SBA Announces Interactive Digital Platform for Women-Owned Businesses

SBA has announced Ascent, an interactive digital platform packed with resources women business owners need to set, and achieve, their business goals. Ascent is designed for the “missing middle” — growth-oriented women entrepreneurs who are beyond the start-up phase and already generating revenue yet looking to grow and scale. Most learning resources for business owners focus on either start-ups or mature businesses. Ascent is here to change that!

During these challenging times, SBA’s Ascent can also help you elevate your business with research-backed tips and strategies. Within Ascent, you can examine both internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) that may have arisen because of COVID-19 to help you set up a comprehensive recovery strategy. And Ascent is a resource you can turn to again and again, as your business grows and your needs change.

Join the Ascent today at Ascent.SBA.gov

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.