N-Squared District Closes in on Fundraising Goal

NEWTON, MA – Months into its fundraising campaign, the N-Squared Innovation District is honing in on its goal of $325,000. Key investors include local property owners and developers such as Founders Park, Jumbo Capital, The Bulfinch Companies, Intrum Corp and Northland Corp.

Employers TripAdvisor, PTC, the City of Newton and Karyopharm, as well as educational partners Mt. Ida College, William James College and Olin College of Engineering, have contributed to the effort, leaving the campaign just $42,000 shy of its goal.

"Growing the Innovation District now – while our economy is hot and new companies are expanding – couldn’t be more time sensitive," Newton-Needham Chamber President Greg Reibman said in a statement. "We are extremely gratified for the financial commitments we’ve received so far and look forward to reaching our goal and having resources to promote and market the entire N2 Innovation District as a destination where the best businesses, talent and community coverage."

The N-Squared campaign is designed to sustain the district for the next two years, with a focus on initiatives such as the hiring of a full-time district director, marketing materials, tours and campaigns and building its digital presence.

New construction is underway in the district, including walkable retail and housing projects, and several infrastructure improvements have either been completed or are planned in the area.

The N-Squared Innovation District launched several networking initiatives aimed at bringing together innovators and entrepreneurs in the area, including a networking lunch series and Know Your Neighbor, an opportunity for employees in the district to learn about projects and products being produced by other businesses in the district. The next Know Your Neighbor program takes place on March 27 at Unbound Commerce in Newton.

In addition to working with corporate partners, the fundraising campaign is also accepting donations from small businesses and individuals.