A Night of Big Ideas, Bold Founders, and Real Impact: Recapping SEG’s 2026 Impact Business Showcase
On April 9, more than 250 members of Rhode Island’s entrepreneurial and social impact community gathered at Farm Fresh Rhode Island for one of Social Enterprise Greenhouse’s biggest nights of the year: the 2026 Impact Business Showcase.
The energy was evident as founders, investors, business leaders, and community members arrived and mingled over food, drinks, and innovative ideas. They came to support five social entrepreneurs and their business pitches, but they spent time celebrating 25 years of SEG fueling ventures that build a more just, sustainable, and resilient future.
At the center of it all, five standout teams – graduates of SEG’s Innovator and Accelerator programs – took the stage and pitched ventures tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges. From health equity to climate resilience to gender justice, each founder brought a bold idea and a clear vision for impact.
SEG CEO Julie Owens set the tone early.
“SEG is not a literal greenhouse, but we are a figurative one,” Owens said. “One microgrant can make the difference between an idea dying on the whiteboard or becoming a real business that feeds families, heals communities, or protects our planet.” Her words captured exactly what the night represented – momentum, possibility, and action.
By the end of the night, EvoNatura, led by mother-daughter duo Alka and Priyanka Naithani, claimed the $10,000 grand prize, sponsored by Citizens Bank. EvoNatura’s venture and origin story also deeply resonated with the crowd – earning them the $1,000 Audience Choice prize, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, on top of the grand prize.
“We started this business with my grandfather in mind,” Priyanka shared, noting the full circle moment. “When I knew I wanted to carry it forward, my mom joined me – and I couldn’t do this without her.”
“This validates the work we’ve put in over the last year and a half,” Alka added. “It gives us the push to keep going.”
The judges awarded second place and a $5,000 prize, sponsored by Yconic, to Transgender Zone, led by Victoria and Christopher St. Germain – another venture grounded in lived experience and community impact.
Still, the night didn’t revolve around winners alone. Every founder who stepped on stage demonstrated what it takes to build something meaningful.
“They’re centering human beings and our society, and that feels really important, particularly right now,” said judge and past winner Rahul Vanjani (ITO Health).
Beyond the stage, more than 20 demo booths lined the space, giving attendees a chance to connect directly with ventures from SEG’s Incubator and Accelerator programs. Over bites and brews, conversations sparked, ideas flowed, and new connections formed across the room.
For Lorne Adrain, one of SEG’s original founders, the moment felt especially meaningful.
“I’m inspired by what so many generous hearts and hands have created,” he said, reflecting on the collective effort behind SEG’s impact.
After 25 years of offering a catalyst to local entrepreneurs, this year’s event proved social entrepreneurship in Rhode Island isn’t just growing – it’s gaining real traction. We’re proud that one night could activate a community and show what happens when ideators gain access to the right support, resources, and network.
SEG continues to play a key role in helping founders turn bold ideas into lasting impact – and we’re already looking forward to next year’s showcase.