SEED Corporation Names Winners for 2020

Jordi Labs, LLC of Mansfield, MA (pictured below, top right) has been selected as this year’s Small Business of the Year. The company was founded in 1980 by Howard Jordi, and for the past eight years has been run by his son Mark Jordi and longtime family friend Patrick Burke.

The team of Ph.D scientists at Jordi Labs specializes in providing high-quality analytical chemistry services and came to SEED in 2013 for SBA 504 financing, which allowed the business to purchase their commercial property in Mansfield. Since the completion of the project, Jordi Labs has seen consistent revenue increases, and are currently on track to increase revenue by 22% from 2017 to 2020. With this impressive growth in sales, the company has also increased staff from 22 employees at the time the loan was made to 41 employees.

David Emmons of Rockland Trust (pictured below, left) is this year's Banker of the Year recipient. Dave partnered with SEED on multiple financing projects during Fiscal Year 2020, all of which demonstrate his confidence in the SBA 504 program. His ability to determine which loan programs are the best fit for his customers truly underscores his commitment to strengthening the small business community and is among the reasons he was chosen to receive this award.

“I am extremely grateful to receive this recognition from SEED," stated David. "Their team of lenders are experts in small business and 504 lending who are always adding value to our customers’ relationship. I feel confident when discussing with borrowers the benefits of partnering with SEED that they will do everything possible to advocate for our customer amongst their underwriters and the SBA, if necessary. Working with SEED is a true partnership and I take great honor in receiving this award.”

Pasquale "Pat" Ciaramella (pictured below, bottom right) is the 2020 recipient of the Regional Business Advocate of the Year. The award is presented every year in memory of Gus Yankopoulus for his involvement in SEED’s early years, and also in appreciation and recognition of his lifetime work to build the region’s economy.

Pat has served on SEED’s Board of Directors for the past 11 years, and was a SEED member for many years before that. He dedicated 42 years of service to the Old Colony Planning Council, and was named Executive Director in 2011. Pat has made countless contributions to the City of Brockton and the surrounding communities for the advancement of small businesses.

SEED Awarded $4.5 million from RI Commerce Corporation through State Small Business Credit Initiative

[August 3, 2023] South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation has been awarded a $4.5 million loan from RI Commerce Corporation under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Funding for this program was made available through the reauthorization and amendment of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (SBJA) by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 in order to provide $10 billion to fund the SSBCI as a response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a federal program administered by the Department of the Treasury that was created to strengthen state programs that support private financing to small businesses.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $78 Million for New Grant Programs to Support Massachusetts Small Businesses

[April 6, 2022] The Inclusive Recovery Grant Program will provide up to $75 million in funding through grants of up to $75,000 for businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, or those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community; businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups; and other underserved markets.

SEED Honors 2022 Award Recipients at 40th Annual Meeting

[December 8, 2022] SEED's 40th Annual Meeting was held on December 8th at White's of Westport and included the presentation of the 2022 Business of the Year, Start-Up Business of the Year, and Regional Business Advocate of the Year. Click the link to see the winners!

SEED Makes 68 Small Business Loans Totaling $17.8 million in 2022

[November 30, 2022] In 2022, the South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation made 68 small business loans totaling $17.8 million and assisted in the creation of 398 new jobs. These loans were either made in participation with the region’s financial institutions to meet a financing gap, or as direct loans to small businesses not able to obtain conventional financing.

Lisa Holmes Named NADCO's CDC Employee of the Year

[November 18, 2022] SEED is extremely proud to announce that Lisa Holmes, Senior Vice President, Lending Team Leader, has been named the 2022 CDC Employee of the Year by the National Association of Development Companies (NADCO)! Selected from a pool of candidates nationwide, Lisa is being presented this award for exemplifying exceptional leadership, a strong team mentality, and an expertise in small business lending that has elevated her organization, colleagues, and clients. She was formally recognized this week at NADCO's 2022 conference in Denver, Colorado.