DESIGNxRI has announced nine winners of the 2019 Providence Design Business program.
Led by the design entity with funding from the City of Providence’s Department of Community Development and Real Jobs RI, the program offers a total of $150,000 to Providence-based “micro” enterprises (less than five employees) with Providence-based owners. Each accepted business can receive between $10,000 to $20,000 in grants, as well as business training and mentorship.
The nine businesses were selected from an applicant pool of 21, after they were evaluated based on elements like the company's "clarity of vision" and its "ability to sustain, strengthen, or grow business.
“We’re so excited to kick off another Design Catalyst cohort,” said Lisa Carnevale, executive director of DESIGNxRI, in a statement. “The quality of design businesses in our city is impressive. We look forward to working with this group of designers to advance their business growth and impact.”
The participating businesses are listed below, with descriptions provided by their respective websites.
- Atomic Clock: "Atomic Clock is a production company based in Providence, Rhode Island. Rebecca Atwood and Gabriel Long met in 2011 and have been collaborating ever since, creating music videos, commercials, narrative films, web series, and documentaries. Their first feature, "The Passing Season," is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Hulu."
- Bitte Artisanal Catering: "Little Bitte is an award-winning craft cocktail catering company. Signature Cocktail Packages include seasonal inspired recipes featuring small batch spirits, fresh pressed juices and locally sourced edible blossoms. We design Signature Cocktail Bars for festivals, weddings, elegant occasions and private events. Bar Services include TIPS certified mixologists, an artisanal cocktail bar, full licensing and insurance."
Chasing Brunch: "Chasing Brunch is a creative studio that brings new and innovative ideas to life. As your creative partners, we craft custom visual solutions tailored to your unique needs and backed by an obsession with design. The creative studio project was founded by Ben Laud and Erin Kayvedo after getting kicked out of one too many brunch spots in Providence, Rhode Island." Ephemera: " ... We're a boutique floral and photography company, which means we take on fewer clients. We work to show up, as real people who care about you: Your story, your style, your hopes and dreams. Every wedding, we start from scratch." INDO-: "INDO- is a multidisciplinary design studio based in Providence, R.I. and New Delhi, India. Founded by Manan Narang and Urvi Sharma, both of whom grew up in New Delhi and met in Providence while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design, INDO- is a product of living in and experiencing both places and cultures. Experimenting with traditional craft processes and applying them along with modern manufacturing methods to create contemporary objects, INDO- produces work that is both innovative and acknowledges the places and people who inspire it." Justin Kerr Design: "I can help you be clear, strong and consistent in your visual communication no matter what type of business: solopreneur, startup or established and poised for growth." Nine and Two Thirds: "A fine and dandy metal shop. Makers of the greatest things in the world." M Designs Studio: "Maria Prus is a Providence, R.I.-based glass artist who loves pushing herself to the next level during multi-hour sessions in the hotshop. Starting with a ball of molten glass on a blowpipe, she transforms this basic setup by incorporating interesting color techniques and creating sophisticated forms focusing on bowls, vases and drinkware." Villa Savoia: "Artisan Michael Savoia is the man wearing all the hats at Villa Savoia, one of the nation's top custom embroidery companies. The company's successes have led to the addition of a textile line, a table linen collection and a selection of stock pillows which are available on this site."
