Are you a design professional or creative entrepreneur based in Providence, Rhode Island who is ready to build a stronger business behind your creative work? If you’re looking to strengthen your business practices, increase your sustainability, and take your practice to the next level, the Design Catalyst Program may be right for you.

The Design Catalyst Program combines business education, individualized mentorship, peer learning, and grant funding to give creative professionals and small design-based businesses the practical tools, knowledge, and resources they need to build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

2027 Program Highlights:

• Eligibility – Open to Providence-based design entrepreneurs from low-to-moderate income (LMI) households. 2025 tax documents will be required to verify eligibility.
• Business Support – Accepted participants will gain access to business education, professional development workshops, cohort based peer learning, and mentorship from experienced industry professionals.
• Growth Funding – Accepted participants will have access to grant funding, made possible through the generous support of the City of Providence, to help advance their businesses and support continued growth. Funding may be used for eligible business expenses identified as part of the program. Please note that funds are provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning participants must pay eligible expenses upfront and submit documentation for reimbursement.

The Program

The Design Catalyst Program is a six month business development intensive for small design and creative businesses to reach their next stage of growth. Through a combination of rigorous educational classes, expert guidance, professional development, financial planning, and peer to peer learning, participants gain the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to move their business forward.

Each participant receives individualized mentorship tailored to their specific business goals and growth needs. Participants also have access to grant funding, made possible through the generous support of the City of Providence, to help them achieve their defined business growth milestones and make strategic investments in their businesses.

Participants are selected through a thoughtful and competitive application process that includes an interview, review of proposed business milestones, and an assessment of business finances. This process helps ensure that the program is supporting entrepreneurs who are ready to put the resources, knowledge, and connections gained through Catalyst into action.

At its core, Catalyst is a supportive learning community – participants learn alongside other creative entrepreneurs, share experiences and challenges, build meaningful peer relationships, and develop stronger business practices that can support continued growth.

Program Schedule

Classes take place Tuesdays, 1-5pm, unless otherwise noted.

Classes are held at the DESIGNxRI office in Providence, unless otherwise noted.

Eligibility is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to attend all program dates. The full class schedule will be available soon.

1. My address is just two blocks from the Providence line. Do I still qualify?

Unfortunately, no. For the Design Catalyst – Providence Grant Program, both your primary residence and your business address must be located within Providence city limits. We encourage you to apply to the statewide version of the program, which is next scheduled to run in 2028.

2. My Adjusted Gross Income is slightly over the LMI threshold, can I still participate?

Unfortunately, no. To be eligible for the Design Catalyst – Providence Grant Program, applicants must fall within the program’s low-to-moderate income (LMI) threshold. If your income falls outside of this range, we encourage you to apply to the unrestricted version of the program, which is next scheduled to run in 2028.