Black River Innovation Campus

Collaboration is KEY. Starting a business can be daunting and challenging. But you don't have to do it alone! Beyond unparalleled natural beauty, Vermont is also known for the kind, hard working, creative, and generous folks who live here. Discover how relationships can be the foundation of success! Our (free!) Actuator program guides you through the process of launching your startup, connecting you with local mentors and resources, supporting your evolution every step of the way! You'll be part of an intimate cohort of peers, sharing ideas and cheering each other on as you go! Form lasting friendships, meaningful connections, and build an impactful business, while embracing all the best qualities of living the Vermont lifestyle. Develop your concept sustainably, through a holistic lens that allows you and your business to THRIVE in harmony and collaboration with Vermont’s vibrant rural ecosystem. Imagine the possibilities! Actuator is for anyone with a strong startup concept to explore, or a business idea that’s ready to set in motion. ?? Applications for the Fall '24 cohort are now open! Launch your startup potential! APPLY TODAY! https://lnkd.in/e-UFzhY #community #collaboration #relationships #techbusinessstartups #businessplanning #startups #entrepreneurship #foundersmindset #lifestylecurriculum #vermont #vermontlifestyle #ruralinnovation #springfieldvt #actuatorbybric #bricvt

?? Remembering Bob Rivers ?? Our dear friend Bob Rivers was a miracle man - a beacon of enthusiasm with the hugest heart, the brightest eyes, and the most infectious sense of humor we’ve ever known! We’ll never forget the way he lit up a room. ?? We are deeply saddened by the news of his passing - he was a true friend, a generous supporter of Black River Innovation Campus, and a champion of our community. Bob’s contributions to BRIC have left an indelible mark. His vision and generosity helped fund and build our state-of-the-art multimedia recording studio, creating a space where creativity and innovation can thrive. He was the inspiration and catalyst for our BRIC Battle of the Bands contest during the peak of the pandemic, giving local teens a platform to share their musical talent and connect in a time of isolation. That project reached kids and families across seven counties of Vermont and New Hampshire - the genuine excitement of those students was a remarkable sight to behold! He led podcasting classes on our campus, empowering voices and stories to be heard. And above all, he was a tireless cheerleader for our mission, always believing in the power of creativity and technology to shape the future in fun and powerful ways. In his memory, Bob’s family has graciously directed donations to BRIC—a gesture that humbles and moves us beyond words. We are honored to continue his legacy by fostering the creative energy he so passionately encouraged, embodied, and supported. Our hearts are with Bob’s wife, Lisa, his family, and all who knew and loved him. His generosity, humor, and kindness will never be forgotten. ?? ?? Thank you, Bob. You made the world brighter! We will continue to shine on and make you proud! ?? To make a contribution to BRIC in honor of Bob's forward-thinking spirit, please visit: https://lnkd.in/e89mheUk #ThankYouBob #BobRivers #themanthelegend #CreativeLegacy #InMemory #ruralinnovation #springfieldvt #bricvt

Join us for a (free!) workshop - a BRIC and?Southeastern Vermont Community Action, Inc. (SEVCA)?collab - designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs strengthen their digital presence and explore e-commerce. Work with friend of BRIC, e-commerce expert and web developer Mike Dion (whoismikedion.com) to learn more about ways to harness the magic of the internet to boost your biz! What to Expect: E-Commerce & Web Presence Workshop Wednesday, March 19, 4-6pm Black River Coffee Bar Springfield, VT -?Learn why an online presence is crucial for business growth - Explore website platforms, eCommerce tools, and local SEO strategies - Discover simple marketing techniques to boost visibility Who Should Attend? Entrepreneurs, small business owners, makers, and anyone looking to expand their digital and business skills. What to Bring: A notebook, laptop, or tablet (optional but encouraged), and your business questions and ideas. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Beverages provided! ?? To Register, visit: https://lnkd.in/eTA3p63g Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level!??? #workshop?#community?#BusinessEducation?#RuralInnovation

Actuator Week 7 in session!? Costs & KPIs with our friend and Co-Facilitator, Jeff Adams, Founder of Legal Ink. Time flies! Feels like we just got started, and now here we are, already nearing the end of this season’s cohort! We’ve got a dynamic group this time around and the discussions have been so inspiring. Love to see the gears of creative ingenuity in progress! Interested in learning more about our FREE entrepreneurship program? Imagine the possibilities! ? Actuator is for anyone with a strong startup concept to explore, or a business idea or social impact enterprise that’s ready to set in motion. Discover how relationships can be the foundation of success! Applications for the Spring 2025 cohort are now open! Launch your startup potential! APPLY TODAY!??? https://lnkd.in/e-UFzhY #community?#collaboration?#relationships?#techbusinessstartups?#businessplanning?#startups?#entrepreneurship?#foundersmindset?#lifestylecurriculum?#vermont?#vermontlifestyle?#ruralinnovation?#springfieldvt?#actuatorbybric?#bricvt

Love to see our network collaborating! ??

?? Still a few spots open for 2025 STEAM Summer Camps!??? 10 weeks of FREE programming for students grades 1-12, centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. We're thrilled to offer this collaborative series designed to spark creativity, foster innovation, and ignite a love of learning for area kids. Camps are scheduled to run from July 7th to August 8th, offering an immersive experience for local students into the fascinating world of STEAM. Don’t miss this exciting chance for your child to explore, create, connect with peers, and delve into the fun of STEAM education! ?? Register Today!??? For Details, Visit:? https://lnkd.in/eZc_3z2R To Apply:?https://lnkd.in/eTCiwk36 (Know of someone whose children might be interested? Please share this post and help us spread the word!) Questions? Suggestions? Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special thank you to our partners at River Valley Tech Center, Springfield School District, Endless OS Foundation, Cosmos Fund, Couch Family Foundation, and White Mountains' Giving with Impact Initiative for helping to make this exciting collection of educational camps available to our area youth! Together, anything is possible!? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- #STEAMcamp?#TechSummerCamp?#steameducation?#robotics?#dronesoccer?#virtualreality?#aeroengineering?#stagecraft?#coding?#gametheory?#gamedevelopment?#lasers?#ruralinnovation?#bricvt?#Springfieldvt?#youthpathways?#techlearning?#steampunks

Don't miss this (free) exciting, hands-on workshop designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs strengthen their digital presence and explore CNC manufacturing. Participants will work with e-commerce expert, web developer and instructor Mike Dion (whoismikedion.com), and creative maker and CNC instructor Rowan Norlander-McCarty of HatchSpace (hatchspace.org/team). This special workshop has been organized by Southeastern Vermont Community Action, Inc. (SEVCA), HatchSpace, and Black River Innovation Campus. What to Expect: E-Commerce & Web Presence Workshop (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM) - Learn why an online presence is crucial for business growth - Explore website platforms, eCommerce tools, and local SEO strategies - Discover simple marketing techniques to boost visibility Lunch & Networking (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM) CNC Workshop (12:30 PM – 2:30 PM) - Understand the basics of CNC manufacturing - See a live demonstration of CNC engraving and programming - Create a personalized project to take home Who Should Attend? Entrepreneurs, small business owners, makers, and anyone looking to expand their digital and manufacturing skills! What to Bring: A notebook, laptop, or tablet (optional but encouraged), and your business questions and ideas. Free and open to the public. Registration required. https://lnkd.in/e8jVwkVn Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level! #workshop #community #BusinessEducation #RuralInnovation

Team outing! ?? #threemenandalittlelady #bricvt #thecopperfox #springfieldvt

?? Latest news on this exciting statewide collaboration! ?? Special thank you to the UVM Office of Engagement and the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships for this wonderful opportunity. "BRIC looks forward to participating in this coalition as a chance to foster meaningful relationships with hubs throughout Vermont. Together, we can better serve Vermont's rural entrepreneurs and workforce." ~ Chris Maggiolo, Deputy Executive Director, BRIC To learn more and read the full article, visit: https://lnkd.in/e9K9PHpj #coworkingspace #entrepreneurship #community #collaboration #ruralinnovation #Vermont #springfieldvt #bricvt UVM Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships

?? Applications are now open for 2025 STEAM Summer Camps! ?? 10 weeks of FREE programming for students grades 1 through 12, centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. We're thrilled to offer this collaborative series designed to spark creativity, foster innovation, and ignite a love of learning for area children. Camps are scheduled to run from July 7th to August 8th, offering an immersive experience for local students into the fascinating world of STEAM. Offerings for grades 1 - 12. Don’t miss this exciting chance for your child to explore, create, connect with peers, and delve into the fun and fascinating world of STEAM! Register Today! ?? For Details, Visit: https://lnkd.in/eZc_3z2R ?? To Apply: https://lnkd.in/eTCiwk36 (Know of someone whose children might be interested? Please share this post and help us spread the word!) Questions? Suggestions? Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special thank you to our partners at River Valley Tech Center, Springfield School District, Endless OS Foundation, Cosmos Fund, Couch Family Foundation, and White Mountains' Giving with Impact Initiative for helping to make this exciting collection of educational camps available to our area youth! Together, anything is possible! ?? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- #STEAMcamp #TechSummerCamp #steameducation #robotics #dronesoccer #virtualreality #aeroengineering #stagecraft #coding #gametheory #gamedevelopment #lasers #ruralinnovation #bricvt #Springfieldvt #youthpathways #techlearning #steampunks