Impact: Becoming the support we once needed

Sitting in our high school graphics class at the start of the year in 2012, Matt approached me with the idea to start a streetwear brand. We were both inspired by brands like Blvck Scvle, IMKING, Diamond Supply Co., Crooks & Castles, Supreme, The Hundreds, ALIFE, and the industry as a whole. Streetwear at the time was bubbling and getting ready to pop, and wanted to carve out our own lane.

Throughout the rest of that school year, in that same classroom, we went all out conceptualizing names and different ideas for tee shirt graphics. I designed the original S’s logo, we collaborated on graphics, mocked them up on tee shirts, and complied a binder filled with design concepts that still sits in my filing cabinet to this day.

In August of 2012, Matt and I went in on the first run of tee shirts, scrounging up our own money out of pocket and splitting the cost in half. We repeated that process with each new product for the rest of the year and kept on reinvesting the profits to buy more.

We were both seventeen years old, embarking on our first business endeavor, chasing a dream.

Words by Zack Deus

We’re Proud to Offer A New, Unique Opportunity

  • Who is it for?

    Rhode Island High School Seniors graduating in 2027 who have started or plan to start a small business.

  • What is it?

    A Microgrant for business startup support, designed to provide early funding toward launching or growing a small business. Funds are awarded as a grant and are not intended to be repaid.

  • When Can I Apply?

    Application submissions open on August 31, 2026. Check back then!

  • Where Do I Apply?

    You can apply at restinpower.org/apply

  • How Does it Work?

    Eligible students can apply by submitting a business plan and other required documents. Once reviewed, chosen applicants will be scheduled to pitch their business plan in person to a small panel of judges.

  • Why Not a Scholarship?

    We seek to honor Matthew by offering start up funding to young, local entrepreneurs who can use it to start small business that directly give back to local Rhode Island communities.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Education Level

    Must be a high school senior of good academic standing in the graduating class of 2027.

  • State & Town

    Must be a Rhode Island resident enrolled in a Rhode Island High School. All RI towns are eligible.

  • Business Plan

    Must start, or plan to start a local small business prior to December 31st 2027.

  • Presentation

    Along with application and written requirements, must be able to present a comprehensive business plan in-person this November / December 2026. Final dates and deadlines TBA.