The new Founders League will create the platform where entrepreneurs at all stages of development can find inspiration and support. The League’s support community, workspace and programming will be provided at the Betaspring headquarters at 95 Chestnut St. in Providence.
Betaspring, a startup accelerator program for technology and design entrepreneurs who are ready to build a product and launch a company, will provide leadership and a mix of entrepreneur-centric activities, educational programming and networking events. An official launch event and celebration will be held in December.
“This is an effective strategy to keep and attract top talent to Rhode Island. When they find a welcoming community, strong support system and climate they will say, ‘Rhode Island. Providence. That’s the place to be,'” said URI President David M. Dooley.
“This is exactly the kind of activity emphasized during my discussions at the White House earlier this month, strategies that are strongly supported by the federal government,” he added.
“Supporting the continued success of Rhode Island’s burgeoning entrepreneurial community is essential to realizing our shared goal of growing a vibrant, diverse and sustainable economy,” said Brown University President Christina Paxson.
Jon Duffy, chairman of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce said, “Fueling entrepreneurial and small business growth and the development of the state’s knowledge economy is at the core of the Chamber’s work.”
Over the next few weeks, the Founders League will engage other universities and colleges in the area, as well as businesses from across the state that want to join in and support the effort.
“Many positive things have happened in the startup community over the last few years and the community is stronger and more connected than ever before. It’s great now to build on that momentum and apply what we have learned to help a broader community of founders and entrepreneurs in Rhode Island,” says Betaspring Managing Partner and Co-founder Allan Tear.
For more details and guiding principles of the Founders League, please visit Betaspring.