• SEG’s Spring Programming Kicks Off with Orientation for 2024 Cohorts

    52 entrepreneurs from across RI and Southeastern MA selected to take part

    Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) officially kicked off its 2024 programming last week, hosting an orientation for the 52 entrepreneurs selected for the spring cohorts. The latest round of offerings include the Impact Accelerator, Incubator, and Incubadora Programs. 

    “Our spring cohort is off to an incredible start,” said Julie Owens, Chief Executive Officer of SEG. “I had the opportunity to meet these entrepreneurs and I was truly blown away by their energy, drive, and innovation. I’m so excited to see the creativity and passion generated over the next couple of months.”

    The Accelerator Program is created for high-potential social entrepreneurs that have generated revenue and gained some traction in a market and want to take their venture to the next level. In total, 41 ventures were considered for this cohort with 35 applicants and 6 referrals from SEG’s Incubator Program. 

    Ultimately, 15 ventures were selected, representing a wide range of communities and fields including healthcare, education, art, and pet care. In all, 43% of ventures are in target communities (Central Falls, Newport/Middletown, and Providence). A whopping 86% are women led, with half led by BIPOC entrepreneurs. 

    “Being accepted into SEG’s Accelerator program has given me the community and resources I needed to press forward in my venture! Being an entrepreneur can be lonely work, but at SEG I am immersed in a rich and thriving community of creative thinkers,” said Kristine Alach, the Founder of Community Pet Care. “I could not be more grateful for my opportunity to learn from and share my knowledge with other business owners and specialists. SEG creates the perfect environment for information sharing, camaraderie, inspiration and idea development.”

    Below are the ventures and entrepreneurs selected for the Accelerator Program:

    The Incubator Program is designed to help guide burgeoning entrepreneurs through the basics necessary to launch a social enterprise. Altogether, 18 ventures were selected for the 2024 Incubator cohort, representing a wide range of concepts in the food, hospitality, wellness, and communications industries. 

    Below are the ventures and entrepreneurs chosen for the Incubator Program:  

     
    • Aunty's House, Lilly Manycolors
    • Brother and Moffat, David Gomes
    • Dog Bar, Megan Hamlin Black
    • Dorothy Vaughan Institute, Cristian Potter
    • Featr., Sterling Stiger
    • Fruitful Thoughts, Alexander Jimenez
    • MainSt. to WallSt. Initiative, Joseph Toussaint
    • Michelle Lee Ink, LLC, Michelle Costa
    • Perspectives in Communication, Kira Wills
    • Rebecca's World of Skills
    • Roundhouse Earth, Colleen Kelley
    • The Expression Society, Courtney Oman
    • The Michael Project, Laju Ogedengbe
    • Thrive, Oliver Shull
    • Broken Psycle, Hakim Coggins
    • New England Community Living, Tuki Gatui 
    • Cafe Locale, Brandyn Mello
    • 88 Papers, Irene Inouye
    SEG’s Incubator Program is also offered for Spanish speaking entrepreneurs. SEG received 25 applications for the 2024 Incubadora cohort, with 18 accepted. From event planning to auto detailing to the beauty and hospitality industries, these multi-lingual entrepreneurs address major market demands. 

    “I am extremely excited to be able to participate and learn how to become a better leader for my business and my team, and also to be more active in our community and create new connections,” said Alejandra Ruelas, Co-Owner of Casa Azul Taqueria. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity."

    Below are the ventures and entrepreneurs chosen for the Incubadora Program:

     
    • Liz’s Natural Hair Care, Lilybeth Basilio
    • Diana Velez Beauty Salon INC, Diana Velez
    • Helencreations, Genesis Paulino
    • Virtuous31boutiquebyyahaira, Yahaira Torres
    • Helen Pastries, Helen Paulino
    • The Rose Box, Ana Castro
    • Eliezer Ramirez and Maribel Rosario J. de Ramirez
    • Babies Ruth Childcare, Ruth Ferreras
    • Casa Azul Taqueria, Alejandra Ruelas
    • Happy Face Elder Care, Yudy Santiago
    • Salsas Patron, Juan Porres
    • Kurated Kullture, Arlene Ayala
    • M&J SERVICES CORP, Manuel Mateo
    • Akonina Creations, Maria Mejia
    • Alana Corpclean, Faviola Mora
    • Jc Auto Detailing, Jhon Bermudez
    • Suleidy Nail Co LLC, Suleidy Lugo Villarrubia
    • BA Decor & Party Events, Bexave Filpo

    All of SEG’s 2024 spring programs run from April until June. 

    About Social Enterprise Greenhouse: 
    SEG accelerates impact by providing inclusive support and networks for entrepreneurs and businesses committed to positive societal and economic change. SEG fosters an ecosystem of diverse stakeholders who work to enable a more just, equitable, and resilient economy. SEG is based in Rhode Island and operates statewide virtually and from sites in Providence, Newport, and Pawtucket/Central Falls. Its network of 2,000+ enterprises and 200+ business and community leaders contributes time, expertise, and funding to grow Rhode Island’s social impact ecosystem. To learn more, visit www.segreenhouse.org.

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