Scale Your
Social Impact
The Accelerator program helps ventures with a clear social mission expand their economic reach and learn strategies that boost both financial success and social impact, ultimately encouraging transformational entrepreneurship in Rhode Island and beyond.


Core Program Benefits:
- Adult centered & participatory learning
- Instructors with industry experience
- Practical, real-world learning that is directly applicable to your venture
- Invitation to apply to SEGs Microgrant program upon graduation
- Like minded cohort of social impact focused entrepreneurs
- Network of advisors and funders that are values and impact driven
Program Components:
- 12 modules of hands-on interactive learning led by experts in the social impact field
- One on one coaching
- 3 month post accelerator support
- Intensive financial coaching
- Extensive social impact ecosystem connections
- Case studies focused on applicable social impact ventures


SEG has created an environment that is one of the most supportive, encouraging, and fascinating groups of people I’ve ever encountered. Anything I need help with, I reach out to SEG first. The cohort I was a part of still feels like a close network and I’m genuinely excited every time I run into someone I know through SEG. It’s an amazing starting place to grow a business in RI
Emily Bernstein
The program connected us with some amazing industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve been invaluable mentors. Their guidance has helped us tackle challenges and spot new opportunities. We’ve also partnered up with other cohort members and external stakeholders, leading to joint marketing efforts, new ventures, and resource sharing that have been hugely beneficial for Stack House.
Edmund Addai

What You'll Gain
Participants will build strong organizational and financial foundations to support the growth of their venture.
Participants will gain knowledge of key tools, frameworks, and methodologies used in tracking and evaluating impact.
Participants will apply strategies to scale both their revenue and social impact.
Participants will develop the skills to effectively communicate and measure their social impact.
Participants will understand how to integrate fair and ethical business practices into their venture.
Cost Structure
Pay It Forward
SEG thrives on a collaborative spirit, where your contribution directly fuels our mission to cultivate the next wave of impactful entrepreneurs.
Fueling Innovation & Growth
Grant funding provides a strong foundation, but to truly amplify our reach and empower more potential changemakers, we rely on your support. Here’s a glimpse into the impact of your contribution:
- Accelerator Program: Take groundbreaking ideas to the next level! The cost to support ventures in this program is over $5,000 per participant.
Investing in a Brighter Future, Together
We’re dedicated to ensuring everyone has the chance to make a positive impact. To achieve this, we encourage participants to contribute what they can towards their SEG journey.
This approach fosters a powerful cycle of mutual support and shared success. By joining us, you become a champion for the next generation of innovators, ensuring our transformative programs remain accessible to all.


FAQs
What is the selection criteria?
Our ideal candidate is a high-potential social entrepreneur that has generated some revenue and gained some traction in a market and wants to take their venture to the next level.
Market feasibility
- Viable set of assumptions for financial sustainability and growth
- Validated analysis of your market
- Quality assessment of product/service feasibility
- Indicators for evaluating success
Leadership
- Demonstrated ability to create and maintain positive relationships
- Grit: Proven ability to fail and get back up
- Passion and commitment for the cause at hand
- Personal integrity
Social impact
- Ability to achieve sustainable social change
- Deep understanding of needs of beneficiaries
- Venture has high potential for impact
- Clarity and scale of the problem to be solved
- Potential for job creation
- Potential for community involvement
- Innovation of venture
Is this Accelerator for non-profits or for for-profits?
SEG works with a wide range of legal entities and structures for social enterprises. We have small businesses and non-profits participating in the same cohort. We also have a growing number of co-ops and B corps in our ecosystem. Beyond these categories, we also work with hybrids (for-profits that may have a non-profit affiliate) or non-profits with a for-profit subsidiary.
In short, the focus is on social enterprises or mission-driven organizations that use business-minded approaches to revenue streams.
What is expected of me during the Accelerator?
As an Accelerator entrepreneur, you will:
Dedicate approximately 6 hours per week to the program during its duration
11 three-hour workshops instead of 10 or 50% in-person and 50% Virtual
How is the program structured?
The SEG Accelerator is a 12-week blended learning platform. This innovative and flexible blended-learning model includes:
- Weekly easy-to-access online modules
- 12 three-hour workshops 50% in person 50% Virtual
Am I a good fit?
If you are motivated, coachable and have a social venture that meets the criteria, you’re the right fit. Having a functioning team is encouraged, but not required.
We work with social ventures of all legal structures across industries. The Accelerator is open to new or emerging businesses within existing organizations as well.
You’re a good fit if you:
- Have a startup, non-profit, or hybrid/B-corp with some early traction
- Have established a legal entity for your venture
- Been in business over a year
- Have already served customers/beneficiaries
- Have been in business for a year or more
- Have generated revenue
- Can dedicate 6-8 hours weekly for 12 weeks (3 hours in virtual class, 1 hour with coach, and 2-4 hours of reading)
- Are enthusiastic about a cohort learning experience
- Set and execute on goals
- Receive feedback and use it in a constructive manner