SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC), located at 60 Park Street, Springfield, Vt., is proud to announce its selection as an award recipient of the prestigious 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC). The $75,000 award highlights BRIC’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting rural entrepreneurs, and driving economic growth throughout Vermont and beyond.
BRIC has empowered 92 startup clients, helping them raise more than $17 million in capital. Program alumni have launched more than 24 new products, and have secured 18 patents. BRIC delivers three Actuator startup cohorts annually, accelerating the growth of promising early-stage ventures. Its Actuator program connects entrepreneurs to valuable Vermont resources.
Building on this momentum, BRIC is restructuring its BRIC by BRICK Fund into the Green Mountains East Innovation Fund. This new initiative will provide preseed funding and education to rural entrepreneurs, further cultivating a dynamic and resilient rural entrepreneurial ecosystem.
GAFC Phase I goals are to host 12 workshops designed for startups and investors, raise $600,000 in funding and pledges to support rural ventures, and blend Vermont’s unique lifestyle with investment education through innovative events.
BRIC’s mission is to create opportunities for rural innovators, developing world-class entrepreneurial support within the context of Vermont’s rural communities. The Growth Accelerator Fund award will enable BRIC to expand its impact, deliver more resources to local startups, and continue building a vibrant hub for innovation.
For more information, visit www.bricvt.org, or contact the organization at innovate@bricvt.org.