PROVIDENCE – Applications for the next round of the Providence Design Catalyst program are now open, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and DESIGNxRI announced Thursday.
The program is targeted for small, design-based businesses in Providence.
“The Design Catalyst program is a unique opportunity to combine the power of our community’s design expertise and entrepreneurial base with resources from the city and state to boost well-poised creative enterprises and encourage innovative growth,” stated Lisa Carnevale, co-founder and executive director of DESIGNxRI. “We can’t wait to see this year’s applicant pool, which always reveals an amazing depth of talent in our city and state.”
This year, $150,000 in grants is available for the cohort. Carnevale told PBN Thursday that program funding varies year to year. The previous round of the program awarded $120,000 to its cohort. The city noted that since the program’s inception in 2015, the program had invested $635,000 in 30 Providence design businesses. In its inaugural year, the program awarded $444,000.
Participants in the upcoming cohort will be eligible for $10,000-$20,000 as well as business mentorship and professional development help.
“The Providence Design Catalyst program is designed to take local, design-based businesses to the next level,” said Elorza. “Here in the Creative Capital exceptional design talent can be found across our communities. We’re proud to offer a great resource for those seeking to grow and reach their full potential.”
Applications to participate in the cohort may be submitted on the DEISNGxRI website. Applications are due by Nov. 26 at 5 p.m.
The program is a collaborations between the city of Providence, the R.I. Department of Labor and Training, through the Real Jobs Rhode Island program, and DESIGNxRI.
“Rhode Island’s design sector is a vibrant and important asset in our community,” said DLT Director Scott Jensen in a statement. “Real Jobs Rhode Island invests in the Design Catalyst program because supporting the sector’s entrepreneurs and small business owners is essential to our state’s workforce and economic development.”
See a list of the program’s previous cohort, here.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor. Email him at Bergenheim@PBN.com.
