A program offered by the University of Bridgeport is helping businesses in the area expand.

Businesses selected to the Accelerator Program will undergo 40 weeks of mentorship.

Upon completion, they receive a $5,000 grant.

News12’s Rebecca Surran was there to see how business owners can talk to the media and expand on their elevator pitch.

"These are businesses that are already in existence, and our goal with this program is to help them grow and thrive in the city," said Sherri Dente, the director of the Innovation Center at the University of Bridgeport.

The program will be offered again in 2025, and applications to enroll will be open in November.

For more information on the program, click here.