Innovate Newport is the Region’s premier innovation hub, transforming the local entrepreneurial landscape through coworking, private offices, and event space. Housed in the historic site of the former Sheffield Elementary School, the 33,000-square-foot building has been revitalized into a modern center for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth.
The vision for Innovate Newport began as a joint initiative of the City of Newport and the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, with leadership and support provided by the Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island. Supported by city, state, federal and philanthropic partners—including the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Commerce RI, and the Van Beuren Charitable Foundation—the project secured roughly $8 million in funding to create a space dedicated to Rhode Island’s innovation economy.
Groundbreaking occurred in 2018, just over a year before the grand opening in 2019. The transformation of the former school building into an innovation hub with over 10,000 square feet of private offices, and scalable event venues was recognized with GrowSmart RI’s 2019 Outstanding Smart Growth Award. The center was designed to spark collaboration across industries including the ocean economy, defense, technology, and small business entrepreneurship.
Since opening, Innovate Newport has grown into a vibrant community where entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies connect, innovate, and thrive. The hub embodies the City’s commitment to economic development and serves as a model for public-private collaboration, bringing energy, innovation, and opportunity to the Region every day.
getting here
LOCATION, PARKING AND ENTRIES
Innovate Newport is located at 513 Broadway, Newport, RI, 02840. It is a large brick building and you’ll see Simple Merchant Coffee at the front entryway. Innovate Newport has two full sized parking lots on either side of the building. If the lots are full, there is ample street parking along Broadway and Vernon Ave.
our team
Caroline Humphrey
Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
I’m Caroline Humphrey, and I lead Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, where I oversee programs, partnerships, and funding at Innovate Newport. With over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, economic development, and stakeholder engagement, I’m passionate about building inclusive business ecosystems that drive community impact. My work spans grant writing, project management, and cross-sector collaboration, all aimed at supporting Rhode Island’s innovators and entrepreneurs. I’m currently pursuing my MBA, and with a background in journalism, I bring strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills to every project I tackle. Helping startups, small businesses, and regional initiatives thrive is at the heart of what I do.
Olya Myers
Community Manager
Hi, I’m Olya Myers, and I serve as the Community Manager at Innovate Newport, powered by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. My role is to manage the day-to-day operations of the hub, cultivate tenant and member relationships, and organize events that strengthen our collaborative ecosystem. With a background in community engagement, business development, and strategic planning, I’ve supported early-stage startups through initiatives like the Rogue Women Fund and RI-Hub, helping founders refine strategy, expand networks, and grow their businesses. I’m dedicated to fostering a dynamic, innovative, and welcoming environment at Innovate Newport where entrepreneurs and professionals can connect, thrive, and achieve their goals.
Kevin Buck
Facilities Manager
Hi, I’m Kevin. My connection to Innovate Newport has grown right alongside the organization. After spending more than three years as Community Manager, I now serve as the part-time Facilities Manager, ensuring our 30,000-square-foot innovation hub remains a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for entrepreneurs, remote professionals, startups, and growing businesses. I enjoy being part of a place where ideas are shared, businesses are built, and meaningful connections happen every day.
Meet Our Community
