Because of you, summer 2014 was a standout summer for Social Enterprise Greenhouse. From the launch of the Greenhouse webinar series to the unveiling of Rhode Island’s first social enterprise co-working, community, and education space, we convened more than 350 business and community leaders and passionate social entrepreneurs around Rhode Island and virtually to share big ideas, connect with others in the sector, and collaborate on innovative business solutions to Rhode Island’s most pressing social challenges. Thank you! Together we are creating jobs and deepening our social impact. Here are 2 highlights.
SEG Collaboration Space – THE PLACE for Social Enterprise in the region
Nothing can top our Build Out Benefit in July. We partied in construction hats at Brown’s Tri-Lab space and gave tours of our raw, unfinished space at 10 Davol in Providence’s Knowledge District. 150+ committed community and business leaders and social entrepreneurs joined us to celebrate: we heard inspiring stories from individuals who are dedicated to making this THE place social impact and economic development in Rhode Island. Missed the event and want to learn more? Fill out this form! 20+ ventures, associations, universities, and service providers are already signed on. Join the space, join the movement!
Special thanks to event sponsors Trac Builders, Whole Foods, Rick’s Roadhouse, Campus Fine Wines, Brown University, Daniele Foods, Easy Entertaining Café, Fool Proof Brewing, and Granny Squibb.
Not Business As Usual – Film About Disrupting the Business Quo
If you’re in the market for some social enterprise inspiration, look no further than Not Business As Usual. Thank you to the amazing social enterprise and historic cinema house Jane Pickens in Newport for hosting SEG to screen the film in July and thank you to Institute B who offers the film for free on Vimeo. A must see! This inspiring documentary offers insight into the changing landscape of social enterprise, or “conscious capitalism,” through the stories of local entrepreneurs who have found innovative ways to bring humanity back into business.
Special thanks to the Newport-area entrepreneurs who joined us for an enlightening post-film discussion: Julianna Barbieri, Co-Founder Manuka Sports Event Management, LLC; Brenda Brock, CEO Farmaesthetics; Bari Freeman, Executive Director Bike Newport; Wayne Grover, CEO YANA; Lisa Randall, Executive Director Jamestown Arts Center; and Kathy Staab, Executive Director/Owner at The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center.
These business leaders are the driving force of social enterprise here in Rhode Island. Learn more about their work and voice your support as a consumer by supporting socially responsible businesses.
What’s coming up for the fall?
Save the date for a discussion with Judy Wicks on October 9th at Founders League. RSVP here. More information coming soon about the launch of the Incubator and Accelerator programs! Questions? events@segreenhouse.org.
Emily Mooney
Impacts and Metrics Manager
Emily is excited to join the Social Enterprise Greenhouse team as an AmeriCorps VISTA. She recently earned a B.A. in Psychology, Business, and Women and Gender Studies from Franklin & Marshall College, where she also served as a captain of its equestrian team. Her interest in social enterprise stems from coursework in business and women and gender studies, as well as her former role as a research assistant in F&M’s business department, where she worked to increase awareness and knowledge about gender based discrimination and harassment in service based industries. Through her work at Social Enterprise Greenhouse, Emily is excited to contribute to the growth of the Rhode Island social enterprise ecosystem, as well as to support her particular interest in empowering women through enterprise and access to opportunity.