"Yes, Virginia, there is a tech entrepreneur community alive and well in southern Rhode Island.  As I wrote in a blog post in February, we had a hunch that maybe, just maybe, there might be a collection of RI Nexus followers who might not want to drive "all the way to Providence", but may gather "locally" for coffee and connections.  As you can see from the photos, there is indeed a thriving tech biz community.  So we are happy to report that the RI Nexus Open Coffee, South County edition (affectionately nicknamed "RINOCO-SOCO") will continue, on the third Thursday of every month, at Bagelz Wickford.

The conversations I've had run the gamut:  new mobile phone applications being developed, web business models, the state of the venture capital market, the challenges of straddling the employment/ business startup period, forming partnerships, exploring web applications, what's buzzing on Twitter, and, admittedly, how nice it is to park in Wickford without ever worrying about a parking ticket.  We have welcomed people from Providence to Connecticut to Hope Valley to Jamestown.  All are welcome.

Please join us this Thursday, May 21st, between 9am and 11am.

Bagelz Wickford, upstairs loft area
21 W. Main St.
North Kingstown, RI
Map

Hope to see you there!
Michelle Girasole

And for your Providence area tech entrepreneurs, the next Open Coffee up here is this coming Tuesday. Details here.

For those technology entrepreneurs who can't/don't/won't drive into Providence, we're hosting a South County Edition of RI Nexus Open Coffee, an informal get-together where you can talk shop, swap resources and connections, and get caffeinated. Whether you drop in for 15 minutes or are the last two at the tables, you'll get a unique chance to spend quality time with the best and brightest in the City-State startup community.

How this event came about.  I am a Providence Geek and URI Alumni who recently returned home to South County.  Last summer, I moved from North Providence to Wickford, and while I always enjoy the Providence RI Nexus Open Coffee meetings, I don't get there nearly enough.

I suspect there is a "creative contingent" from Wakefield, Jamestown, Kingston, and the surrounding areas that would benefit a great deal from the connections and positive energy of an Open Coffee. In the same way that Providence residents won't drive "out" without packing a suitcase, many of us in South County won't drive "in" often enough.

Enter Bagelz Wickford. Literally. I just stumbled upon this gem recently, and found it the perfect location for an Open Coffee style meetup.  The loft upstairs is a very inviting space, with couches and cafe tables galore and enough warm sunlight to make you think you're outside. (But, please, don't let that stop you Geeks from tearing away from your computer.)  There's also free WiFi, and a killer selection of bagels, cream cheese spreads and coffees.  Yesterday, I had a spinach bagel with "blue cheese and tomato" spread that was to die for. Besides, being a Sassy Lady,  I'm a sucker for woman-owned businesses, and, trust me, Troy has got the magic formula here! So, I tossed the idea out to Jack and Allan, and we decided to give it a try. I hope you will join us on the 12th.  I promise to be a gracious hostess.  I can't guarantee that you won't fall in love with the quaint Wickford, as I have.  (Not that I'm encouraging the proverbial "brain drain" from Providence, but it's a great place to live and work!)  I hope to see you all soon.

RI Nexus Open Coffee - South County Edition
Thursday, March 12, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Bagelz Wickford, upstairs loft area
21 W. Main St.
North Kingstown, RI
Map

I hesitate to promote an event happening at the same time as the Geeks Dinner.  I must admit to being bummed out that I can't be in two places at once - Annette and David are doing some neat stuff at MoFuse - and it is sure to be a good event!

But anyway, thought I'd let everyone know about a fundraiser that I am co-hosting tonight at the HiHat.  Cool venue, cool music from The Blackstone Project - local jazz phenom-in-the-making, and a fun, generous, networking crowd.  $15 cover, 5:30-8:30pm tonight - Wednesday, July 16th.  Pay at the door or online.

And, for those who want to help, but are already going to the Geek Dinner (and also have not figured out how to clone themselves), event t-shirts are available for $15.

The funds are being raised to help our Sassy partner, Miriam's parents get back on their feet after losing everything in their apartment fire back in April.  Open invite - all are welcome!