Washington Trust, Moss Pure to discuss SBA 504 financing strategies at regional manufacturing summit
September 14, 2026
WESTERLY, R.I. — The Washington Trust Company (Washington Trust) and Rhode Island manufacturer Moss Pure will participate in the 2026 New England M.A.D.E. Summit on Sept. 15 and share insights on how Small Business Administration (SBA) financing can help businesses fund growth, during the panel discussion, “Access to Capital: Financing's Best Kept Secret – the SBA 504 Loan Program”.
Moderated by Diane Sturgeon, SBA District Director for Maine, the panel will feature Jamie Mitri, founder and owner of Moss Pure; Joseph Confessore, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Commercial and Private Banking, Washington Trust; and Jessica Mello, Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer, Community Investment Corporation.
Washington Trust structured SBA 504 financing that helped Moss Pure, a manufacturer of living moss air-purifying art installations, acquire commercial space in Rhode Island to support its continued growth.
“Manufacturers play a critical role in Rhode Island's economy, and access to capital is often one of the key factors determining how quickly a company can grow,” said Confessore. “We're looking forward to sharing how SBA 504 financing can create opportunities for business expansion while helping companies preserve capital for future investment.”
The SBA 504 program is designed to help eligible small businesses finance owner-occupied commercial real estate, equipment and other major fixed assets that support long-term growth. The program's lower equity requirements and long-term fixed-rate financing can make it an attractive option for growing businesses.
The New England M.A.D.E. Summit brings together manufacturers, lenders, economic development organizations and industry experts from across the region to discuss innovation, workforce development, operational excellence and business growth.
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON TRUST COMPANY®
Founded in 1800, The Washington Trust Company (“Washington Trust”) is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of New England’s premier financial services companies. In 2025, Washington Trust reached a milestone of 225 years in operation, marking its commitment to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. Washington Trust is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a publicly-owned holding company which trades on NASDAQ: WASH. For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.washtrust.com or the Corporation's website at ir.washtrust.com.