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The 2025-2026 Design Catalyst Program
October 2025 - March 2026Build the Business Behind Your Creative Practice
Are you a design professional based in Rhode Island who wants your business skills to match the strength of your creative work? If you are committed to growing your business and making your creative practice more sustainable, the Design Catalyst Program is for you.
This educational program is designed to equip creative professionals and small design-based businesses with the tools they need to thrive.
Starting in 2025, DESIGNxRI is excited to offer an expanded and more accessible Design Catalyst Program, welcoming a broader range of participants from Rhode Island’s vibrant and emerging design community.
2025 to 2026 Program Highlights:
- Open to all Rhode Island based design professionals with no income restrictions to apply
- Evening classes are designed to accommodate working professionals
- Access to business education, professional development workshops, cohort based peer learning, financial coaching, and mentorship from industry experts
- Participants from low to moderate income backgrounds are eligible to apply for financial grants to support their growing business (a separate grant application may be required)
The Timeline
Applications Open: July 1, 2025
Virtual Info Session: July 10, 2025 | 6PM
Applications Close: August 4, 2025
Program Orientation: October 1, 2025
Program Duration: October 2025 – March 2026
The Program
The Design Catalyst Program is a six month business development experience designed for small creative businesses. Through a series of evening classes, participants receive hands-on guidance in business strategy, professional development, financial planning, and peer to peer networking. The program creates a supportive learning environment where creative professionals can grow alongside others, share experiences, and strengthen their business practices.
Participants are selected through a thoughtful and competitive application process that includes interviews, a review of proposed business milestones, and an assessment of financial sustainability.
Eligibility
Since 2016, the Design Catalyst Program has supported creative professionals with limited access to business resources. While the program has historically been open only to individuals from low to moderate income backgrounds, DESIGNxRI is now expanding access. Beginning in 2025, the program will welcome applicants of all income levels, with a tiered fee structure to ensure greater equity and accessibility.
Program Schedule
Eligibility is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to attend all program dates.
THE DESIGN CATALYST ALUMNI DIRECTORY
Check out the ever-growing directory of previous Design Catalyst Program participants! From metal-working to apparel design, our alumni come from all corners of the design world.
Are you a Design Catalyst Program Alum who would like to be listed in the Directory? Click here to let us know what your business has been up to a join the Directory!
WHAT DESIGN CATALYST ALUMNI ARE SAYING
“I am SO appreciative of this opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally. I feel like DESIGNxRI is so special because it is building a community that can support and foster creative people at all stages of their career. One year later, I am no longer just a person with an idea. I am making it happen through concrete steps. There has been A LOT of learning along the way, but that has also helped me believe in myself more and more. All of this is invaluable.”
-Rye Dean, LUMUKU 2018
“The grant program has helped me to think about my business for its possibilities, not as a static thing. I had not taken the time to reflect on the story of my brand, how it has evolved, and the service that I really offer - the program made me see so much more. With this new self-knowledge, I feel positioned to update my storytelling and make my next steps with an eye to increased profitability and work-life balance.”
-Rachel Robinson, Robinson Press 2022
“The Design Catalyst program allowed me to acquire new customers and ramp up my production abilities with the purchase of new equipment. The studio space that I found during the program has been essential for my business. I am still in touch with my peers from the program which helps having people to ask questions to who have been through the same experiences.”
- Maria Prus, M Designs Studio 2019
“I was able to decide which legal entity to use for my work, hire a legal advisor, and hire a designer to build out the branding. I was also able to purchase technology equipment that I very much needed to carry out the work of my Design Studio.”
-Shey Rivera, Studio Loba (formerly known as Design Studio for Culture + Planning) 2021
“I have gained so much confidence in my business and have continued to grow. I have taken on new collaborations and many new wholesale orders. I think I am in a much better place than I would have expected after the program.”
-Alaina Mahoney, A.M. Design and Fabrication LLC 2020