Innovation, Community, and Celebration: Collette Growth Lab Graduation 2025
From left to right: Alka Naithani of Evonatura, Christopher and Victoria St. Germain presented Transgender Zone, Harrison Grigsby of Hope Scholars Initiative, and Hannah Martin of Revive the Roots
When SEG and Collette launched the Growth Lab, the idea was simple but ambitious: bring together corporate expertise and entrepreneurial passion to accelerate social impact. On October 1 at The Guild Pawtucket, that vision came alive as four Rhode Island ventures took part in the second annual Collette Growth Lab Graduation, pitching their ideas to a room full of community members, partners, and supporters.
The Growth Lab is the product of a unique collaboration between SEG and Collette. Designed for entrepreneurs who have already completed SEG’s Accelerator, the program pairs founders with Collette’s marketing professionals for five weeks of intensive mentorship. Together, they refine brand positioning, polish digital storytelling, explore strategic partnerships, and build investor-ready pitches.
Each venture came forward with a powerful story and a clear vision for impact. Before the pitches began, Collette team members who had mentored the entrepreneurs introduced them, highlighting the collaboration and trust that had developed over the course of the program. The connection was unmistakable, and the relationships built through the Growth Lab shone brightly throughout the evening.
The lineup reflected the diversity and creativity of Rhode Island’s entrepreneurial community. Christopher and Victoria St. Germain presented Transgender Zone, a community platform designed by and for the trans community to offer compassionate, guided support through every stage of transition. Harrison Grigsby, M.Ed., founder of Hope Scholars Initiative, shared how he is using hip hop, mentorship, and culturally relevant education to help young people succeed. Alka Naithani introduced EvoNatura, the Pawtucket-based company she co-founded with her daughter, which transforms upcycled food waste into biodegradable bioplastics to advance a circular economy. And Hannah Martin of Revive the Roots described her vision of an inclusive community where people and the environment thrive together through sustainable land stewardship and shared resources.
At the end of the evening, attendees themselves determined the winners through a live virtual poll, voting on their phones to select the venture that most resonated with them. Hope Scholars Initiative claimed first place, earning $7,500 in funding from Collette. Transgender Zone was voted second, and Revive the Roots came in third. Outside of the first-place prize, the other winners shared more than $6,000 in additional prize funding, ensuring that each venture left with meaningful support to advance its vision.
Beyond the pitches, the night also celebrated Rhode Island’s vibrant food and beverage scene. Guests enjoyed local beer and wine from The Guild alongside a feast prepared by SEG alumni ventures JA Patty, Incred-A-Bowl, and Casa Azul Taquería, a fitting reminder that SEG’s community of entrepreneurs continues to make its mark in many different ways.
The Growth Lab isn’t just about one night of pitches, it’s about creating lasting impact. Since its launch in 2024, the program has supported 8 Rhode Island ventures, extending SEG’s mission of equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and capital they need to thrive.
As the evening wound down, guests lingered over dessert and conversation, energized by the vision and determination of the entrepreneurs they had just cheered on. The Collette Growth Lab Graduation was more than a pitch event, it was a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the strength of Rhode Island’s entrepreneurial community, and a reminder of the hope that grows when we invest in people determined to make change.