Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) is excited to expand its programming, with the launch of the GROW Woonsocket Initiative. Tonight, the initiative officially kicked off with a launch celebration at the Woonsocket Education Center.
GROW Woonsocket supports local business leaders, nonprofits, and aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve economic prosperity through business ownership. It breaks down barriers to knowledge, networks, and resources as well as guiding and supporting businesses in accessing capital, navigating and leveraging existing resources, and connecting with experts and business assistance. This program also supports local businesses in adopting social, community and environment impact practices as part of their business models.
“Woonsocket is a rich and diverse community, filled with budding small businesses and innovative entrepreneurs,” said Julie Owens, Chief Executive Officer of SEG, “Through this programming, we are offering vital resources and systemic support for these innovators. Ultimately, our goal is to foster generational wealth and economic development for a lasting impact that will help to revitalize the region as a whole.”
Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp was the keynote speaker for the evening, emphasizing the importance of supporting and nurturing the city’s small business community.
“Entrepreneurs across Woonsocket’s diverse communities dream of owning, operating, and expanding their small businesses. Helping these small businesses creates jobs and strengthens our local economy. The city is pleased to collaborate with SEG in the GROW Woonsocket Initiative to provide practical and hands-on business advice, access to mentors, networks, and other resources that empower our entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into thriving success stories,” said Mayor Beauchamp.
GROW Woonsocket provides local businesses owners, nonprofits, and aspiring entrepreneurs with no cost, one-on-one tailored assistance and pathways to achieve profitability and sustainability. GROW Woonsocket offers weekly business development clinics, technical assistance, business education, entrepreneurial skills and mindset development, peer support, capital navigation assistance, training, and networking opportunities.
Tonight’s celebration was hosted by Ellie Paris-Miranda, Director of Community & Economic Development at SEG. Other speakers included Geri Barclay-King, the owner of Geri’s Bluffing Boutique and SEG’s Woonsocket Coordinator, Jill Olson-Crowley, the Director of the Woonsocket Education Center, and Monica Zuluaga, the VP of Strategic Partnerships at the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce. SEG empowers a community of entrepreneurs, businesses, and nonprofits to maximize their social and economic impact. Do well by doing good. SEG envisions a more just, equitable, and resilient economy achieved through social impact business. 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 contribute time, expertise, and funding to grow Rhode Island’s social impact ecosystem. To learn more, visit www.segreenhouse.org.
