Ten Local Business Ventures Awarded Microgrant Funds Through SEG 

January 18, 2024 3 min read

For Immediate Release 

January 18, 2024

Ten Local Business Ventures Awarded Microgrant Funds Through SEG 

PROVIDENCE, RI – Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) awarded over $48,000 to ten distinct Rhode Island small businesses and nonprofits through its recently launched Microgrant Fund. Each awardee received up to $5,000 to support key activities or obtain the necessary tools that will help take ventures to the next level. SEG’s Microgrant Fund was established in 2022 with an initial gift from donors Mary Elleen and Chris Patton and expanded in 2023 with support from RI Commerce. 

“Microgrants can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs,” said Julie Owens, Chief Executive Officer of SEG. “At SEG, we connect social entrepreneurs – especially those from historically underserved and underestimated communities – with capital to fuel innovation and growth, build resilience, and create a pathway to additional funding.”

The recipients supported through this year’s grant awards are a particularly diverse group with 70% being women led as well as 60% minority owned businesses and organizations. The 2023 awardees are leading a broad range of initiatives from mental health and domestic violence support programs to emergency housing for LGBTQ youth and holistic healing. 

“It is obvious from the overwhelming quality and quantity of the applications received that there is a thriving business and social impact community in Rhode Island,” said Stefanie Engelhardt, Senior Director of Programs and Services at SEG. “Access to capital is a key resource to elevate and support this community and we are grateful for the generous support of The Patton Family and RI Commerce to support this ecosystem” 

Since SEG launched in 2013, more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and companies have participated in SEG programs. SEG was one of the first incubation and accelerator organizations in the country to focus on social impact as a pathway to create opportunities, especially for those entrepreneurs and businesses that traditionally face barriers to access.

“The SEG microgrant could not have come at a better time. I recently expanded my business which included a lot of unexpected costs. Thanks to the microgrant, I now have working capital to move forward with renovations that will increase my revenue and encourage growth,” said Liz Welch, a microgrant recipient and the founder of Anyhow Studio.

“This grant opportunity recognizes the hard work I’ve put into this idea. As a Latina mom ready to empower herself, I’ve left the fear behind and am getting to work, with gratitude to those who have helped make my dream possible,” said Sucely Murillo, a microgrant recipient and the founder of Elena’s Tire Shop. “I’ve dedicated this endeavor to my late grandma, whose legacy will live on through this project. Her name was Elena, and she was all about love and kindness. We are ready for success, with a strong business model to encourage sustainability, equity, and equality. But most importantly, we look to highlight the diversity within our beautiful communities. Our mission is to empower all women.”

The 2023 microgrant recipients (along with founders) include:

About Social Enterprise Greenhouse: 

SEG accelerates impact by providing inclusive support and networks for entrepreneurs and businesses committed to positive societal and economic change. SEG fosters an ecosystem of diverse stakeholders who work to enable a more just, equitable, and resilient economy. SEG is based in Rhode Island and operates statewide virtually and from sites in Providence, Newport, and Pawtucket/Central Falls. Its network of 2,000+ enterprises and 200+ business and community leaders contributes time, expertise, and funding to grow Rhode Island’s social impact ecosystem. To learn more, visit www.segreenhouse.org.

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Media Contact (For SEG)

Mike Raia, Half Street Strategic Consulting

401.340.9425 | mikeraia@halfstreetgroup.com 

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