We officially launched our programming for social entrepreneurs in Pawtucket and Central Falls on September 12, and a festive crowd of business owners, city officials and community leaders gathered at Still on Main in downtown Pawtucket to help us celebrate!
Pawtucket/Central Falls Program Director Jessica Vega welcomed everyone and thanked our hosts, Leslie and Mel Moore of Still on Main, for opening their wonderful space to us. Our featured speakers, Karen Mejias of Mindful Maia, and George Ortiz Jr of The Elisha Project, stepped up to describe their journeys as entrepreneurs. Vision, determination, grit, willingness to learn, ability to get back up after setbacks, and commitment to mission — their stories demonstrate all the qualities that are characteristic of successful social entrepreneurs. (For more, see our Q&A with Karen Mejias, who is a graduate of our 2018 Food Accelerator.)
Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the energy of Rhode Island entrepreneurs. And thanks to La Villa Bistro for the delicious food! We had so many stimulating conversations and look forward to more. We are also grateful to the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency for supporting expansion of the Pawtucket/Central Falls entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Do you have a great idea that will make the world better? We can help you grow it! Sign up here to get our enews and stay tuned for upcoming SEG programs in your community. Contact Jessica Vega directly at jvega@segreenhouse.org.