Press Release: DESIGNxRI and Social Enterprise Greenhouse Recognized for Advancing Rhode Island Entrepreneurship Through Real Jobs RI

Governor’s Workforce Board recognizes collaborative workforce development efforts as DESIGNxRI announces its newest Design Catalyst cohort.

Julie Owens of SEG and Islay Taylor of DESIGNxRI receive award; Photo credit DESIGNxRI

Providence, RI – DESIGNxRI (DxRI), Rhode Island’s only nonprofit economic development organization dedicated exclusively to the design sector, and Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) have been recognized by the Governor’s Workforce Board for their exemplary partnership in delivering workforce development and entrepreneurial support through the Real Jobs RI initiative.

The recognition highlights the organizations’ shared commitment to strengthening Rhode Island’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through strategic partnership, coordinated programming, and long-term investment in small business growth. Together, DESIGNxRI and SEG provide entrepreneurs with access to training, mentorship, resources, and community connections that help transform ideas into sustainable businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Rhode Island’s economy, representing more than 98% of businesses in the state and employing over half of our private-sector workforce,” said Islay Taylor, Executive Director of DESIGNxRI. “Yet the true impact of entrepreneurship is often difficult to measure within the timeframe of a grant cycle. Today’s entrepreneur building a microbusiness may become tomorrow’s major employer. Companies that shape our economy rarely emerge overnight; they grow over years and often decades. By investing in business training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support today, we are investing in Rhode Island’s future workforce, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity.“

Real Jobs RI is a demand-driven workforce development initiative that brings together employers, training providers, and community organizations to develop workforce solutions tailored to the unique needs of Rhode Island industries. Through their partnership, DESIGNxRI and SEG have expanded access to business training, professional development, mentorship, and support services for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses across the state.

“We are incredibly proud of the partnership between DESIGNxRI and Social Enterprise Greenhouse,” said Sarah McBain, Real Jobs RI Program Coordinator. “Their collaboration demonstrates the power of organizations working together to strengthen Rhode Island’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and serves as a model for future Real Jobs RI partnerships seeking to create meaningful impact through collaboration.“

Entrepreneurs and small businesses are a driving force behind Rhode Island’s economy. Small businesses account for nearly 99% of all businesses in the state and employ more than half of Rhode Island’s workforce. They are also responsible for nearly 80% of net new jobs created in Rhode Island. This impact is especially significant among microbusinesses, which comprise nearly 94% of Rhode Island companies and provide income for more than 130,000 Rhode Islanders. The state’s creative economy alone generates more than $2.3 billion in annual economic activity and supports nearly 18,000 jobs, demonstrating the vital role that creative entrepreneurs play in Rhode Island’s economic future.

Supporting Design Sector Entrepreneurs Through Design Catalyst

As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening Rhode Island’s creative economy, DESIGNxRI is pleased to announce the newest cohort of entrepreneurs participating in Design Catalyst, the organization’s flagship business development program.

Design Catalyst provides Rhode Island-based designers and creative entrepreneurs with intensive business training, one-on-one mentorship, and access to funding opportunities that help participants build sustainable and scalable businesses. Since its launch in 2016, the program has served 143 Rhode Island creatives, delivered more than 1,000 hours of training and mentorship, and directed $1.5 million in support to creative small businesses.

The 2026 Design Catalyst cohort includes Jenine Bressner of Jenine Bressner Fireworks!, Soranica Corrente of SET STUDIO, LLC, Noah DeMeis of Digital Nail, Andrew Desforges of Wander Forge Design Co., Tania S. Estrada of Estudio Estrada, Reg Regina Gutierrez of Immortalize Your Mouth, Christopher Kane of Hot Funk Foundry LLC, Scarlett Sensi of GLOSSDRESS, Nathaniel Solberg of Nathaniel Solberg Design, and Tai Bacani of Tailand Productions.

Through programs like Design Catalyst and partnerships like Real Jobs RI, DESIGNxRI continues to invest in the entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creative talent that drive innovation, job creation, and economic growth throughout Rhode Island.

The 2026 Design Catalyst Cohort; Photo Credit Rue Sakayama