• Nantucket Island Center for Entrepreneurship 

  • Nantucket Island Center for Entrepreneurship

    The Nantucket Island Center for Entrepreneurship (NICE) launched in January 2019 with the mission of creating the optimal local environment where resources are provided and connections are made to support the successful launch and growth of new businesses on the island of Nantucket. 

    While many wonderful regional/national resources exist for entrepreneurs, the Nantucket market is distinct and therefore requires a highly localized approach to incubating new businesses. The staffing and logistical challenges of operating on an island, as well as seasonality factors, make starting and scaling a business here particularly onerous.  NICE strives to bridge the gap between existing resources and the highly localized needs of our entrepreneurs by offering one-on-one business coaching, group educational programs, and a network of mentors tailored to the needs of Nantucket's unique market.  Focusing on early stage companies, NICE compliments Chamber programming and resources for more established members of the business community.

    For more information about NICE please see our Frequently Asked Questions or email karen@nantucketchamber.org

  • Business Consulting Services

    The Center offers FREE, one-on-one business consulting sessions.  Aspiring as well as newly established entrepreneurs are encouraged to sign up. During these sessions, entrepreneurs are free to vet business ideas, review business models/financial forecasts, receive advice about marketing strategies, discuss funding resources, or any other topic that will help them progress in their journey.  Initial sessions are typically 60-90 minutes, and may be followed with additional free sessions as needed.  To sign up please complete this simple survey.

  • Educational Workshops

    The Center offers also offers free or low-cost workshops, on a variety of topics, such as creating a business plan, raising capital and effective advertising strategies.  Check here often for a list of upcoming events.  Watch the panel discussion from our Growing Great Companies event, held in conjunction with the Nantucket Conference.

  • Become a Mentor

    Do you have experience running a business on Nantucket?  Then you know how incredibly challenging it can be to operate on this island.  Please consider becoming a mentor. Please email Karen Macumber (karen@nantucketchamber.org) if you are interested in participating in our mentorship network.

    For more information about NICE please see our Frequently Asked Questions or email karen@nantucketchamber.org.

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  • Past NICE & Chamber Educational & Special Events: 

    Nantucket's Second Annual Pitch Competition
    On Friday, September 24th, 2021 at the Second Annual Pitch Competition, four teams competed and a total of $20,000 was given away! 
    Congratulations to the winners of the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition, Hayden Arnot and Sara Jemison of Nantucket Crisps, a new Nantucket inspired snack company, who walked away with $10,000. Second place, and $5,000, was awarded to Catherine Slattery's Nantucket Captain's Camp for a new STEM camp to help usher young women into the maritime industry. Also receiving $2,500 in prize money were Andre Marrero's Nantucket Faraway Chocolate and Pete Arsenault and Lucie Lundeen's Farway Gallery.
    We are eternally grateful to our sponsors and partners that helped to make this year's event memorable: ReMain Ventures, Nantucket Magazine, Cape Cod 5, The Beachside Hotel, Toscana Corporation, Alicia Carney, and all of our eventbrite donors and attendees. 
     
    Nantucket Crisps at the Second Annual Pitch Competition
    Hayden Arnot and Sara Jemison of Nantucket Crisps

    Nantucket's First Annual Pitch Competition was held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 featuring eight finalists who competed for over $12,000 in cash and prizes.  Our winners were: First Place:  Thomas Holt, Sandy Pedals (dockless electric bike program launching 2020), Second Place:  Sharon Quigley, Kezia Coffins Tea Room (entertainment/dining concept), Third Place:  Brandon Jellison, Lavender Farm Wellness (new on demand scheduling app for wellness services)

    Sandy Pedals at the First Annual Pitch Competition

    Chamber Member Thomas Holt of Sandy Pedals