[December 21, 2021]  SEED Corporation has selected Chris Cooney of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce as the 2021 recipient of the "Gus Yankopoulos" Regional Business Advocate of the Year Award for his volunteer service to SEED over the last 21 years. Established in 1999 in memory of Gus Yankopoulos, the award is presented annually on a merit basis to an individual who has performed exceptional work on behalf of the region’s economy. For the last 22 years, SEED has presented the winner with a Lucky print by the late local artist Arthur Moniz.

Chris is President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and has worked in the chamber industry for 32 years. He has received awards for his service from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Cape Cod Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Bridgewater State University, and Rotary International. Chris has also served on numerous regional, state, and national boards and has received gubernatorial appointments to various statewide boards from both Democratic and Republican Governors.

Under Chris's direction, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, chartered in 1913, has evolved into the region's oldest and leading economic development and business advocacy organization. With over 1,000 members, the Metro South Chamber is a charter member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is one of only two five-star accredited Chambers of Commerce in New England. Chris is being recognized for his service to SEED as well as the Metro South region.

Chris-Cooney

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. 

Read more: SEED Awarded $4.5 million from RI Commerce Corporation through State Small Business Credit...

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.

Read more: Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $78 Million for New Grant Programs to Support...

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! 

Read more: SEED Honors 2022 Award Recipients at 40th Annual Meeting

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.

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

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. 

Read more: Lisa Holmes Named NADCO's CDC Employee of the Year

South Eastern Ecomonic Development Corporation home page

80 Dean Street,
Taunton, MA 02780

1-508-822-1020

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

SBA Lender Certified CDFI US Department of Treasury
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.