Celebrating Innovation and Growth in Springfield, Vermont: Actuator by BRIC

Black River Vermont

Are you dreaming of launching or relocating your business to a place where big ideas thrive in a small-town setting? Welcome to Springfield, Vermont—a community where creativity, innovation, and opportunity intersect. At the heart of this transformation is the Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC), championing a culture of entrepreneurship and forward thinking. Through programs like Actuator and funding initiatives such as BRIC by BRICK, Springfield is becoming a hub for businesses with purpose and vision.

What is Actuator?

Actuator, BRIC’s flagship entrepreneurship program, is a free, seasonal initiative designed to turn bold ideas into thriving businesses. Whether you join remotely or in person, Actuator offers a unique mix of learning, mentorship, and community connection. Each cohort brings together changemakers—from Springfield locals to innovators from bustling cities like Boston and New York—who share a common goal: to make a meaningful impact.
Through workshops, expert guidance, and hands-on support, participants refine their ideas, develop sustainable business strategies, and build ventures that align with Vermont’s values of environmental stewardship and community well-being. A standout feature? The Lifestyle Curriculum, which emphasizes work-life balance and helps entrepreneurs align their dreams with the beauty and simplicity of Vermont living.

BRIC by BRICK: Funding Visionary Businesses

Innovation takes support, and BRIC delivers through BRIC by BRICK—a funding initiative providing equity investments in businesses within Springfield’s Opportunity Zone. This program is part of a broader mission to energize Southern Vermont’s economy, creating sustainable growth while nurturing the town’s entrepreneurial spirit. By investing in visionary founders, BRIC by BRICK drives economic vitality and community rejuvenation.

Highlights from the Fall 2024 Cohort

This fall, we celebrated the graduation of Actuator’s most diverse group yet, featuring founders with ideas as innovative as they are inspiring. Here are just a few standout concepts:
• Narrow-key pianos: Making music more accessible for players with smaller hands.
• Court case prediction software: Using data to streamline the legal field.
• Snowboard simulators: Bringing the thrill of snowboarding to urban environments year-round.
These entrepreneurs reflect the limitless potential Springfield nurtures, and we’re proud to share their journeys.

Why Entrepreneurs Choose Springfield

Springfield offers more than just a place to grow a business; it provides a supportive ecosystem rooted in connection and opportunity. Many Actuator graduates are choosing to relocate to Springfield, drawn by its state-of-the-art infrastructure, vibrant community, and the promise of a better balance between work and life.
• Blackwell Ink: Revolutionizing board game manufacturing.
• UpLevel Foods: Redefining healthy eating with nutrient-rich condiments.
• VShip: Expanding direct-to-consumer vehicle shipping with operations moving from Boston to Springfield.

Springfield: A Town for Dreamers and Doers

At the crossroads of history and innovation, Springfield is redefining what it means to live, work, and grow in a rural town. With programs like Actuator and resources like BRIC by BRICK, Springfield isn’t just creating businesses—it’s building a stronger, more connected community.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business owner, or someone with a spark of an idea, Springfield invites you to join this exciting journey. Here, you’ll find the tools, support, and inspiration to turn dreams into reality.

Start your story in Springfield. Together, we’ll build a future where innovation and community go hand in hand.

Springfield VT Small Business Support

Discover why Springfield, Vermont is the ideal place to start, grow, or relocate your business. From state-of-the-art 10G internet to powerful financial incentives and a supportive local network, Springfield offers a business environment where innovation and community go hand in hand. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding operations, explore the resources that make Springfield a smart and welcoming place to do business.

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