Partners & Resources

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce supports regional businesses through advocacy, networking, marketing visibility, and professional development. Serving Aquidneck Island and surrounding communities, the Chamber connects entrepreneurs with local leaders, government officials, and fellow business owners. Members gain access to events, economic updates, and promotional opportunities that strengthen their presence in the regional market. The Chamber plays a key role in advancing tourism, small business development, and community engagement, making it an essential resource for companies looking to build strong regional relationships and expand their reach.

The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC) provides no-cost, confidential business counseling and training to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state. Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and hosted by local universities, RISBDC helps businesses with startup planning, financial projections, marketing strategy, loan preparation, and operational growth. Advisors work one-on-one with clients to strengthen business plans, improve cash flow management, and navigate funding opportunities. For Rhode Island entrepreneurs seeking practical guidance and expert support, RISBDC is a critical resource for launching, stabilizing, and scaling a successful business. Regional Director Paul Harden is on-site.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that provides funding programs, counseling, certifications, and contracting support to small businesses. Through loan guarantees, disaster assistance, and entrepreneurial education, the SBA helps startups and established companies access capital and reduce risk. Rhode Island businesses can connect with local SBA offices and resource partners for guidance on business planning, financing, and federal procurement opportunities. The SBA is a critical resource for entrepreneurs seeking structured support and financial tools to launch, stabilize, or grow their ventures.

RIHub is Rhode Island’s statewide innovation network, supporting high-growth startups through mentorship, founder programming, and investor connections. The organization works closely with entrepreneurs to refine business models, prepare for funding, and scale operations. RIHub fosters collaboration across industries including technology, defense, health tech, and marine innovation. Through curated events and accelerator-style initiatives, RIHub strengthens the startup pipeline across the state. For founders seeking strategic guidance and access to capital networks, RIHub serves as a powerful connector within Rhode Island’s innovation ecosystem. 

RIHub is located in “The Launch” space at Innovate Newport as a part of their collaborative partnership with Rogue Venture Partners and Innovate Newport. They also hold free monthly startup focused programming at Innovate Newport. See the calendar of upcoming events here.

Rogue Venture Partners is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage, high-growth companies. The firm provides capital, strategic advising, and board-level expertise to help startups scale effectively. With experience across multiple sectors, Rogue Venture Partners works closely with founders to refine growth strategy, operational execution, and market expansion. For Rhode Island startups seeking seed or early-stage funding, Rogue offers both financial investment and hands-on mentorship, strengthening the regional funding landscape.

Rogue is located in “The Launch” space at Innovate Newport as a part of their collaborative partnership with RIHub and Innovate Newport.

Blue Venture Forum is a network of angel investors dedicated to supporting early-stage companies in Rhode Island. The forum connects entrepreneurs with accredited investors interested in scalable ventures across diverse industries. Companies present to members for potential funding and advisory support. Beyond capital, Blue Venture Forum offers mentorship and strategic insight from experienced business leaders. For startups preparing for investor engagement, the forum provides access to a trusted regional funding community.

Blue Venture Forum has a physical presence at Innovate Newport and collaborates on blue-focused programming at Innovate Newport throughout the year. See the calendar of upcoming events here.

Salve Regina University’s entrepreneurship program has partnered with Innovate Newport to enable both organizations to meet their goals and have a lasting impact on the region’s ecosystem. Where Salve Regina’s entrepreneurship program aligns with the University’s mission which is inspired by mercy, it enables students to innovate and present solutions to societal and social problems. Through partnership with Innovate Newport, Salve Regina students are able to network with entrepreneurs in the region, contribute to entrepreneurial endeavors in Rhode Island, and lead regional economic development.

The New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving as the region’s premier innovation hub that accelerates healthcare technologies, workforce development, and ecosystem collaboration. We serve as a convenor, connecting entrepreneurs, startups, industry leaders, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and government partners to transform promising ideas into real-world impact.

Through accelerator programs, expert advisory services, commercialization support, industry events, and strategic partnerships, NEMIC helps innovators navigate the complex path from concept to market. Our work strengthens the healthcare and life sciences ecosystems while creating pathways to high-value careers, supporting business growth, and driving regional competitiveness.

Rhode Island Commerce is the state’s economic development agency focused on fostering business growth, attracting new investments, creating jobs, and strengthening the state’s economy. We provide businesses with the resources they need to land, grow and flourish in Rhode Island. Our suite of support includes grants, loans, tax incentives, regulatory streamlining and tailored business assistance.

Our support includes business grants, loans and financing programs, tax incentives, regulatory streamlining, and tailored business assistance.

The Newport Bermuda Race is a 636-mile biennial ocean sailing competition from Newport, Rhode Island, to Bermuda. Established in 1906, it’s the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race and one of the few international distance races held almost entirely out of sight of land, alongside the Transpac Race.

Innovate Newport is a proud supporter of the Newport to Bermuda race by hosting the official “Fleet Communications Office” from our coworking space, where the team monitors the sailors 24 hours a day. Through this partnership, Innovate Newport has connected multiple Blue Tech startups to the sailing community and joined them at the Starting Line Festival at Fort Adams.