January 30th, 2024
Three business owners recognized for work in healthcare and wellness industries
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 all operate in the healthcare and wellness industries, addressing a myriad of issues including access to affordable medication and natural foods, and comfortable apparel for healthcare workers.
The event took place on January 25 at the SEG Hub in Providence. In all, twelve entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, including SEG CEO, Julie Owens, SEG board member and CEO of Giant Shoulders, Tino Chow, and SEG alum and founder of The Stackhouse, Edmund Addai.
“I am so proud of our incredible entrepreneurs and the meaningful social justice issues they’re taking on through innovative businesses,” said Owens. “I’m looking forward to seeing our winners pitch for additional prize money at this year’s Impact Business Showcase coming up this spring.”
The Kelly Impact prizes were $2,500 and $1,000, along with an exclusive SEG Hub membership. The top three winners also earned the spotlight at SEG’s Impact Business Showcase on May 16th, with a shot at a grand prize of $10,000!
“The energy throughout the room filled with the SEG community and social entrepreneurs making a change was infectious! I was blown away with this cohort and everything they have been able to accomplish in the Accelerator Program,” said Addai. “To me every individual that pitched is a winner and I have no doubt that each entrepreneur will continue to set the bar higher than before!”
The top award of the evening, the $2,500 Pitch Prize, went to Elisabeth Borno, the founder of BORN-O-UNIFORMS. Borno and her husband founded their business after growing frustrated with a lack of comfortable choices for nurses.
“I’m immensely grateful for SEG and my coach, Colin Giblin, whose support and guidance have played a pivotal role in making this achievement possible,” said Borno, “Receiving this prize is not just a validation of BORN-O UNIFORMS’ potential but also a thrilling affirmation that our vision for fashionable, comfortable, and affordable medical uniforms has been recognized and embraced by others.”
The 1K Pitch Prize was awarded to Kathryn Oh, the founder of Hopscotch, a food company blending culinary tradition with nutritional science through the fermentation of Koji, an ancient probiotic.
“The Social Enterprise Greenhouse Accelerator program was so well designed with a rich curriculum and amazing experts in various fields of business that I looked forward to every session,” said Oh. “My fellow entrepreneurs are solving complex problems in ingenious ways. I have been so inspired by this program. I have forged a community of lifelong friends and experts who I can lean into for advice and support as I grow my own business.”
The Hub Membership Prize went to Eric Moyal, the founder of Project Insulin, whose mission is to help those struggling to pay for insulin by creating and selling affordable insulin. Moyal was awarded a full year of co-working space at the Hub.
For photos of the winners, click here.
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)
Mike Raia, Half Street Strategic Consulting
401.340.9425 | mikeraia@halfstreetgroup.com