Think Tank Nurtures Entrepreneurial Spirit in Norwalk

For local companies that like to nurture the entrepreneurial drive of their staff, or for anyone on their own who has an entrepreneurial itch, there's a new operation in Norwalk you'll want to know about.  

Swaave Elements is a think tank that seeks to attract top talent from Norwalk as well as across the north east. A full-subsidiary of Swaave Holdings, Swaave Elements serves as the “creation arm” of the young investment firm’s bustling portfolio of startup ventures.

Every quarter -- beginning in January with a start date of Jan. 6, 2014 -- Swaave Elements will host a new group of entrepreneurial minded types for a three-month session.

"We're looking for groups of about 15-20 who we expect will range from about 18 to late 20s," said the 24-year-old CEO of Swaave Elements, Scott Merritt.

"Participants will either find us through word-of-mouth, our website, or through our collaborations with local companies that have an appreciation for staff with entrepreneurial skills," said Merritt. "Swaave Elements is not a career, but an opportunity to have a career," he added.

By locating Swaave Elements inside the bustling brick office building on 25 Van Zant St. in his hometown of Norwalk, Merritt's organization is set among a diverse and thriving business community. Just recently Mayor Rilling had his campaign offices adjacent to those of Swaave Elements.

"We're unique because you can be an entrepreneur but not have to do everything from scratch. You get a huge head start with us by tapping into our overall business structure, accounting and finance, talent, business development," said Merritt. "Basically you take the reigns but tap into our structure."

Think of Swaave Elements as one part competition, one part classroom instruction and one part placement advisor. There is no fee to attend the 3-month program, but rather an investment of time.

Merritt explained that during months one and two, participants hone their time management and real world finance skills while working on a new or existing Swaave Holdings subsidiary venture.

Along the way participants will get a handle on what they're best suited at and Swaave Elements will weave in lessons in areas related to business etiquette, relationship management, and personal identity. In month three the winners of the competition have the chance to be compensated and work with an ongoing concern.

In month three, students begin to focus on one of three areas:

1) Taking on the Executive Management of a new Swaave Holdings subsidiary firm, 2) Becoming a team member of one of Swaave Holdings current portfolio ventures, or, 3) Starting a career. Swaave Elements will help participants land interviews and opportunities.

"Even large companies like to hire entrepreneurial types of individuals," Merritt pointed out. "And in that vein, we're forming partnerships with multiple companies in the area."

According to Merritt, "One of our goals upon graduating Swaave Elements is that participants have a clear vision of a fulfilling career.   

Swaave Elements hopes to have an impact on youth as they are able to jumpstart their careers -- all for investing three months of their time.  "At the same time, we create a superb opportunity for local, national, and global companies to tap into our talent pool," said Merritt.

The Swaave Elements website has more information, as well as a link to apply and set up a Skype interview. Swaave Elements is located at 25 Van Zant St, Norwalk.  Email: contact@swaaveelements.com