Robin Saidov, with over 20 years of experience in the utilities industry, found the process of getting quotes for solar panels confusing and opaque. After moving three times and receiving more than 30 unclear solar panel quotes, Saidov recognized a widespread problem faced by countless homeowners.

To address this, she launched Your Energy Footprint last year, an online course designed to educate homeowners about solar energy.

Based in Westport, Connecticut, Saidov’s business equips prospective solar panel buyers with the right questions to ask and the knowledge to break down quotes.

This empowers them …

Hi, I’m Maggie Gerth, and I designed a new kind of suitcase called Props Luggage, which has legs that allow it to transform into a luggage rack, or if necessary, a small table or desk for busy travelers.

I started designing the prototype for Props Luggage before the pandemic. Then, in March 2020, as global travel came to a complete halt, I found myself designing a suitcase in a world where travel was paused.

However, I decided to take advantage of this grand pause to perfect my product. In 2022, I finally launched Props Luggage and have since won several awards for my innovations. I now look forward to getting my …

Deirdre Horan, based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, recognized the lack of prominent brands in the umbrella industry and the alarming issue of plastic pollution in our oceans.

Motivated to address both, she launched Dri in 2023. Dri produces umbrellas made from ocean-bound plastics sourced from fairly paid workers in nations most affected by such pollution.

With a dual mission of cleaning our oceans and providing durable, reliable umbrellas, Dri aims to make a positive impact on both environmental and consumer fronts. Horan is excited to grow her business and continue her efforts to combat plastic pollution while …