The Social Enterprise Greenhouse has unveiled the 12 participants in its Health & Wellness accelerator, which represent health-focused social ventures from both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
This three-month program provides resources like an industry-tailored curriculum, peer learning and mentorship from local thought leaders for participants. The goal is "to stimulate innovation in Rhode Island’s health and wellness sector and to help create more successful, sustainable 'do well, do good' businesses, leading to healthier communities for all," a release on the move states. Partners include Brown University, with funding from Newman’s Own Foundation, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Real Jobs RI Initiative and Delta Dental of Rhode Island.
On Dec. 5, SEG celebrates its participants (and the conclusion of the program) with a pitch night.
Accepted startups are listen below, with descriptions provided by SEG.
ASTRO - Arts, Sports, and Technology Resource Organization Founder: Justin Pasquazzi Location: Cranston Description: "ASTRO champions equality by building community around common interests in arts, sports, and technology."
Bird & Bee Founder: Kate Issa Naranjo Location: Providence Description: "Bird & Bee helps Rhode Island women start or grow their families with hormonal health, fertility and postpartum programs."
The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health Executive Director: Alicia Gauvin Location: Cranston Description: "The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health is dedicated to providing culturally inclusive, medically accurate and pleasure guided sexuality therapy, education, and professional training."
Connector, LLC Founder: Timothy Sullivan Location: Providence Description: "Connector LLC provides a platform to facilitate the process for getting people suffering from addiction into treatment programs as swiftly as possible."
Dementia Training for Life Founder: Laurie Gunter Mantz, OTR, CADDCT, CFRDT Location: Cranston Description: "Dementia Training for Life improves the lives of individuals living with dementia, by training the community that cares for them."
Groundations, LLC Co-Founder: Jennifer Brine Location: Somerville, Mass. Description: "Groundations, LLC specializes in working with the age 60+ market on improving quality of life and functional movements."
IMMAD - Impairment Measurement Marijuana and Driving Founder: Denise A Valenti, OD Location: Quincy, Mass. Description: "IMMAD - Impairment Measurement Marijuana and Driving is developing a patented, objective test of marijuana impairment in vehicle drivers for use by roadside by law enforcement."
New Beginnings Founder: Mary Brinson, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Bethany Pratt, OTD, OTR/L Location: Cranston and South Kingstown Description: "New Beginnings is a community-centered program using occupation-based activities to promote health and well-being for persons with mental illness."
The Rose Center for Learning Founder: Jennifer Berton, Ph.D., LICSW Location: Middletown Description: "The Rose Center for Learning is a wellness community aimed at increasing access, reducing stigma, linking trained professionals, and promoting a culture of hope for mental health."
Taylor Health Founder: Temperance Taylor, MSN, APRN, FNP-C Location: Providence Description: "Taylor Health creates a positive environment in which we provide health care that fosters autonomous choice and sexual acceptance for the most vulnerable people."
The Tipping Point Founder: Allison Giuliano Location: Cranston Description: "The Tipping Point empowers and teaches single moms to achieve financial independence and wellness."
UpRiseHer Founder: Shannon Sexton Location: Warwick Description: "UpRiseHer creates and holds inspired space and collaborative community through female-centric co-working, education, and advocacy to help women manage their beautiful, multifaceted lives."
