“Randolph Innovation Hub” - Focuses on Community, Hires Local Staff

Randolph, Vermont – “Randolph Innovation Hub”, a years-long partnership between local and regional economic development leaders, has hired a Program Manager and a Strategic Advisor. In October 2022, the Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) and Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation (GMEDC) won a Build To Scale Venture Challenge grant to develop the BRIC Actuator technology entrepreneurship incubator/accelerator program in the Randolph region, and to support the creation of a “Randolph Innovation Hub.” Envisioned as a center of innovation, community collaboration and entrepreneurship in support of local enterprise, the “Hub” has been officially named Cultivator to reflect the organizations approach which will start with community input sessions led by the new local team, Abbey Salomon and Mathew Johnson. 

Abbey Salomon joins the Cultivator as Program Manager and brings with her experience gained with Community Capital of Vermont, providing funding and technical assistance for small Vermont businesses. In that role, Abbey advised and supported entrepreneurs throughout all stages of a business. She brings deep knowledge of public administration, team building, and what it takes to start and run a small business. “I am excited to be working on this project in my own community,” said Abbey. “I look forward to hearing from the community and developing the programs and offerings they need to support and grow entrepreneurship and small businesses in the region.” Abbey is also looking forward to facilitating the expansion of BRIC’s Actuator program in the Randolph area, which is currently in their fall session and will be considering participants for the January cohort soon. “This is a chance for Randolph innovators and entrepreneurs to be part of an amazing program which will help build their ideas into a business or bring their business to the next level. We are excited to see how innovative Randolph participants will flourish with the guidance of Actuator.”

Mathew Johnson joins the Cultivator as the Strategic Advisor. Mathew is an executive coach and consultant who works with nonprofits, start-up companies, and public sector agencies to build innovation into their organizational culture. Mathew has extensive experience in community partnerships, community development, and strategic planning and ecosystem building. “Randolph is my home, and I am excited to be able to serve my community in this way,” said Mathew. “Randolph has so much to offer and so much small business and entrepreneurial potential. I know Abbey and I share a commitment to make Cultivator into something that reflects the uniqueness and strength of Randolph and the region.” 

Supported by GMEDC and Randolph economic development leaders, Cultivator will start with a community listening process over the next few months, working with community members and leaders to hear what is needed to support an emerging ecosystem. “This listening process is an important first step for Cultivator to develop as a truly local entity,” said Erika Hoffman-Kiess, Executive Director of GMEDC. “We are all excited to build something in central Vermont, and now we have people committed to that vision to move the ball forward with the community.”

In addition to the BRIC Actuator program, Cultivator plans to develop a range of further services and programs to benefit the specific needs of the community. Possible services include: a community connections and collaboration workspace for entrepreneurs, innovators and remote workers; training, workshops and networking events featuring local businesses, business people, and service providers; support for technology-based and other start-ups that positively impact rural communities like ours; support for new and existing businesses in hospitality, manufacturing, and the arts.

Abbey Salomon can be reached at abbey@gmedc.com.