N-Squared District Launches Major Fundraising Effort

NEWTON, MA – The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber on Wednesday announced a major fundraising push for the burgeoning N-Squared Innovation District.

The effort aims to raise $325,000 to sustain the N-Squared Innovation District for the next two years, with funds supporting the hiring of a full-time district director, creating marketing materials, establishing tours and campaigns and building its digital brand.

So far, Founders Park, a mixed-use planned development in the heart of the Needham Crossing section of the district, has pledged $50,000 to the campaign; TripAdvisor, which opened its global headquarters in the district in 2015, has offered up $25,000; and Mount Ida College, Wingate Companies and the Davis Companies have each pledged $5,000.

"We are extremely grateful to Founders Park, TripAdvisor and our other early partners for their generous support and belief in our shared vision of a thriving innovation district in Boston’s inner suburbs," Newton-Needham Chamber President Greg Reibman said in a statement. "What we’re doing here is unique but we’ve already made tremendous progress. This campaign will allow us to move from vision to reality."

The N-Squared Innovation District currently houses a number of businesses in the innovation sector, including PTC, CyberArk, Shark Ninja, Big Belly Solar, Building 36, Kaminario, Karyopharm, among others.

"We know that a vibrant innovation community helps drive the local economy, which is why we are pleased to make a contribution to the N2 Innovation District," Beth Grous, chief people officer of TripAdvisor, said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing to support our local community as we grow globally."

Several construction projects are underway – including 950 potential new housing units and the Boston Ballet School's new facility – that contribute to the region's continued growth, according to a spokesperson from the Newton-Needham Chamber. The district has also launched several networking initiatives, including a lunch series and Know Your Neighbor, to attract innovators and entrepreneurs to the area.

The first Know Your Neighbor program, where district employees can learn about other undertakings in the N-Squared Innovation District, will take place on Jan. 23.

>>>Click here to contribute to the N-Squared fundraising effort.

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