SEG and Collette Celebrate Local Entrepreneurs at Growth Lab Pitch Event with $16,500 in Cash Prizes

December 4, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG), Rhode Island’s pioneering social impact support organization and Collette, the longest-running tour operator in North America, celebrated the grand finale of the inaugural Growth Lab with a pitch competition last night. The event spotlighted four local entrepreneurs who competed for thousands of dollars in cash prizes, with Tess Feigenbaum of Epic Renewal and Kelly McNiff of the Farm and Forest Education Center tying for first place, each taking home $6,250 of the grand prize.

“This program is a testament to the power of collaboration. Through our partnership with Collette, The Growth Lab not only provided critical skills and resources to these entrepreneurs but also welcomed them into SEG’s vibrant alumni network,” said Julie Owens, CEO of SEG. “Together with Collette, we are empowering changemakers to grow their ventures, make meaningful connections, and contribute to the lasting impact of Rhode Island’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

This dynamic program, made possible through the SEG-Collette partnership, empowered participants with essential business skills and resources to elevate their ventures. The Growth Lab underscores SEG and Collette’s shared commitment to fostering innovation, resilience, and positive impact within the Rhode Island community.

“I’m so appreciative of Collette for the one on one sessions and the coaching and this opportunity, and incredibly grateful forever to all the help that SEG has given me,” said Kelly McNiff, founder of the Farm and Forest Education Center.  “Navigating the business side of our vision has been challenging and I’m so thankful to have SEG in our corner to help.”

“We’re so honored to receive this prize. This program was absolutely invaluable. And the ability to work with the collective, with Collette’s incredible team and learn so much from them was really special,” said Tess Feigenbaum, the founder of Epic Renewal. “Getting to participate in this program alongside four other incredible entrepreneurs was really a gift.”

The pitch event featured four innovative finalists, each of whom received critical training in marketing, public relations, sales, and pitching over a four-part workshop series. The participating ventures included:

“As this impactful program comes to a close, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and growth of the entrepreneurs who participated. This collaboration with Social Enterprise Greenhouse has truly exemplified our shared commitment to fostering community resilience and economic empowerment. We look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting more ventures that drive positive change, creating lasting benefits for the local economy and beyond, said Melissa Snape, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Collette .

In addition to the $12,500 grand prize for the co-winners, Eric Moyal of Project Insulin

earned the $2,500 third place prize and Crystal Da Cruz of Boxed in Black received the $1,000 fourth place prize. The winners were chosen by the audience, using an instant voting app. 


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, Woonsocket, 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 Collette
As the longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette is the company travelers can trust. Leading with integrity, Collette’s comprehensive travel protection plan, flexible tour pacing, and strong relationships within the travel space set it apart. The happiness of its travelers has been its roadmap since 1918 and today Collette offers over 170 tours to all seven continents and five distinct travel styles, including small group touring and river cruises. This third-generation family-owned business is dedicated to giving back in both local and global communities through its social responsibility platform. For more information, visit www.gocollette.com or call 1(800) 340-5158.

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Media Contact (For SEG)

Chelsea DeCesare, Half Street Group

401.286.9037 | Chelsea@halfstreetgroup.com