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.

Lisa joined SEED in 2001 as a Junior Lending Officer and has played a key role in the organization's success for the last 21 years. As Lending Team Leader, she oversees all aspects of SEED's loan programs and has been an invaluable mentor and friend to her coworkers. She is well-known within the regional banking community as an expert in SBA SOP as well as the 504 Program, and is always willing to share her knowledge with lending partners which results in smooth transactions for all parties involved.

During her time at SEED, Lisa's efforts have resulted in over $150 Million in 504 loan closings and the creation of 1,700 new jobs. Her hard work and dedication to impactful lending programs has truly made a difference to our local and regional economies. When she is not working, Lisa enjoys spending time with family and friends, and is involved with several community service organizations. She was the Secretary for Partners with Haiti, a national organization committed to promoting the well-being of the people of Haiti, and is active in many roles at Church in the Pines.

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.

Tamarah Bacon Joins SEED Lending Team

[November 17, 2022] Tamarah Bacon has recently joined SEED Corporation's lending team, as a Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, and brings with her over 17 years of experience with traditional and non-traditional lending institutions. Tamarah works with clients and banking partners on micro, small, and SBA 504 loans, as well as SBA Community Advantage Loans.

Prior to joining SEED, she was an AVP and Commercial Loan Officer at Coastal1 Credit Union (formerly Pawtucket Credit Union). Tamarah earned her Bachelor of Science from Roger Williams University and her Master of Public Administration from Bridgewater State University.