Sandbox Mentioned on WGBH Radio

On March 14, the Sandbox was mentioned on WGBH Radio. Gregory Huang, the host for their segment the "Xconomy Report" talked about his recent visit to Lawrence and how the work of the Sandbox can be a model for other cities across the nation

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Sandbox Featured in Xconomy

On March 10th, Xconomy did a great story on how the Sandbox is pushing local innovation in Lawrence. Here is an excerpt: "What’s interesting about the Sandbox is that it’s a different breed of innovation from what you’ll find in a traditional tech cluster like Boston, Austin, or the Bay Area. It’s about entrepreneurs motivated by local issues and solving local problems, such as creating jobs and new markets, supporting education and childcare, and developing resources for young people."

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Governor Patrick Awards Sandbox $150K Grant to Strengthen Mentorship Program

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On February 4th, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick visited the Sandbox to award a $150K grant to strengthen and scale up the organization's mentorship program in the region. The Sandbox will use the funds, which will be administered through the Mass Tech Collaborative Innovation Mentoring Institute, to hire two additional part-time Managers of Mentorship, including a bilingual mentor who will support the Sandbox’s new program for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. The award will also be used to enhance communication between mentors and entrepreneurs, and to build awareness of the Sandbox’s programs in the region. Interise Inc and Valley Venture Mentors were also awarded grants ($149K each).

In addition to awarding the grant, the Governor took an hour of his time to engage with Sandbox entrepreneurs and mentors. When the Governor first walked in, he immediately went to shake all of their hands. Each entrepreneur then stood up and gave their one-minute pitch about their businesses and non-profits. The Governor was very happy to hear the "diverse range of ventures" and more importantly see the "passion in all of the entrepreneurs in the room." He also said, "This type of innovation is what our state is known for, but it has been done in one area of concentration. It's time to spread that attitude outside Greater Boston."

David Parker, the Executive Director of the Sandbox, then moderated a discussion to hear from the entrepreneurs and mentors about their experience in the Sandbox and the need to increase the mentorship program. As Sandbox Accelerator Finalist Joy Mosenfelder put it, "Mentorship has been crucial to my organization's growth. I would not be where I am today without the help of my mentors."

Many of the mentors told the Governor about their positive experience in the program and how this opportunity has been a two-way street. Sandbox Mentor Henry Noel said, "I think I get as much out of this program as the entrepreneurs do." To wrap-up this very special afternoon, the Governor thanked the entrepreneurs and told them, "What you are doing is so exciting. I will remember the things you’re doing, I will look for you on NASDAQ, and will look for you in what you do for yourselves, with your families, and to the people whom you will give a chance to."

The Sandbox would like to thank the Governor, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative for this prestigious grant. The Sandbox looks forward to strengthening the mentorship program and continuing to promote entrepreneurship for all!