PROGRAMS & EVENTS

RIHub is an organization that connects high potential growth startups with experts, investors, corporations and a community to grow their business at global scale. RIHub has an office space at Innovate Newport and welcomes the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs. In addition to the meeting space, RIHub offers networking events at Innovate Newport, including Open Network Newport and Open Coffees. 

For more information, contact: atonti@rihub.org

The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC) serves as a focal point for the coordination of Federal, State, local, academic and private resources to assist small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

SBDC provides no cost, one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs who wish to start, grow or maintain their business. In addition, the RISBDC offers a variety of training programs, workshops and seminars covering both the business basics and advanced topical subjects at no or low cost. SBDC’s signature training Program “Right Foot” helps entrepreneurs consider many of the important factors when starting a business is offered in person at Innovate Newport by Paul Harden SBDC Director for the Greater Newport region.

For more information, contact: pharden@uri.edu 

Business Network International (BNI) is the largest and most successful business networking organization with Members and Chapters in over 76 countries. Newport’s Chapter, ‘Element to Success’, representing over twenty local businesses, meets at Innovate Newport each Wednesday from 8:10 to 9:30 am. 

For more information, contact: charles@charlesearl.design 

Social Enterprise Greenhouse works to create a more just, equitable, and resilient economy achieved through social impact businesses. SEG provides entrepreneurs and business owners, who too often face barriers, with the tools, networks, support and capital to turn ideas into businesses and businesses into social economic engines for their communities.

For more information, contact: cferber@segreenhouse.org 

This first-of-its-kind forum will assist corporates (primes) to identify new technologies for partnership or acquisition, help scale-up companies to connect with funding and resource partners, assist investors to connect with investable blue technology firms, and provide start-ups with access to experienced mentors.

For more information, contact toby@tobystapleton.com

The entrepreneurship program at Salve Regina University serves the entire institution in by helping students connect entrepreneurship with their own interests and disciplines. Alongside the academic offerings, Salve Regina offers entrepreneurial programming, including an entrepreneurship speaker series, reading groups, an annual pitch competition, and a multi-university student entrepreneurship summit.

Through their partnership with Innovate Newport, Salve Regina students will network with entrepreneurs in the region, and contribute to entrepreneurial endeavors in across Rhode Island, and that often lead to economic development in the region. Salve Regina University students and faculty alike can often be found in our dedicated desk room working away, in meeting rooms discussing emerging research in innovation, and participating at and Innovate Newport partner on events such as the Business Seahawk Tank Business Planning Competition and the RISE Student Entrepreneurship Competition.

For more information, contact: Mollie@newportchamber.com