​Do you have an idea but aren't sure what to do next? This interactive workshop will help you move from an idea to action.

​We'll explore how to identify the problem you're solving, understand who has that problem, test your assumptions, and create quick, low-cost ways to test the market before investing significant time or resources. You will leave with a clearer path forward and a concrete next step for exploring and testing your idea.

​Led by Jennifer Mathieu

​Jennifer Mathieu is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CCEI) at UConn, where she leads initiatives advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development. With more than a decade of experience building programs, partnerships, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, Jennifer has helped CCEI become a nationally and internationally recognized hub for innovation, supporting more than 1,400 startups and entrepreneurs who have gone on to raise more than $2 billion in follow-on funding.

​She serves as the Instruction & Curriculum Lead for the NSF I-Corps Northeast Hub and as a regional and national I-Corps Instructor, helping researchers and entrepreneurs translate discoveries into real-world applications. She is also the co-founder of Rollgevity, a wellness technology company.

​Jennifer serves on advisory boards for organizations and startups and is a passionate mentor, educator, and entrepreneur who supports founders across industries. Her leadership and impact have been widely recognized, including being honored as part CT Tech Council’s Women of Innovation, Hartford Business Journal’s Top Women in Business and a multi-time 40 Under 40 honoree. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Psychology from UConn, a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Springfield College, an Executive MBA from UConn, and Advanced Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy from UConn.

​About Traction Workshops

​Ten workshops will be offered each academic year to support entrepreneurs at various stages of building a business idea. These workshops are open to all UConn students, and are led by experienced entrepreneurs, CCEI instructors, and UConn faculty. Learn more about the program at ccei.uconn.edu/traction.