A dozen Hartford-based businesses are strengthening their presence and operations in the community through a pilot retail incubator program.

Breakfast Lunch & Dinner and reSET collaborated with the program, using Launc[H] Hartford funding for an eight-week training course designed to help retailers improve their business models.

“Our goal is to make sure they are well positioned to grow here in Hartford and beyond,” said Sarah Bodley, executive director of reSET.

Companies have learned the basics of creating a business plan, the need for flexible spending in a business model, how to understand their customer base, and marketing and branding.

The idea is to help businesses grow and change consumer habits after the pandemic in the Hartford area.

Changing landscape

“Over the past few months, they have focused on knowing their customers, so they can meet the demand and needs of the public in a changing COVID retail landscape,” Bodley said.

“We can’t wait to see where they go from here.”

The program was free for businesses.

The 12 participating companies are micro-enterprises owned by women or minorities, including:

The program will conclude with a pop-up event on Pratt Street in Hartford on October 28.