The Law Offices of Adler Pollock & Sheehan hosted the Southern New England Entrepreneurs Forum, an entrepreneurship and innovation activity development group, for an event in Providence on October 19. There, a panel of local thought leaders shared their thoughts on the climate of the region's startup community and what's ahead for it. More than 50 people were in attendance.
"Over the last six years, there’s been a perfect storm of activity around entrepreneurship in Southern New England, especially in Rhode Island," said Southern New England Entrepreneurs Forum Chair Tobias Stapleton. "Not only has there been an increase in the number of startups forming in the region, but the number of organizations that support entrepreneurs has grown as well. The program last night was an opportunity to discuss the changes within the ecosystem, the programs that now support entrepreneurship, and provide a networking opportunity to connect entrepreneurs with these great organizations."
The program's panelists included Executive Director of MedMates Carol Malysz; Entrepreneurship for All South CoastTickets Executive Director Shelley Cardoos; Hope & Main Member Services Coordinator Ric Wild; Social Enterprise Greenhouse Director of Programs Emily Wanderer, and Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Managing Director of Innovation Christine M.B. Smith.
"Vibrant networks are key to entrepreneurship," Malysz said. "By knowing the right resources at the right time, entrepreneurs can more easily achieve the next level of growth as well as prepare for longer-term success."
Disclosure: Adler Pollock & Sheehan is a founding partner of Rhode Island Inno.
