Social Enterprise Greenhouse Partners with Collette to Launch ‘The Growth Lab’

October 25, 2024


Five Local Entrepreneurs to Compete for Thousands in Cash Prizes to Supercharge Their Ventures
PROVIDENCE, RI – Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG), Rhode Island’s pioneering social impact support organization, is excited to announce a new partnership with Collette, to host a four-part business development workshop series, culminating in a pitch event where five emerging ventures will compete for prize money ranging from $1,000 to $7,500.

The Growth Lab is designed to equip local entrepreneurs with essential skills in marketing, public relations, sales, and pitching. Five selected businesses will receive comprehensive training through workshops, preparing them for a final pitch event on December 3. The winner will be awarded a grand prize of $7,500.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Collette, a storied local business founded right here in Rhode Island and headquartered in Pawtucket. This initiative goes beyond providing funding; it’s about equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence they need to elevate their businesses,” said Julie Owens, CEO of SEG. “Our goal is to foster lasting, meaningful impact in the community by helping ventures transform their passion into sustainable growth.”

After a competitive review process conducted by both SEG and Collette, the selected ventures are:

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Social Enterprise Greenhouse on this initiative, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to amplifying impact in local communities. The Growth Lab offers Collette team members a unique opportunity to work directly with entrepreneurs who are driving positive change through their ventures. Together, we’re not only helping these businesses grow but also contributing to a stronger, more resilient local economy,” said Melissa Snape, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Collette

The Growth Lab covers key business topics and culminates in a final event where the entrepreneurs will present their ventures to a panel of expert judges. The event will highlight their growth potential and social impact, with cash rewards empowering them to take their businesses to the next level.


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