TRACTION WORKSHOPS
Open to: Students, Community Members
Traction Workshops are a unique opportunity to help aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups move their ideas forward. Open to anyone interested in the topics of entrepreneurship, this series of virtual workshops provides participants with hands-on guidance in developing a strong foundation of knowledge. Whether you have a concept in its earliest stages — or no idea at all, these workshops aim to empower you to learn about entrepreneurship on your own terms.
Participants will benefit from expert-led sessions that cover essential startup topics, including value proposition creation, customer discovery, creating an impactful pitch deck, and business model development.
Don't have all your questions answered? Set up office hours with any of our speakers!
VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
Twelve workshops will be offered each academic year to support entrepreneurs at various stages of building a business idea. These workshops will be led by experienced entrepreneurs, CCEI instructors, and UConn faculty — open to all.
MENTOR OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are hosted each week following each live workshop, and are available to only those who attended the virtual workshop(s). They are designed as an opportunity to dive deeper into a business idea on a one-on-one basis with the instructor.
SPRING 2026 WORKSHOPS
Concept to Commercialization
February 4, 2026
6:30-7:30pm
rsvp here
This presentation will walk through the critical steps of moving from prototype development into full-scale manufacturing. FORGE — a leading resource for startups navigating the complex path from concept to commercialization — will guide participants through each stage, from market research and product validation to scaling up manufacturing operations. We’ll cover essential topics such as prototyping, design for excellence (DFX), and preparing for manufacturing readiness, along with strategies for building a sustainable, efficient supply chain. You’ll also gain insights into why early-stage planning, risk management, and quality systems are vital for ensuring product success at scale. Join us for an opportunity to learn directly from industry experts and discover the connections and resources that can help turn your innovations into reality.
Led by Scott Longley
Scott Longley is a Manufacturing Expert in Residence at FORGE with over 28 years of international operations experience. His expertise spans process engineering, production, and supply chain management, which he uses to advise startups as they scale. Scott has held roles at Fortune 100 companies like Apple, HP, and Sun Microsystems, managing global supply chains and manufacturing operations. He also co-founded a Net Zero Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) startup, where he designed its supply chain and manufacturing strategy.
Small Business Roadmap: Essentials for Making Your Business Real
February 17, 2026
6:30-7:30pm
rsvp here
Ready to learn business buzzword Bingo? Business plan, financial model, marketing strategy, compliance, customer experience, MVP, and entrepreneurship are full of buzzwords that leave aspiring entrepreneurs confused as to how these topics come together. Join us to learn how these topics, and others, come together into one cohesive picture so that you can pursue your entrepreneurial vision.
Led by Michelle Augustyn DPS
Dr. Michelle Augustyn is a Business Advisor at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, and an Adjunct Faculty for the UConn School of Business. She has worked for the CT Small Business Development Center for five years specializing in start-up business advising, marketing strategy, and acquisition/succession planning. She earned her doctorate degree in Management with a concentration in social entrepreneurship from Pace University in NYC in December 2021. Prior to her role as a Business Advisor, she had a 17+ year career working in healthcare administration, social services, and small business retail/ecommerce sectors.
The Pitch Deck
March 4, 2026
6:30-7:30pm
rsvp here
A strong pitch deck can open doors, spark excitement, and turn interest into investment. In this workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of building a compelling deck for your startup. We’ll explore what slides to include, how to structure your pitch for maximum impact, and ways to make your deck visually engaging. By the end, you’ll have the tools to create a presentation that not only tells your story but gets your audience eager to be part of it.
Led by Alycia Chrosniak
With over ten 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
April 1, 2026
6:30-7:30pm
rsvp here
This workshop helps early stage founders learn how to uncover real customer needs and behaviors. Participants will walk away with practical tools for collecting customer insights and turning them into clearer, more informed startup decisions.
Led by Jennifer Mathieu
Jennifer Mathieu 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 new programs and initiatives to support entrepreneurs. As an entrepreneur herself, she founded Jennifer Elizabeth Design Studio, an inspirational carded jewelry company. The brand has received coverage in several gift guides, along with being featured in Connecticut Magazine. Jennifer was selected to the Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2021, the Connecticut Magazine's 40 Under 40 in 2023, and the Hartford Business Journal's Top Women in Business in 2024. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from UConn, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Springfield College and an Executive MBA from UConn.
Communicating for Impact in Entrepreneurship: A Storytelling Approach
April 7, 2026
6:30-7:30pm
rsvp here
This workshop will highlight the impact of practical storytelling techniques to help sharpen your message, engage stakeholders, and keep conversations moving forward.
Led by Rory McGloin Ph.D.
Dr. Rory McGloin is an award-winning business communication professor at UConn. His career in higher education spans 17+ years, including engagements with over 10,000 learners to date and 35 peer-reviewed publications. He works closely with graduate students who are interested in organizational communication, professional development, and entrepreneurship. He also continues to share his passion with students in the classroom as he leads courses on professional and business communication for UConn’s top-ranked MBA and Executive MBA programs. In addition to this, Rory serves as the Associate Director of Entrepreneurial Communication & Research with CCEI. Rory’s current research is focused on the process of training and development, examining the influence of individual identities and values on perceptions of a program’s impact.
TRACTION WORKSHOPS CONTACTS
Michaela Hartl
Engagement & Outreach Coordinator
michaela.hartl@uconn.edu
Alycia Chrosniak
Assistant Director of Brand & Venture Development
Rachel Ayers
Program & Financial Assistant