RIBBA Roundup: Here's the Latest

Greetings!

As we step into 2026 with fresh energy and goals, we are thrilled to share new opportunities designed to empower Rhode Island’s small businesses, communities, families, and professionals. We are here for you and want to know—how can we support you this year? To learn about how we can better serve you, we invite our small business clients to fill out this brief survey.

Start the year by investing in your future—applications for our 2026 Scholarship Program are now open! High school seniors enrolling in college or a university in the Fall are encouraged to apply. We are also welcoming applicants for our statewide Emerging Leaders Development Program, offering the knowledge and tools to help the Rhode Island workforce advance.

Plus, if you are a current RIBBA client, we invite you to apply to be a vendor at our upcoming Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 7th from 5 PM - 7:30 PM at Farm Fresh RI. It is a perfect opportunity to showcase your business to over 200 attendees!

Read on for more updates on how RIBBA is supporting growth across the Ocean State! ↓

Business Development Updates

Empowering Entrepreneurs for a Sustainable Future: Kpelle Gurl Collections!

At RIBBA, we are dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs across Rhode Island, with a clear vision: to move families towards a more sustainable future. We understand that every business success story has a ripple effect, directly impacting a family's ability to achieve homeownership, ensure food security, and build generational wealth.

In celebration of Black History Month, our team had the honor of speaking to Marie Loua, owner of Kpelle Gurl Collections. RIBBA recognizes the vital role of Black entrepreneurs in shaping our communities. We are dedicated to empowering ventures like Kpelle Gurl Collections, helping them navigate the complexities of growth and scale with confidence. We are here to support your business as well, equipping you with the essential tools and resources to succeed.

Need Business Support? Click here to get started.

Join us for an informative in-person workshop!

This session designed to empower small businesses and business owners with critical regulatory and compliance knowledge. In partnership with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation and the Secretary of State's Office, this special Learning Series will provide clear, actionable guidance to help you stay informed, compliant, and in good standing.

Key Topics Include:

Annual Report and Business Registration Reminders (presented by the Secretary of State’s Office)
State Tax Updates and Filing Requirements (presented by the RI Division of Taxation)
Common Compliance Pitfalls and Best Practices for maintaining good standing

📅 Date: Thursday, March 5th

🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Location: RIBBA's Hub, 220 Smith Street, Providence, RI

Attention Providence, RI residents and business owners!

If you are a resident of Providence, RI, and a business owner, we are here to empower you and help your business thrive. We understand that these are challenging times, especially with the current climate in RI and the struggles many small businesses are facing, with some even closing their doors. Please know that we are here to help. Whether you are starting, looking to boost your growth, expand, or revive your business, our services are open to all — no matter where you are in your business journey.

Our services include:

Personalized One-on-One Business Support & Counseling
Marketing & Branding to elevate your visibility
Website Design & Digital Tools to modernize your operations
Credit & Financial Health Assessments to build financial resilience
Business Planning Strategies tailored to your growth stage
Access to Capital Resources and guidance on funding readiness
Networking Opportunities with local entrepreneurs and resource providers

Apply Today

RIBBA Small Business Clients: Share Your Experience to Help Us Serve You Better

We would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief survey. Your feedback will help us understand your progress over the past year, assess the support you have received from RIBBA, and identify any challenges you are facing so we can assist you.

Let your voice be heard! Your input is invaluable to us. Your responses will guide us in improving our programming and services to meet your needs, which is essential to demonstrating our positive impact on your business and the state's economy. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. We look forward to better serving you.

Submit Your Feedback

Workforce Development Updates

Applications are open for our 2026 Emerging Leaders Development Program

Take your career to new heights and become a leader in Rhode Island's sustainable future! The Emerging Leaders Development Program is a comprehensive 7-month cohort that empowers Rhode Island's workforce for sustainability. Participants who live or work in Rhode Island will gain the essential knowledge, skills, and tools needed to advance their careers.

This program goes beyond basic training, significantly increasing leadership capabilities that directly translate to higher paying jobs and generate a positive ripple effect across our state. Encourage those in your network to explore this impactful opportunity. Program begins Spring 2026.

Apply Now

Last Chance to Join LEAP! Your Future Awaits!

This is your FINAL CALL to apply for the FREE Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway (LEAP) Mentorship & Training Program! If you are a young adult (18-26) ready to level up your academic and career path, this is for you.

Over 5 months, you will gain essential professional skills and be paired with a dedicated mentor to share their expertise and guide your success.

The deadline to apply for our 2026 cohort is Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Learn More & Apply

Organizational Updates

You are Invited to our Annual Meeting

Join us on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 5 PM - 7:30 PM at Farm Fresh RI, as we celebrate RIBBA's impact! At RIBBA, we are dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and career professionals across Rhode Island, with a clear vision: to move families towards a more sustainable future and close the wealth gap.

This special evening will honor our accomplishments over the past year and award scholarships to deserving college-bound students. The night will include a cocktail hour for networking, featuring an exciting marketplace of RIBBA vendors that you absolutely don't want to miss!

Interested in Making an Impact?

RIBBA is currently seeking dedicated Board Members to support our mission of closing the wealth gap in Rhode Island through initiatives centered on small business development, financial empowerment, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. We particularly invite candidates with expertise in human resources, accounting, tax, and marketing to contribute their skills and insights. As a nonprofit organization, we value committed members who are eager to actively engage in shaping our strategic direction and advancing our organizational goals.

Apply Today

Key Links & Updates

Searching for the Perfect Space to Host Your Next Event or Meeting? Whether you are a nonprofit needing a consistent meeting spot, a business organizing a training session, or a community group seeking a friendly space, we have exactly what you need. Plus, RIBBA members can take advantage of exclusive discounted rates! Learn more, book a tour or submit a request to rent a space today .

Governor McKee Rolls Out FY 2027 Budget Governor’s budget advances state’s first Affordability for All agenda, keeps Rhode Island building with a historic bond proposal, and protects vulnerable Rhode Islanders from safety net cuts. Click here to read the proposed budget.

RI Filing Requirement for LLCs Tax Season Alert for LLCs!

We are here to help you navigate the complexities. Click here for a breakdown of your LLC's filing requirements this tax season.

See you Thursday, Feb. 5th for Revenue for Rhode Islanders Kickoff event and Lobby Day at the state house rotunda, from 3 - 4 PM – wear green as we support legislation that could generate more than $200 million annually for Rhode Islanders.

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