SEG’s live podcast is back and leaning into its origin story and the takeaways as they celebrate a quarter century
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – On Tuesday, March 24, Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) kicked off its anniversary year with a special sixth episode of its POV with SEG podcast, marking the beginning of SEG’s 25th anniversary celebration. The episode recognizes a hard truth: mission alone isn’t enough – but with the right tools, businesses can do well while doing good for their communities.
“Since SEG’s early days as a Social Venture Partners affiliate, we’ve been focused on entrepreneurship that helps communities – on business for good,” said Julie Owens, CEO of SEG. “We know nonprofits must generate revenue to sustain and scale their impact, and after 25 years, our specialty is sharing the key ways to do that.”
The conversation featured Kelly (Ramirez) Stone, SEG’s first CEO, and SEG co-founder Lorne Adrain, Founder of Global Fellows in Courage and co-founder of Social Enterprise Greenhouse, who shared how their founding principles have remained impactful.
“In our environment right now, there are very few for-profits that are thinking only about money, and very few nonprofits that are not thinking about revenue generation,” said Stone. “And somewhere within that middle area is where social enterprise is.”
Adrain added, “Our original vision was quite broad, and it’s interesting that what has evolved today was thematically very much in the original vision – but so much better and more well-oiled than we had imagined being possible.”
Also featured in the episode was SEG alumni organization Amos House’s “More Than a Meal” program, a catering social enterprise that fuels the organization’s mission while expanding its impact, sharing its approach to earned revenue and lessons learned as the organization celebrates 50 years.
“It’s been a real balance of, ‘how do we make the right decision for our people and the right decision for the dollar?’” said Michelle Pugh, director of workforce education and social enterprise. “But when you invest in your people, you’re investing in your business. It’s consistently about bringing it back to mission alignment, and for us, that’s people-first.”
The full episode offers a celebration of commitment and intentional work, along with honest reflections, lessons learned, and practical guidance for nonprofits working to build durable impact. Click here to listen.
This episode recording is part of SEG’s 25th anniversary celebration, which will culminate in its signature annual Impact Showcase on April 9, 2026, at Farm Fresh RI. Tickets for the event can be purchased now.
About Social Enterprise Greenhouse: Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) catalyzes, connects, and invests in entrepreneurs driving transformational social impact. Over 25 years, SEG has supported more than 2,800 founders in launching and scaling durable, revenue-generating enterprises that strengthen Rhode Island’s economy and advance a more just, equitable, and resilient future. To learn more, visit www.segreenhouse.org.
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Media Contact (For SEG)
Lynzi DeLuccia, Half Street Group
401.787.8666 | lynzi@halfstreetgroup.com