Social Enterprise Greenhouse Unveils 2024 Fall Programming: A New Chapter for 44 Social Impact Entrepreneurs

September 27th, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG), Rhode Island’s pioneering social impact support organization, has officially kicked off its 2024 fall programming, bringing together 44 visionary entrepreneurs from across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. The participants, selected for their passion, entrepreneurial mindset and potential to drive change, will take part in one of SEG’s flagship offerings: the Impact Accelerator, Incubator, Incubadora, or Ideator programs.

These programs aim to empower entrepreneurs across diverse sectors like healthcare, education, arts, and environment, creating positive, lasting change in their communities.

“We’re thrilled to see so much talent and drive among this year’s cohorts. These entrepreneurs are truly committed to tackling societal challenges, and our programs provide them with the tools, mentorship, and network to turn their ideas into impactful ventures,” said Julie Owens, CEO of SEG.

Impact Accelerator: Powering Growth for Established Ventures

The Accelerator Program targets high-potential entrepreneurs who have already gained traction and are ready to scale their social enterprises. This fall’s cohort includes 10 innovative ventures from fields such as behavioral health, education, and the culinary arts. Notably, 60% of these ventures are led by women, and 80% by BIPOC entrepreneurs. More than half of the ventures hail from Rhode Island’s underrepresented communities, including Providence, Central Falls, and Newport/Middletown.

“It’s an honor to participate in this process. Not only do I learn new things but also the ability to connect with other folks in our community going forward with their projects is inspiring. I hope to bring my business to a new level with the skills and connections I will learn,” said Daniel Cano Restrepo, Founder of Newport Out.

Below are the ventures selected for the Accelerator Program:

Incubator Program: Building the Foundations of Social Impact

For those just starting their entrepreneurial journey, the Incubator Program offers a comprehensive introduction to launching a social enterprise. The 12 entrepreneurs in this fall’s cohort represent a broad spectrum of industries, including wellness, behavioral healthcare, and LGBTQ+ services.

Below are the ventures and entrepreneurs chosen for the Incubator Program:

TraveledAndBalanced, Kimberly Bernardo
Milk Thistle Kitchen Co-op, Sam Radov
Little Nana Cooks, Tina Meetran
Monarch Counseling & Development Center, Sandra Victorino
Patrick Koroma-Tommy
Ncrease.io, Aristotle Anderson
Voices Unchained Inc., Magda Delgado
Rhode Island LGBTQ+ CoC, Luca Procaccianti
EKAH, Shiji Valsan
Ocean State Juice, Jessica Gavigan
Sena Park
ILP: In loco Parentis, Maria Suarez

Incubadora: Empowering Spanish-Speaking Entrepreneurs

SEG’s Incubadora program, designed specifically for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs, continues to support Rhode Island’s diverse entrepreneurial community. This fall’s cohort features 12 ventures spanning fashion, beauty services, and food industries, highlighting the rich cultural and economic contributions of these entrepreneurs.

Below are the ventures and entrepreneurs chosen for the Incubadora Program:

The Happy llama, Anny Montalvan
AVShape, Anthonella Villar
Family Barber Shop & Beauty Salon, Patricia Alcanrara Beltre
Empadianas, Diana Berrio
Karla Gisselle Services, Karla McCoin
Lesmar Aesthetics, Leslie Marielle Gonzalez
Bright Studio, Leslie Mariela Gonzalez Santiago
Yosystudio, Yoselin Gil
Veal Sweet & More, Isveal Nunez
Urus Barbershop, Raymundo Mejia
Loving Food by Yoha LLC, Yohanly Reyes Brito
Casa Mexico, Diony Farias

Ideator Program: Igniting Ideas for Social Good

For individuals at the idea stage of their journey, SEG’s Ideator Program offers guidance in shaping viable concepts into fully-formed ventures. Ten promising entrepreneurs have been selected to explore and refine their ideas in this fall’s cohort.

Below are the ventures and entrepreneurs chosen for the Ideator Program:

Thai Roots, Manyvone Keomeuang
Domov so Shae, Shae Janiga
Rambling Refillery, Stephanie Robb
Next Generation Stars, Ianee Gomes
Felix Colon
Canopy Fitness & Addiction Rehabilitation, Sean Riordan
Mahesh, Mahesh Bitra
Pangealogy, Yeri Martinez
CornballFresh, Leonty Danzie
Funsory Factory, Romie Bois

The Ideator Program runs from September 26 to November 7, the Incubadora and Incubator Programs run from September 17 to November 5, and the Accelerator Program runs from September 18 until December 11.

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.

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Media Contact (For SEG)

Chelsea DeCesare, Half Street Strategic Consulting

401.286.9037 | Chelsea@halfstreetgroup.com