Providence, R.I. (April 23, 2020) – Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) announced today it has launched several new programs and services to help entrepreneurs from Rhode Island and surrounding communities adapt to changing business conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. SEG is also actively recruiting business and community leaders to join its volunteer network as the need for business support services increases.

“I have been talking every day with entrepreneurs about their needs and how they are responding to this ongoing crisis,” said Kelly Ramirez, CEO of Social Enterprise Greenhouse. “I have been impressed by the resiliency, creativity, generosity, and adaptability demonstrated by so many — and by how quickly they are responding to the challenges that have emerged as a result of the pandemic. At the same time, most are struggling to survive, so we have ramped up and launched new services to meet their evolving needs.”

In addition to continuing its regular programming, SEG has launched new services such as virtual group consulting focused on adaptive strategy, and a virtual incubator for new business opportunities that can help supplement income. “We are also providing office hours and online events, both in Spanish and English, aimed at helping businesses understand and navigate COVID-19 resources,” added Ramirez. “And we are waiving all program fees for the foreseeable future so no one faces a barrier to getting the help they need.” More information about new services available from SEG is available here.

SEG is also partnering with District Hall Providence on a weekly live video series, “Innovation as an Antidote,” to highlight how impact entrepreneurs and businesses are adapting and pivoting to respond to needs that have arisen during the pandemic. Speakers featured to date have included Dr. Amy Nunn and her team at Open Door Health, Deborah Burton of RI Elder Info, Andy Posner of Capital Good Fund, and Dr. Michael Fine of Blackstone Valley Community Health Center. The speaker series airs for a half-hour every Wednesday at noon.

To meet the growing demand for business support services keyed to the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses, SEG is actively recruiting new volunteers. It is specifically seeking people with expertise in areas such as accounting and finances, marketing and branding, business planning and modeling, legal, technology, and so on. Information about volunteer opportunities and how to join the SEG volunteer network is available here.

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