Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
Kristie DeJesus, Director
Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
Turn ideas into ventures
Built for the Bryant community, the Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking is where ideas take shape – through experimentation, iteration, mentorship, and launch support. Located on the ground floor of the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC), the Sprague Center brings together makers, mentors, and industry partners in one collaborative home for creators.
Rooted in the design thinking framework and methodology, the center's programming will catalyze the knowledge, skills, and resources to turn ideas into successful businesses. Together with their foundational Bryant education, the center will support students by helping them create a positive change in society as start-up founders, corporate or social entrepreneurs, and leaders of family businesses.
The Sprague Center is developing a dynamic slate of programming designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs at every stage, from idea exploration to venture development. While details are still being finalized, upcoming opportunities may include hands-on workshops, pitch events, speaker sessions, and mentorship experiences. Offerings will reflect the Center’s design thinking approach, helping students build practical skills, grow their networks, and move their ideas forward in a supportive, innovation-driven community.
Spaces That Help You Build
The Sprague Center features dedicated space for student clubs and organizations, private incubator offices, co-working areas, classrooms, and an extensive Makerspace. From early brainstorming to product prototyping, students have access to the tools, space, and support they need to bring ideas to life.
Rooted in the design thinking framework and methodology, the Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking will catalyze the knowledge, skills, and resources to turn ideas into successful businesses. The center opened in Fall 2025.
Meet the FOUNDERS
The Sprague Center also houses office space for the four student entrepreneurs named as the inaugural cohort of the Fellowship for Office Use, Networking, Development, Entrepreneurship, Representation & Support (FOUNDERS). Chosen for their passion and entrepreneurial drive, these student FOUNDERS will advance their own ventures while serving as mentors and role models for aspiring student entrepreneurs.
- Vincent Emery ’26 – The Lil’ Rhody Coffee Company
- Sam Lower ’26 – The Paw’s Post
- Sean Nelson ’27 – The Sole Provider
- Chase Whitman ’27 – Chip’s Sunflower Seeds
Latest News
Student business creators serve as mentors, role models in Bryant’s new Entrepreneurship Center
Offices for the inaugural ‘FOUNDERS’ serve as company headquarters and a place to interact with peers
Bryant first-year student wants to make dining out safe, fun for those with food allergies
FACTCheckDining.com, developed by Anderson Davis ’29, analyzes and rates restaurant menus
Entrepreneurship Center will open doors for innovators, makers and dreamers
Makerspace, places to collaborate highlight new entrepreneurship hub at the BELC
Tool developed by Bryant alum streamlines online job searches
ORiON finds jobs and submits applications, says Cole Braun ’25
Bryant interns help social impact businesses bloom
Students learn and contribute through Social Enterprise Greenhouse projects
Zack Richardson ’21 reels in success with custom fishing rod business
Customers pay thousands for personalized fishing gear made by Bryant alum
For entrepreneurs, failure isn’t an option, it’s a necessity
Setbacks are a step toward success, speakers stress at BUNEEC conference
Shaping the entrepreneurial spirit: Bryant CEO president brings together community of innovators
Tyler Griffin ’26 grows Bryant University’s culture of entrepreneurship
Bryant entrepreneurship student soars with party balloon business
Trinity Greene '25 and partners create oversized balloon displays for weddings and other celebrations