27 June 2024
Three business owners recognized for work in accessible high-end retail and natural education and outdoor recreation
PROVIDENCE, RI – Three dynamic and diverse local entrepreneurs took the top prizes at this season’s Accelerator Pitch Night, hosted by Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG). The recipients operate in the retail, recreation, and medical fields, addressing a myriad of issues including regenerative farming and the social determinants of health. Each of the evening’s winners are Rhode Island-based businesses from the communities of Providence, Cranston and East Greenwich.
The event took place on June 26 at the SEG Hub in Providence. In all, fifteen entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, including 2024 Impact Business Showcase Winner Eric Moyal, Founder and Executive Director of Project Insulin, Sam Azar, Founder and CEO of Ascend Impact Advisors, and SEG Board Member, Alex Ducas.
“This extraordinary group of entrepreneurs represents an incredibly diverse group of leaders and change makers across a broad array of industries,” said Julie Owens, the CEO of SEG. “This season’s cohort is especially local, with all of our participants hailing from RI and Southern MA. Which means they will be funneling exciting new ideas and practices into our small business ecosystem.”
The evening’s top prizes were the Kelly Impact Prize ($2,000) and the Leap Ahead Prize ($1,000) along with an exclusive SEG Hub membership. The top three winners also earn the spotlight at SEG’s Impact Business Showcase with a shot at a grand prize of $10,000!
“We had a lot of great, talented, organizations. And, at the end of the day, the decisions were based on the strength of the pitch itself, the strength of the social impact of the organization as a social enterprise and the passion that came through from the contestants,” said Eric Moyal, the Founder and Executive Director of Project Insulin. “It was hard because they were all very passionate and they all had very great organizations, which we come to expect at SEG.”
The top award of the evening, the $2,000 Kelly Impact Prize, went to Crystal Da Cruz, the founder of Boxed in Black. A proud first generation Cape Verdean, and native of Providence, Da Cruz came up with the idea for Boxed in Black after earning a degree in fashion and noticing a lack of representation from her community when it came to marketing high-end items. Boxed in Black curates elegant gifts that feature premium items from black-owned and culturally diverse brands. Their mission centers around inclusive luxury, offering a gift range that encompasses everything from premium to ultra-high end.
“I was not expecting this whatsoever. There were some really amazing presentations in our group, but I’m happy and honored,” said Crystal Da Cruz, the founder of Boxed in Black. “Through our practice sessions, I was able to fully prepare for this pitch. These sessions also provided a great opportunity for me to get to know the other cohort members. Getting to see each other in the rough draft mode really helped to build lasting connections. I am so thankful for this opportunity.”
The $1,000 Leap Ahead Prize was awarded to Kelly McNiff, the founder of Farm and Forest Education Center, which provides immersive outdoor experiences with a focus on regenerative farming. Through their programs, children can unplug from devices and reconnect with the outdoors.
“I’m very flattered and honored to have received this award, which will greatly benefit the Farm and Forest Education Center,” said Kelly McNiff, the founder of Farm and Forest Education Center. “I was also very surprised because everyone in this amazing cohort of entrepreneurs really deserved it. I’m so happy.”
The Hub Membership Prize went to Rahul Vanjani the founder of Docs for Health, an organization that partners with hospitals, clinics and payors to treat the social determinants of health. Vanjani was awarded a full year of co-working space at the Hub.
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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Media Contact (For SEG)
Chelsea DeCesare, Half Street Group
401.286.9037 | Chelsea@halfstreetgroup.com