Growth of Women-Led Ventures in Rhode Island

News Summary

Rhode Island is witnessing a remarkable rise in women-led entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in adventure and experience-based businesses. Initiatives like Rail Explorers and Paradigm Escape Rooms are making significant contributions to local tourism and community engagement. These ventures not only provide unique experiences for residents but also empower other women entrepreneurs. With support from organizations like the Center for Women & Enterprise, the entrepreneurial landscape is thriving, fostering innovation and collaboration while enriching the local economy.

Rhode Island is witnessing an exciting surge in women-led entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in the realm of adventure and experience-based businesses. These innovators are not only crafting memorable activities for residents but are also enhancing tourism in the state.

Rail Explorers, founded by Mary Joy Lu and Alex Catchpoole a decade ago, operates pedal-powered railbike tours across the United States, including its latest opening in Rhode Island. The company utilizes historic railway tracks and has successfully catered to over 600,000 people in various scenic locations, such as the Adirondacks, Delaware, Las Vegas, and California. The Rhode Island tours are set on the historic Old Colony Railroad, built in 1862, which previously connected Boston to parts of Rhode Island.

On these tours, riders can experience stunning views of Jamestown, the Mount Hope Bridge, and Hog Island Lighthouse, surrounded by lush coastal woodlands. The tours are designed for people of all ages and abilities, encouraging family fun with a 20-minute stop at Bayside Station for picnics. Rail Explorers offers two six-mile tour options that start from Portsmouth, heading north or south.

Another notable venture is Paradigm Escape Rooms, which recently celebrated its two-year anniversary on William Street. Founded and creatively directed by Deanna Lopes, Paradigm Escape Rooms has garnered over 150 five-star reviews on Google. This innovative business designs themed escape rooms inviting teams to solve puzzles within a set timeframe, making the experience enjoyable without the feeling of confinement. Current themes available include DaVinci’s Test and The King’s Tomb, catering to participants aged 10 and up, with options for parties and corporate events.

Paradigm Escape Rooms is set to launch an outdoor adventure titled “A Sea City’s Secret: The Unsolved Case of the Harrow Family,” which will merge physical exploration with digital storytelling, further enriching the local experience. To celebrate, the company is offering a 20% discount for participants who mention the article until August 1, 2025.

Supporting women entrepreneurs in the state, the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) is providing essential resources and guidance. Under the direction of Lindsey Ramirez, the center has assisted approximately 18,900 women since its inception. CWE employs a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, offering consultations, workshops, and networking opportunities—funded primarily by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Among its initiatives, Women’s Workspace Wednesdays offers women a chance to network and access resources, fostering community collaboration among entrepreneurs. Additionally, the new EmpowerHerTech program aims to enhance digital literacy, expanding its reach with recent funding. Another noteworthy initiative, Mini Entrepreneurs of RI, focuses on instilling entrepreneurial skills in children aged 4 to 15, specifically in under-resourced communities. Success is gauged through participant satisfaction surveys and quantitative metrics, showing fruitful engagement in youth-run businesses.

As the entrepreneurial landscape in Rhode Island evolves, these women-led initiatives not only enrich the local culture but also contribute significantly to the state’s economy, while empowering future generations and enhancing community resilience. By fostering innovation and collaboration, these businesses highlight the crucial role of women entrepreneurs in shaping a vibrant and diverse marketplace.

The ongoing support from organizations like the Center for Women & Enterprise ensures that aspiring entrepreneurs have the resources they need to succeed. With numerous events, networking opportunities, and educational programs, Rhode Island continues to be a hub for innovation in women’s entrepreneurship.

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