STARTUP RHODE ISLAND
The Startup America Partnership is based on a simple premise: young companies that grow create jobs. In fact, all of the net new jobs created in the U.S. in the last 30 years were created by companies less than 5 years old. As a core American value, entrepreneurship is critical to the country’s long-term success and the Startup America Partnership believes it’s time to step up our nation’s game.
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the upcoming National Startup directory, be promoted in the national blog and celebrated through social media channels.
Local Ecosystems RHODE ISLAND
Resources Throughout 2011, the Partnership has been focused on securing substantive resources that can help startups, rampups and speedups scale their businesses — pragmatic things that either reduce expenses or accelerate the speed of growth. So far, there are more than $1 billion worth of commitments from dozens of partners to support the growth of startups in five key areas: • Expertise: Connect startups with training, mentors, advisors and accelerators • Services: Provide startups with access to critical services at reduced costs • Talent: Assist startups in recruiting, training and retaining the people that can help them grow • Customers: Help startups through acquisition of new customers and expansion into new markets • Capital: Highlight sources of capital available to startups in various regions and sectors In addition to the product and service focused offerings, Startup America Firms gain access to Connection Programs which provide unique opportunities to connect with thought leaders, major corporations (as partners or customers), customers, and more. Member firms also have access to an online national startup community, weekly webinar learning series and the Startup America Corporate Connections program. Finally, all Startup America Firms have the opportunity to be listed in
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
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Young, high-growth firms can join here to receive access to a personalized online dashboard: www.startuprhodeisland.org/get-registered
STARTUP
The Startup America Partnership was formed in early 2011. While often confused with governmental programs, the Startup America Partnership is a private, non-profit organization with three main goals: • Provide valuable resources and connections to help young companies grow • Support regional startup ecosystems throughout the country • Recognize startups as the drivers of our economy and their founders as American heroes
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Donna Harris Managing Director, Startup Regions
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Recognizing that high growth companies need strong local support, Startup America is focused on driving vibrant regional entrepreneurial communities all over the country. All of the Startup America regions are grassroots, entrepreneur-led initiatives and serve as a rallying point to bring entrepreneurs and startups, local talent and universities, activities and mentorship, large companies and local government together to help startups grow organically in their hometowns.
Startup America is pleased to have Startup Rhode Island launching on January 31st. Through a partnership with the Rhode Island Small Business Journal, Startup Rhode Island will support the efforts of the state’s existing business resource centers such as the Small Business Development Center, the Center for Women and Enterprise, SCORE, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, SBA, the Rhode Island Small Business Recovery Program, and others. In addition to supporting these organizations, Startup Rhode Island will work on supporting local universities by instituting programs to provide tools and guidance to students, faculty and alumni who want to start their own business ventures. Similar programs are currently running in Florida, Colorado and Massachusetts with great success. By creating new businesses at the collegiate level, we increase the chance of students staying in state after graduation, growing their business and creating jobs. Startups are at the heart of the Startup America Partnership. The founders and their teams who strive to establish and grow their companies – creating amazing jobs along the way – are our American heroes. Join us as a startup, corporate partner, resource provider, regional leader or simply cheer startups on by tracking our progress. Visit us at www.startupamericapartnership.org today.
Together, let’s Startup America!