September 28, 2023

SEG’s Julie Owens Thanks Senators Reed and Whitehouse for Continued Leadership and Support of Rhode Island’s Entrepreneurship Community

Providence, RI – In an effort to support social impact entrepreneurship and help private enterprises across Rhode Island team up with community partners to solve an array of pressing challenges, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse secured a $232,000 federal earmark to help Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG), one of the state’s leading business support organizations, expand its reach SEG will leverage this $232,000 in federal funding to  facilitate the launch and expansion of several innovative programs aimed at improving founders’ access to capital and networks. 

Julie Owens, CEO of Social Enterprise Greenhouse, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thanks to Senators Reed and Whitehouse, SEG now has the opportunity to launch four new programs that will provide continuous support for emerging entrepreneurs and our network of alumni. We are deeply appreciative of Senators Reed and Whitehouse for their invaluable support in securing this federal earmark and eagerly anticipate furthering our mission of promoting sustainable growth within the social impact economy.” 

SEG will use the federal earmark, which is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA),to launch:

• An online forum to facilitate the exchange of best practices and provide support to entrepreneurs.
• Expanded access to robust and diverse capital options along with pitch support to entrepreneurs.
• The growth of SEG Huddle, a later stage support service offering tailored, one-time assistance to ventures seeking feedback from a panel of SEG volunteers on specific business challenges or opportunities.
• A concierge-like service that supports SEG’s network through access to customers, talent, peer support, and coaching. 

“SEG has a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into action, helping small businesses succeed and have a positive community impact.  This federal funding will help SEG grow Rhode Island’s status as a hub for mission-driven ventures and enterprises.  Sharing best practices and improving access to capital strengthens the local small business ecosystem and could ultimately lead to more job growth and more innovative startups growing their roots and doing more good here in Rhode Island,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.

“Social Enterprise Greenhouse incubates emerging organizations that will add value to the community.  It’s an Ocean State resource for startups looking to scale up,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “With this earmark, Social Enterprise Greenhouse will help create jobs, grow businesses and strengthen communities right here in Rhode Island.”

As one of the state’s leading business support organizations, SEG currently offers four core programs – the Ideator, the Incubator, the Incubadora, and the Impact Accelerator – each focusing on specific areas depending on the needs and growth cycle of the participant. As part of its mission, SEG seeks to accelerate impact by providing inclusive support and networks for entrepreneurs and businesses committed to positive societal and economic change. The ultimate goal is to create a more just, equitable, and resilient economy through social purpose business. 

Since its start, SEG has supported more than 600 businesses and nonprofits, creating social impact through improvements in access to educational opportunities, training and employment, healthcare, financial services, and affordable housing. 

Reed and Whitehouse included this federal earmark in the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations law. 

About Social Enterprise Greenhouse: 

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. 

About the U.S. Small Business Administration  

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

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Media Contact (For SEG)

Mike Raia, Half Street Strategic Consulting401.340.9425 | mikeraia@halfstreetgroup.com