New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3)
NHE3 is facilitating the growth of entrepreneurial pathways to economic independence and generational wealth.
New Haven is at an important inflection point; by boosting entrepreneurship and small business growth within under-connected communities, the community has the potential to undo structural inequities and remove the barriers to job creation.
What is the NHE3?
The New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3) was conceived by The Community Foundation (TCF) to build an equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem designed for historically marginalized entrepreneurs, such as those who identify as Black, Latinx, and women, in order to:
Create jobs and economic sustainability
Create community wealth and community power
Build generational wealth
SUPPORT STRUCTURAL CHANGE AND REMOVE BARRIERS OF STRUCTURAL RACISm
Build individual and family wealth through financial independence
Our Mission
The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company (TCF-MIC) deploys its resources to generate capital for entrepreneurs and businesses that build wealth for families, neighborhoods and communities.
How We Achieve That Mission:
The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company TCF-MIC works with local entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) and small business owners to support a full continuum of grants, business advisory, and technical services in Greater New Haven. Entrepreneurship has the power to transform lives, build individual and community wealth, and catalyze positive change.
About The Grant
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) awarded $7.2 million to The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven on October 24, 2022 in support of work to make the small business landscape more equitable. The grant is part of a $46.6 million statewide initiative to help underserved entrepreneurs and businesses owners.
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven ($7.2 million) funds will be used over the next five years to build a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem and a more resilient small business landscape in Greater New Haven. Through its mission investment subsidiary, the organization will work with local entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) and small business owners to support a full continuum of grants, business consulting and technical services in Greater New Haven.
The ESO Network
The ESOs connect entrepreneurs and small businesses to capital, capacity building resources and technical assistance. Collectively, they provide a full continuum of business advisory and support services including webinars, workshops, education and training (organized as classes or ESO cohorts), mentoring and access to business financing.
Want to join the NHE3 eco-system or access its services?
Register your interest in NHE3, whether for the grants program, eco-system services or to become a partner. We will contact you as soon as possible.