Providence, R.I. (June 2, 2021) — Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza will join Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG), ONE Neighborhood Builders, and 10 other community partners on Thursday, June 3, 2021, to announce the opening of a new local business support center at 222 Manton Avenue in Providence. The business center is a collaborative, one-stop shop where individuals and small business owners can easily find the resources and support needed to launch and grow their business.
The celebration will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and will feature a speaking program, open house for interested residents to stop by and learn about the center’s resources, “quick pitch” presentations by local businesses, and local food and beverages. Speakers include Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza; Kelly Ramirez, CEO of Social Enterprise Greenhouse; Jennifer Hawkins, President & Executive Director of ONE Neighborhood Builders; and other Rhode Island business and community leaders.
“Small businesses are a fundamental part of Providence and make our city a vibrant place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Removing barriers for more small businesses to thrive helps grow and sustain our community, now and for generations to come. I encourage all community members who are interested in launching or expanding a business to visit the new support center.”
“When our storefront commercial space at 222 Manton Avenue became available for a new lease this fall, we approached Social Enterprise Greenhouse and asked if they would partner with us to open a business support center at the location, tailored to the needs of local merchants and makers in Central Providence,” explained ONE Neighborhood Builders’ Jennifer Hawkins. “We’re pleased our vision is now a reality and thrilled to welcome the many partnering organizations to the site.”
The new business support center at 222 Manton Avenue will provide a wide array of practical resources, including:
- Access to SEG’s network of multilingual business experts and menu of programs and services
- Easy connections to partnering with business support organizations that offer customized services
- Free internet and use of computers in the common space
- Technology training and advising
- One-on-one support through office hours and consulting
- Workshops and community events
- Resources to help individuals connect to other economic and workforce development opportunities
Partner organizations include the Center for Southeast Asians, Center for Women & Enterprise, City of Providence, Fuerza Laboral/Power of Workers, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Hope & Main, Multicultural Innovation Center, Rhode Island Black Business Association, Rhode Island Commerce, Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Rhode Island Small Business Development Center.
The new business support center will be open by appointment and can be reached by contacting 222Manton@segreenhouse.org. It welcomes all interested businesses, but especially those from the 02908 and 02909 ZIP codes.
About Social Enterprise Greenhouse
Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) creates positive social and economic impact by providing social entrepreneurs and enterprises with the tools and networks they need to thrive. It fosters an ecosystem of diverse stakeholders who work to enable a more just, equitable, and resilient economy. SEG operates statewide in Rhode Island from four programming sites in Providence, Newport, and Pawtucket/Central Falls. Its network of 600+ enterprises and 250+ business and community leaders contributes time, expertise, and funding to grow Rhode Island’s social impact ecosystem. To learn more, visit www.segreenhouse.org.
About ONE Neighborhood Builders
ONE Neighborhood Builders (ONE|NB) is a nonprofit community development leader in Rhode Island that is expanding its work to the broader Greater Providence area while maintaining its deep roots in its historic home of Olneyville. ONE|NB’s mission is to develop affordable housing and engage neighbors across Greater Providence to cultivate healthy, vibrant, and safe communities. Since its founding in 1988, then as Olneyville Housing Corporation, ONE|NB has developed 482 affordable apartments; 130 for-sale homes for low- to moderate-income homebuyers; and nearly 34,000 square feet of commercial and community space—totaling more than $128 million of investments. To learn more, visit https://oneneighborhoodbuilders.org/
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