)
RainCheck: Shaina Selvaraju, Nicole Jain & Srijani Challagundla (College of Liberal Arts & Sciences)
Plant Monitor: Harsha Jain (School of Engineering)
Rush Cycle: Reaj Uddin (School of Fine Arts) & Akash Chavan (School of Engineering)
ShadeSnap: Brian Peng (College of Liberal Arts & Sciences) & Shivam Patel (School of Business)
Bamboo: Ashkan Novin & Amir Bagha (BME)
Collision Avoidance Safety System (CASS): Hritish Bhargava (School of Engineering)
Inspirational Planner to Support Mental Health: Allie Davenport (School of Business)
iThink Beauty: Ashaki Reid (CAHNR)
UComm: Christine Hall, Richard Loricco, Edward Szalan, & Monisha Jain (School of Business)
Co-Learn: Angela Rodriguez (School of Business)
Kona Brand: Zac Will (School of Business)
Underground Cookies: Bryce Bisset (School of Engineering)
Frontlines: Sameer Laul, Sahil Laul, & Aziz Sandhu (Alumni) (College of Liberal Arts & Sciences)
AirCannon: Jack Baumgartel (School of Engineering)
BeeWell: Raina Jain (School of Engineering)
BeRemote: Vivek Nigam (Alumni), Rahul Sinha (Alumni) & Micky Chhabda (School of Business)

Michaela Hartl
Program Coordinator
michaela.hartl@uconn.edu

Alycia Chrosniak
Assistant Director of Brand & Venture Development

Rachel Ayers
Financial Assistant