SEEED Summit Focuses National Social Enterprise Conversation on Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Social Enterprise Ecosystem for Economic Development (SEEED) Summit is a two-day national gathering to be held on April 24 and 25 at Brown University in Providence. SEEED focuses on building effective social enterprise ecosystems that drive economic development. Over 750 movers and shakers (social entrepreneurs, practitioners, business leaders, academics, impact investors, students, and policymakers) are expected to attend. This year’s theme celebrates “The Power of Local” to grow, spread, and amplify social impact.

Keynote speakers for this year include: Thomas Perez, US Secretary of Labor, Jim Schorr, President and CEO of Social Enterprise Alliance, Gus Schumacher, Founding Board Chair and Vice President ofWholesome Wave, Judy Wicks, Founder of White Dog Cafe, Matt Stinchcomb, Vice President of Values and Impact at Etsy, Tony Tolentino, Vice President of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, Rink Dickinson, Co-Founder of Equal Exchange, and Anjali Kumar, Head of Social Innovation at Warby Parker.  A full list of speakers can be found on the SEEED Summit website.

In addition to engaging with these speakers in keynote sessions and panel discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to shop for social enterprise goods at the Buy with Heart Marketplace, receive one-on-one business coaching, participate in intimate lunchtime table conversations, and attend an evening social event hosted by WaterFire Providence at the new WaterFire Arts Center.

CEO of Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) and summit organizer Kelly Ramirez explains that “The conference’s fourth year will explore the increasingly important role that social enterprise is playing in building resilient local economies. We are excited to talk with thought leaders and practitioners about how ‘do well, do good’ businesses are creating jobs and making our communities better.”

More information about the summit, speakers, workshops, and accommodations can be found on theSEEED Summit website. Conference registrationis also available online. Students who wish to attend the conference receive a discounted rate.

About The SEEED Summit
SEEED is a collaboration between the Social Innovation Initiative at Brown University, Worldways Social Marketing, the SEEED at Brown student group, and lead curator Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG). SEG is a network of business and community leaders who contribute time, expertise, and money to create jobs and support positive social change through social enterprise. Their mission is to create positive social and economic impacts by supporting social entrepreneurs and enterprises with the tools and networks they need to thrive.

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Avatar About the Author: The Rhode Island Small Business Journal is a printed monthly magazine and an online resource for the aspiring and start-up entrepreneur and small business owner.

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