Innovate Newport, RIHub open new entrepreneurship center

A new entrepreneurial hub, set to open at Innovate Newport this week, aims to diversify the local economy and boost business opportunities for community members. The new venture is being launched by Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) and RIHub, who will offer programming out of the space.

The hub will be set inside Innovate Newport, a coworking space complete with high-speed internet, modern meeting and event rooms, workshops and lectures and a coffee bar and café. It is a joint venture three years in the making between RIHub, an entrepreneurial nonprofit; the city of Newport; the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce; and the Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island.

The hub's launch on April 7 will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a networking event followed by a fireside chat with Blavity co-founder Aaron Samuels and Artist Republik’s Nick Cianfaglione. This event is open to the public.

Mollie Frazer Williams, director of innovation and entrepreneurship for the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, said she sees the hub as a new driver for entrepreneurship and innovation in Rhode Island. 

“Innovate Newport is a prime location to gather and collaborate, and by cultivating a community of collaborators, innovators and entrepreneurs all in one space, Innovate Newport is primed to be a launching pad for innovative companies in this space,” she said. 

Williams said the hub has already established partnerships with organizations to offer programming to support the growth of startups in the region such as the Blue Venture Forum, The Blue Institute, Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) and RIHub. SEG and RIHub have committed to a full-time presence in the hub, making their programming and other services more accessible.

“It is our goal to attract companies to Newport, especially companies with a blue focus. Innovate Newport is a great landing spot for a startup company,” she said. “Once they mature, we hope to offer another location in the growing innovation district in which they can accommodate a larger staff, prototyping labs and other needs.”