SEG Launches COVID-19 Response Incubator

New Incubator program seeks social entrepreneurs with ideas for addressing challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic

Providence, R.I. (May 14, 2020) – Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) announces the launch of its new COVID-19 Response Incubator, a seven-week virtual incubator targeting the social and public health challenges that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The Incubator will focus on identifying needs, developing and assessing the feasibility of solutions, and launching and testing pilots. It offers social entrepreneurs the opportunity to transform their innovative ideas into reality through a combination of workshops and peer support.

“We all know that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are widespread, and many people are facing health, social, and economic challenges as a result,” said Kelly Ramirez, CEO of SEG. “Our new Incubator is designed to help individuals who have an innovative idea, or even simply a desire to address these challenges, and help them further develop the idea, assess its feasibility, and take early steps to build it into a viable business.”

The COVID-19 Response Incubator includes workshops in emergency responsiveness, design/user research, landscape analysis, adaptive strategy, financial management, operational roadmapping, and other relevant topics. Incubator participants will meet twice a week via Zoom for 6 weeks, with graduation in week 7. After program completion, SEG will provide participants with ongoing support and access to networks and follow-on services.

The ideal participant in SEG’s COVID-19 Response Incubator has:

  • Identified a specific problem and has an early-stage idea (or a strong commitment to develop an idea) that directly addresses the impact COVID-19 has had on the community or that serves an emergent need.
  • Past experience in their particular subject matter, or demonstrated applicable skills.
  • The ability to commit time and energy to participate in the sessions, develop their project, and meet with advisors/coaches.
  • Access to remote learning capabilities.

The application deadline for the COVID-19 Response Incubator is May 27, and the program starts June 15. More information and a link to the application can be found at https://bit.ly/SEGCOVID19Incubator.

About Social Enterprise Greenhouse
Social Enterprise Greenhouse creates positive social and economic impact by providing social entrepreneurs and enterprises with the tools and networks they need to thrive. It also fosters an ecosystem of diverse stakeholders who work to enable a more just, equitable, and resilient economy. Social Enterprise Greenhouse operates statewide out of three programming sites in Providence, Newport, and Pawtucket/Central Falls. To learn more, visit www.segreenhouse.org.

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Contact:
Karen Donovan
Communications Director
kdonovan@segreenhouse.org