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8 n e w h a v e n B I Z | M a r c h 2 0 2 2 | n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m O N T H E R E C O R D : Q & A By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo D awn Leaks understands exactly what the owners of new businesses are going through as they try to make their ventures successful. Leaks, a Hamden resident, has been through it herself. She launched and served as CEO of Lioness For e Female Entrepreneur, an online digital media company aimed at female entrepreneurs. She took it from a small startup to a profitable company by increasing revenue 200%. She expanded the company's reach from a regional to a global audience of over 100,000, and led the company's exit in 2020. Now, Leaks is focused on helping other entrepreneurs achieve similar levels of success. In early February, Collab — a New Haven-based early-stage accelerator — announced that Leaks would be its new executive director. Collab works to help underserved entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. It focuses on people of color and women entrepreneurs. Since 2017, Collab has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs. Of its accelerator graduates, 83% are led by people of color and 74% are led by women. Caroline Tanbee Smith, who co-founded Collab with Margaret Lee, said Leaks has the "energy, compassion and deep expertise" to lead the organization. Collab provides workshops and other resources for entrepreneurs, and offers office hours where people can meet to discuss their ventures. It has accelerator programs aimed at both the general business community, and a Food Business Accelerator, by Collab and CitySeed, aimed specifically at early-stage food entrepreneurs. Collab participants can get individual coaching, mentoring, connections to potential funders, and pro bono legal and marketing services. According to Collab's 2021 Impact Report, its accelerator graduates have generated more than $5 million in revenue, and 87% are still operational. Collab has had several success stories — its entrepreneurs are running a range of businesses, from food delivery to home care to fashion retail. New Haven Biz recently chatted with Leaks about entrepreneurship, and how she aims to help others achieve success through her new role. What made you want to be Collab's executive director? One, my own journey as an entrepreneur from an underrepresented community. I have firsthand understanding of the barriers and struggles of being an entrepreneur. I have been through a few different accelerator programs myself. I know what having the right information, resources, education, and compassion at the right time can do in the life of an entrepreneur. What are some things fledgling business owners need? Coaching can be transformative. ere is a difference between just reading information and having somebody actually look at your specific business. at is invaluable in the life of an entrepreneur. It helps you to have mentorship, one-on-one coaching, educational support and someone helping you navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in New Haven. It helps if you are put in touch with the right people at the right stage of your business. Collab particularly focuses on people of color and women entrepreneurs. What are some of their unique challenges? Oentimes this population of entrepreneurs doesn't have access to the family and friends round, which traditional startups may have. ey don't have access to the funders and other people that it would be beneficial to be in contact with as an entrepreneur. Also let's be honest — bias. When you are out pitching your business, you are getting different questions, people are focusing on different things. Sometimes women are getting hit on. With women sometimes there is imposter syndrome. We are really trying to help entrepreneurs navigate that landscape, and also provide education for potential investors and funders that this population is creating really good, strong viable businesses that should not be overlooked. Entrepreneurial Mindset New Collab leader Leaks aims to make New Haven accelerator 'a household' name locally, statewide Dawn Leaks Executive Director Collab Education: MBA, Bay Path University Age: 45 Dawn Leaks of Hamden is sharing her secrets for entrepreneurial success in her new role with Collab. PHOTOS | CONTRIBUTED

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