Bryant’s new Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking has the tools and supports to help students and the broader Bryant community develop new products and businesses, from concept to launch.
Located in the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC) and supported by a gift from Trustee Kim Anderson ’22H and the Sprague family, the Sprague Center’s many features include offices for student entrepreneurs, mentors, organizations, and corporate and community partners; classrooms; private incubator offices; co-working spaces; and a roomy Makerspace equipped with 3D printers, a laser cutter, digital cameras, electronic kits, sewing machines, and prototyping materials.
“Designed to be inclusive, adaptable, and forward-looking, the Makerspace empowers the Bryant community to experiment, collaborate, and bring bold ideas to life,” says Sprague Center Director Kristie DeJesus. “In this space, curiosity is encouraged, risk-taking is embraced, and ideas are nurtured.”
“Designed to be inclusive, adaptable, and forward-looking, the Makerspace empowers the Bryant community to experiment, collaborate, and bring bold ideas to life."
Start-up leaders, corporate and social entrepreneurs, and heads of family businesses can all find support services in the Sprague Center, including hands-on workshops, pitch events, and speaker sessions.
Mentorship is available from faculty and regional business owners. Bryant student entrepreneurs also have offices in the Sprague Center and provide in-person peer guidance while managing their own ventures.
Room to grow
“Having this space within the center has been nothing short of a dream come true,” says Vicky Sousa ‘27, ‘28MBA, who along with partner Liam Dubeau ‘26, ‘27MBA owns the branding and website design company Duso Digital. “The office allows us to interact and collaborate with other student businesses and has proved very useful for consultations and meetings. Letting our creativity and brand identity flow throughout the room has been the cherry on top.”
“Having this space within the center has been nothing short of a dream come true. The office allows us to interact and collaborate with other student businesses and has proved very useful for consultations and meetings."
The four inaugural members of the Sprague Center’s FOUNDERS (Fellowship for Office Use, Networking, Development, Entrepreneurship, Representation & Support) program – Vincent Emery ’26; Chase Whitman ’27, Sam Lower ’26, and Sean Nelson ’27 – have played a vital role in the center’s launch.
“The FOUNDERS were entrusted with more than just office space,” DeJesus says. “Vincent, Chase, Sam, and Sean are culture-setters and visible examples of what is possible in this center. Their presence, participation, and energy will shape how students, faculty, staff, and community partners engage with this transformative new resource.”