Learn about the many programs, events, and resources available to students and alumni interested in entrepreneurship and freelancing!
Entrepreneurship is an inherent part of the RISD experience. In fact, a majority of RISD alumni will either freelance or run their own business at some point in their career. The Career Center can connect students and alumni from all disciplines with multiple kinds of support to take their ideas to the next level. Check out some of the key RISD resources below to start forging an entrepreneurial path of your own!
RISD Events
Attend these annual events to learn core business skills and get inspired by successful entrepreneurs and established fine artists.
Opportunities for RISD Students
Explore these exciting ways to connect to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem!
Harvard Business School Core Program
RISD’s collaboration with Harvard's HBS CORe Program will provide you with the fundamentals of business from Harvard's Business School. You can be eligible for scholarship support from Harvard if you're also currently receiving financial aid from RISD.
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RISD E’Ship
RISD’s first and only student club devoted to entrepreneurship, by art and design. Learn about their events and programs at their website, including a student-run accelerator program for students with ideas for a venture.
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Brown/RISD Summer B-Lab
The B-Lab is an eight-week paid summer experiential, immersive program in entrepreneurial leadership open to Brown and RISD students.
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Better World by Design Conference
An annual student-led innovation conference at Brown University & RISD that celebrates interdisciplinary collaboration between designers, educators, & entrepreneurs.
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Design for America
DFA is a nationwide network of interdisciplinary student teams, including at RISD/Brown, using design to create local & social impact through real-world projects. Consider joining to apply your creative skills to impact real-world problems.
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Work at a Startup
These programs provide paid opportunities for students to work at top startups.
KP Fellowship
Over the course of a paid summer internship, KP Design Fellows join tech startups, where they develop their skills and are mentored by an executive within the company.
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Civic Digital Fellowship
A paid summer intern program for mission-driven student coders and designers to innovate at the intersection of technology and public service. .
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Venture for America
VFA is a program for talented recent grads to spend 2 years in the trenches of a start-up with the goal to revitalize American cities.
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Resources for Starting a Business
Launching a new venture can be daunting, so we have provided advice and resources to make the process less complex and connect you with guidance that will help you succeed.
Resources for Starting a Business
Learn more about business planning, finances, and manufacturing resources as you explore ways to build your business.
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Freelancing
For those interested in having a freelance practice as part of their career, we have the advice and resources you need to be successful.
Freelancing Resources
Freelancers should be prepared to learn basic business skills as well as commit to marketing their abilities. Explore some of the key things to consider when freelancing, along with some helpful resources you can use.
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Personal Finance and Business Education
RISD has partnered with Art World Learning to provide students free access to educational videos to bolster their business knowledge.
Art World Learning
Watch videos for creatives, by creatives that will help you better understand topics such as budgeting, taxes, art world economics, intellectual property, business entities, and more.
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