In Springfield, Vermont, an area rich in the history of innovation, the Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) has emerged as a beacon of opportunity and transformation. Founded in 2018, BRIC is more than just a business incubator or accelerator—it’s a vital catalyst for economic revitalization in this rural community, aiming to recapture the ingenuity that once made Springfield a center for the machine tool industry. Spearheading this mission is Vincent Fusca, the executive director, whose vision has helped breathe new life into the town and surrounding areas.
At the heart of BRIC’s efforts is the Actuator Program, a free, tech-focused business accelerator designed to equip startups with the tools and connections needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Since its launch in 2021, the Actuator Program has attracted entrepreneurs from not only Vermont but also neighboring regions such as New Hampshire, Boston, New York, and even beyond. Participants span a diverse spectrum, from solo entrepreneurs with a spark of an idea to advanced computing teams exploring the cutting edge of quantum technology. They come together to share knowledge, gain mentorship, and, most importantly, grow their businesses in an environment that offers a unique mix of rural charm and high-tech innovation.
BRIC’s success lies in its ability to adapt to the challenges of the modern world, particularly in the face of a global pandemic that forced a rapid pivot. Initially conceived as a coworking space and a hub for in-person networking, BRIC quickly transformed its model to embrace remote work, offering virtual training and resources to help local workers develop digital skills. The need to adjust quickly in 2020 underscored one of BRIC’s core beliefs: barriers to entry must be lowered to ensure that underrepresented and rural communities have access to entrepreneurial opportunities. Despite the disruptions caused by COVID, BRIC emerged stronger and more dynamic, now offering not only the Actuator Program but also a coworking space, a podcast and video recording studio, in-person events, and an upcoming makerspace equipped with laser cutters and 3D printers.
The Actuator Program stands out not just for its accessibility, but for the powerful connections it offers. Partnering with organizations like NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, BRIC provides Actuator participants with access to an incredible catalog of NASA intellectual property and inventions. This unique relationship allows founders to draw inspiration from cutting-edge technologies and work directly with NASA mentors and advisors, opening up commercialization opportunities that are typically out of reach for most rural entrepreneurs. The combination of high-speed internet—up to 10 gigs—and these world-class partnerships make Springfield, Vermont, a surprisingly ideal launchpad for tech startups.
What sets BRIC and the Actuator Program apart from other business accelerators is this balance between advanced technology and a rural lifestyle. It’s not often that you find a town of Springfield’s size listed alongside major urban hubs, but in 2022, PC Mag named it one of the top ten “Best Work-From-Home Cities” in the United States, ranking it eighth overall. This accolade reflects BRIC’s broader vision of redefining what rural innovation looks like. It’s no longer about needing to be in Silicon Valley or New York to launch a tech startup. BRIC proves that rural areas can foster cutting-edge technology and advanced manufacturing industries, all while offering the quality of life that Vermont is famous for.
As BRIC continues to grow, its ambitions are equally forward-thinking. Looking ahead, Fusca and his team envision Springfield as a model for the future of rural economic development in Vermont. BRIC aims to create a thriving ecosystem of innovation, drawing collaborators from along the I-91 corridor and beyond. The hope is to establish Springfield not just as a place where businesses are born, but as a vibrant community where people want to live, work, and play—connected by both technology and a strong sense of place.
Underpinning BRIC’s programming is a commitment to STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), ensuring that the next generation of Vermonters is equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a tech-driven economy. The organization’s educational initiatives seek to engage underrepresented students in these fields, preparing them to step into roles that will continue to drive innovation in their communities. By investing in both current and future entrepreneurs, BRIC is cultivating a sustainable, tech-based economy that can support Springfield’s—and Vermont’s—long-term growth.
This dual commitment to technology and community is what makes BRIC truly unique. It’s not just about business acceleration; it’s about creating a place where entrepreneurship thrives in harmony with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Vermont. For Fusca, the inspiration comes from Springfield’s rich past as a center of industry. Just as the machine tool factories once fueled the local economy, BRIC hopes to fuel the region’s future with advanced computing, manufacturing, and innovation.
In a few short years, BRIC has become a cornerstone of Springfield’s revitalization, but its vision extends far beyond its borders. With the Actuator Program at the forefront, BRIC is proving that innovation knows no geographic boundaries. Rural Vermont may seem an unlikely contender in the tech world, but with BRIC leading the charge, it’s fast becoming a hub where the future is being shaped—one startup at a time.
Published by: Martin De Juan
