[April 30, 2024] SEED is proud to congratulate our clients Charlene Barbieri and Kendra Tanguay, owners of Little Learners Academy as the 2024 Rhode Island and New England Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year!

Established in 1994 by Charlene, Little Learners has been a cornerstone in early childhood education from the start. With over two decades of experience, Charlene and Kendra have grown the business into a full-service childcare program, including infants, toddler, and preschool, with locations in Cranston and Warwick. Their programs offer the highest quality care, with a focus on lifelong learning skills, social responsibility, and the creation of an environment that puts each child's growth and development first. 

In addition to their entrepreneurial success, Charlene and Kendra have also prioritized the needs of local families through the establishment of Little Seeds, a venture dedicated to providing safe and developmentally appropriate children's products to parents in their area. Little Learners Academy and Little Seeds together create a holistic approach to early childhood development, fostering a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Basic Entrepreneurial Virtual Workshop: Business Fundamentals & Financing Basics with Beacon Bank

[September 3, 2026] 

SEED Corp in partnership with Beacon Bank will be hosting a Basic Entrepreneurial Virtual Workshop: Business Fundamentals & Financing Basics on Thursday, September 22, 2026 starting at 9:30am. 

Read more: Basic Entrepreneurial Virtual Workshop with SEED Corp & Beacon Bank

SBA Announces the Patriot Pitch Competition

[May 13, 2026] 

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Massachusetts District Office has announced this year’s honorees in advance of 2026 National Small Business Week Celebration, taking place May 3–9, 2026.

Big opportunity for America’s entrepreneurs. The U.S. Small Business Administration has officially launched the Patriot Pitch Competition — a national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and innovation.

With a $1 million cash prize pool, this competition will spotlight small businesses that are driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening America’s economic future.

Read more: SBA Announces the Patriot Pitch Competition

SBA Expands Borrowing Capacity for Growing Businesses

[May 18, 2026] 

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Massachusetts District Office has announced this year’s honorees in advance of 2026 National Small Business Week Celebration, taking place May 3–9, 2026.

Read more: SBA Expands Borrowing Capacity for Growing Businesses

SBA Rhode Island District Office Names 2026 Woman-Owned Small Business

[April 14, 2026] 

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Rhode Island District Office has announced this year’s honorees in advance of 2026 National Small Business Week Celebration, taking place May 3–9, 2026.

Read more: SBA Rhode Island District Office Names 2026 Woman-Owned Business

SBA Massachusetts District Office Names 2026 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year

[April 14, 2026] 

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Massachusetts District Office has announced this year’s honorees in advance of 2026 National Small Business Week Celebration, taking place May 3–9, 2026.

Read more: SBA Massachusetts District Office Names 2026 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year

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80 Dean Street,
Taunton, MA 02780

1-508-822-1020

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Mon-Thu 8am-5pm
Friday 8am-4pm

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SEED Corporation is a certified lender in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

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SEED Corporation is an equal opportunity lender and business assistance partner.