Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) kicks off its 2024 fall programming with 44 entrepreneurs from Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, including two notable ventures from Newport.
Aquidneck Community Table and Newport Out are among the 10 ventures selected for SEG’s Impact Accelerator program, aimed at scaling high-potential social enterprises.
The program, running from Sept. 18 to Dec. 11, targets entrepreneurs who have gained traction and are ready to expand their impact.
“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,” says Daniel Cano Restrepo, founder of Newport Out.
Restrepo adds, “I hope to bring my business to a new level with the skills and connections I will learn.”
Newport Out, which focuses on LGBTQ+ services, joins a diverse cohort that includes ventures in behavioral health, education, and culinary arts.
Aquidneck Community Table, the other Newport-based venture in the Accelerator program, aims to create a sustainable and accessible food system on Aquidneck Island.
Julie Owens, CEO of SEG, expresses enthusiasm for this year’s participants. “We’re thrilled to see so much talent and drive among this year’s cohorts. These entrepreneurs are truly committed to tackling societal challenges,” she says.
SEG’s fall programming extends beyond the Accelerator, offering three additional tracks for entrepreneurs at various stages of development.
The Incubator Program, designed for those just starting their entrepreneurial journey, welcomes 12 participants this fall. Ventures in this program span industries including wellness, behavioral healthcare, and LGBTQ+ services.
For Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs, SEG offers the Incubadora program. This fall’s cohort features 12 ventures in fashion, beauty services, and food industries, highlighting the diverse contributions of these entrepreneurs to Rhode Island’s economy.
At the earliest stage of development, the Ideator Program guides 10 entrepreneurs in shaping their concepts into viable ventures. This program runs from Sept. 26 to Nov. 7.
The inclusion of Newport-based ventures in SEG’s programming underscores the growing social entrepreneurship scene on Aquidneck Island.
Both Aquidneck Community Table and Newport Out represent the island’s commitment to addressing local challenges through innovative business models.
SEG’s programs aim to provide these entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and network necessary to amplify their impact.
The organization’s focus on diversity is evident in the makeup of this year’s cohorts. In the Accelerator program alone, 60% of the ventures are led by women, and 80% by BIPOC entrepreneurs.
More than half of the Accelerator ventures come from Rhode Island’s underrepresented communities, including Providence, Central Falls, and Newport/Middletown.
This diversity reflects SEG’s mission to foster an inclusive ecosystem that enables a more just, equitable, and resilient economy.
Based in Rhode Island, SEG operates statewide, with sites in Providence, Newport, Woonsocket, and Pawtucket/Central Falls. The organization leverages a network of 2,000+ enterprises and 200+ business and community leaders to support Rhode Island’s social impact ecosystem.
As Newport Out and Aquidneck Community Table embark on their journey with SEG, they join a growing community of social entrepreneurs committed to driving positive change in their local communities and beyond.
Their participation in the Accelerator program not only benefits their individual ventures but also contributes to the broader goal of creating lasting social impact on Aquidneck Island and throughout Rhode Island.
