Specialized Infrastructure

an individual that is highly respected and trusted in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and has deep knowledge of capabilities and activities of the partners and resources on an ongoing basis. In addition to having intimate knowledge in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, the concierge must understand and be able to direct people to federal resources such as those offered by the SBA (8a Business Development program, HubZone certifications, etc.). BSOs who participate in this Coalition should agree to a common set of performance measures and standards to ensure that the quality of business support services is uniform and of high-quality across the network. In addition, common performance measures will ease capabilities to track programs and to identify underserved populations, industries, or locations. As these early business concierge efforts gain traction, the network can support additional investments in local capacity building, such as professional development for program staff and networking with ecosystem builders around the US, and in supporting other worthy initiatives that build more resilient ecosystems for Rhode Island’s BIPOC businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has led many of us to work from home, many analysts project that demand for specialized workspaces will grow in 2022 and beyond. Many new business owners and freelancers are embracing new ways of working, and are seeking work locations that foster collaboration, build networks, and build community. These often take the form of coworking spaces, business incubators, and other specialized facilities such as commercial kitchens and maker spaces. All these resource partners provide office space or real estate as part of their offerings, thus differentiating themselves from other incubators/accelerators that focus on technical assistance and coaching. As in other ecosystem components, Rhode Island is home to a rich mix of specialized facilities for new and growing companies. Coworking spaces are the most prevalent form, with facilities in nearly every major city.15 In Providence, for example, prominent facilities include the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), District Hall Providence, and Sprout Coworking. These facilities typically offer office spaces, hot desks, conference rooms, and other business services. In most cases, the larger programs do not offer direct business technical assistance but do help members with access to networks and other programming. The RI Hub incubation program is offered at the CIC facility in Providence. While Providence is home to the largest number of these facilities, a few co-working spaces are also located across the state. Examples include CoLab in Cranston, Innovate Newport, and The Hive in North Kingstown. In addition to these facilities, Rhode Island is also home to several innovative and nationally-recognized programs targeted to specific industry niches. These include the Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG), the New England Medical Innovation Center, and Hope and Main, a culinary incubator and network. All of these facilities serve a diverse mix of entrepreneurs. However, there are few specifically targeting BIPOC business owners. The new Manton Avenue center, supported by SEG and ONE Neighborhood builders, is an important step. Rhode Island’s BIPOC entrepreneurs need more spaces like the Manton Avenue facility and easier access to existing facilities and programs. In some cases, efforts to develop new coworking spaces and satellite business support centers may be needed. Meanwhile, other BIPOC entrepreneurs may benefit from financial assistance or scholarships to defray membership costs at existing coworking spaces around the state. An

15 “A Comprehensive Guide to Rhode Island’s Coworking Spaces,” Rhode Island Inno, January 1, 2020. Available at: https://www.bizjournals.com/rhodeisland/inno/stories/guides/2020/01/01/a-comprehensive-guide-to-rhodeislands-coworking.html.