2026 Founders' Dinners Program - Interest Form - Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce

2026 Founders' Dinners Program - Interest Form

The 2026 Founders' Dinner Program is your opportunity to engage in candid discussions, build meaningful relationships, and gain the insights needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. 

At these exclusive bi-monthly dinners, you’ll join a cohort of founders for in-depth conversations on key startup topics, guided by experienced Guest Mentors. Each dinner explores themes crucial to scaling a business. Examples of topics: 

Funding Options and Considerations 
Sustainable Scaling Strategies
Concept to Commercialization 
Strategic Planning and Marketing Research 
Problem Solving and Pivoting 
Building a Strong Culture 

Why Attend? 

Learn from your peers in a confidential, supportive environment. 
Expand your network and meet potential investors. 
Access mentorship from industry experts. 
Gain actionable insights to drive your business forward. 

Event Details 

Format: This is a cohort-based program. Founders commit the cohort for the year. 
When: Every other month. 6-8 p.m. 
Where: Bristol and Newport, RI locations 

Please submit your Interest Form by Dec. 15, 2025.

Questions? contact Mollie Williams at mollie@newportchamber.com. 

Fields marked with an * are required.

Your name, title and contact information *

Please provide your name, title, and contact information (cell phone and email address).

Chamber Member? *

Are you a current member of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce? (You do NOT need to be a member in order to participate in this program. It would however give you a discount to the FD Program.)

Company Information *

Please provide the name of your company, its website, and a brief description of the company to be used in publications.

How did you hear about the Founders' Dinner Program? *

How did you hear about The Founders Dinner Program?

For Tech companies *

There will likely be multiple cohorts in 2026- one for founders of tech-related companies, and one for founders of non-tech-related companies. If you are a tech-related company, what best describes your technology and your industry?

For Non-Tech Companies *

If you are a founder of a non-tech-related company, what best describes your industry?

Size and Age of Company *

When was the company formed, and how many employees are there?

Stage of Company *

What stage is your company?

Seed: just beginning to develop your idea or product.

Startup: refining your product or service based on user feedback and market response.

Early Growth: you have validated the product or service and have grown a customer base. You have started to generate revenue and are looking to attract seed or venture capital funding to scale operations.

Expansion: you have experienced rapid growth in terms of customers, revenue, and team size. You are expanding market research and exploring new opportunities.

Other:

Your Goals *

What are you hoping to gain from the Founders' Dinner Program?

Desired Topics *

What topics would you like to see addressed throughout the program?

Desired Guest Mentors *

What types of Guest Mentors would you be interested in hearing from? Feel free to give suggestions for specific people.

Preferred Location *

If there are two cohorts, which location do you prefer?

Please list your top choice:

Bristol, Newport, or either

How did you hear about the Founders' Dinner Program? *

Please verify that you have checked the “I'm not a robot” checkbox.