See What's Happening at RIBBA

Hello Lisa,

Welcome to the July 2025 edition of RIBBA's newsletter! We are excited to share some important updates, including that we are now accepting applications for our Young Adult Business Pitch Competition, designed to inspire and support emerging entrepreneurs in Rhode Island.

Additionally, we are proud to introduce our new Skill-Up Program, specifically designed to serve residents of Pawtucket, RI, who are in the early stages or at the entry level of their professional careers, aiming to equip participants with the tools and confidence needed to achieve meaningful employment.

We encourage you to become a member of RIBBA and join our vibrant community. As part of our Insider Connect initiative, we are hosting a Member Mixer on Thursday, August 7th, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at RIBBA's Hub. Click here to register. We encourage everyone—students, business owners, and individuals—to attend and learn about the numerous benefits of membership. This is a great opportunity to connect, network, and discover how RIBBA can support your professional and entrepreneurial journey.

Business Development Updates

Attention Young Adult Entrepreneurs & Business Owners!

RIBBA's Young Adult Business Pitch Competition is designed for ambitious entrepreneurs aged 18-30. This exciting event, happening on Saturday, August 23rd from 10 am - 1 pm at RIBBA's Hub, provides a platform to showcase your innovative business ideas or early-stage ventures. Whether you are just starting or seeking funding to take your project to the next level, this is your opportunity to pitch your vision to a panel of industry experts and secure resources and funding to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

Interested in Pitching?

If you’d like to pitch at our Young Adult Business Pitch Competition, please learn more and apply here: https://ribba.org/business-pitch/apply

Want to Cheer on the Participants?

If you’d like to attend and support the young entrepreneurs, space is limited. Register here: https://members.ribba.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FNY49hKCyCm

Apply Now

Are you Lender-Ready?

RIBBA is excited to host an exclusive event in partnership with local lenders and financial institutions. Join us for "Pathways to Capital: Lender Match" on Thursday, August 21st, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at RIBBA's Hub, located at 220 Smith Street, Providence, RI.

This exclusive opportunity is open to all Rhode Island small businesses that are prepared to secure funding, offering a platform for meaningful connections, collaboration, and access to financial resources. Whether you want to launch or expand your business, this event will equip you with the knowledge and connections to explore new lending pathways with top banks. Don’t miss this opportunity—register now to secure your place!

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. 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

New Skill-Up Program Designed for Pawtucket, RI Residents

The first round of applications is now OPEN for our new Skill-Up Program — designed to empower individuals ready to elevate their careers! The Skill-Up Program is tailored for residents of Pawtucket, RI, who are in the early stages or at the entry level of their professional careers, aiming to equip participants with the tools and confidence needed to achieve meaningful employment. This high-impact, structured learning experience takes place in a supportive, cohort-based environment, empowering individuals to advance their careers and enhance their professional skills.

This comprehensive program combines both soft skills and hard skills, along with effective job search strategies, to help you secure your next opportunity.

Here's what you will gain:

Soft Skills: Communication, leadership & teamwork, adaptability, self-reflection, problem-solving, professionalism, and confidence building.
Hard Skills Training: Clifton Strengths Assessment, negotiation techniques, emotional intelligence assessment, public speaking, and professional presentation.
Job Search Strategies: Resume building, networking, leveraging online tools, LinkedIn training, and goal setting.

Participation is free, thanks to funding from the city of Pawtucket. The early consideration application deadline is July 31, 2025.

Apply Today

Applications are now OPEN for our Emerging Leaders Development Program

Ready for that push to take your career to the next level? The first round of applications for our 2025-26 statewide Emerging Leaders Development Program is now open! The Emerging Leaders Development Program is a 7-month cohort-based program designed to provide participants who live or work in Rhode Island with additional knowledge, skills, and tools they need to advance their careers. Share this opportunity with those in your network.

We encourage you to apply by Sunday, August 31st, for early consideration.

Apply Today

Organizational Updates

We are excited to announce that Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island has become a proud Cornerstone Partner!

We thank them for their generous support and commitment to our mission of closing the wealth gap in Rhode Island. Their partnership strengthens our efforts to create a better future for all Rhode Islanders.

We also invite other organizations and companies interested in supporting this important work to join us as partners. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in building economic opportunity across Rhode Island.

For partnership inquiries or more information, please contact us.

Join us for our Member Mixer

As part of our Insider Connect initiative, we are hosting a Member Mixer on Thursday, August 7th, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at RIBBA's Hub. We encourage everyone—students, business owners, and individuals—to attend and learn about the numerous benefits of membership. This is a great opportunity to connect, network, and discover how RIBBA can support your professional and entrepreneurial journey.

Join RIBBA in D.C.!

Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce that RIBBA's President & CEO, Lisa Ranglin, will be a featured speaker at the upcoming 2025 U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) National Conference! Join us from July 30th to August 1st in Washington, D.C. for this historic event, themed "Power, Policy & Prosperity," where culture, commerce, policy, and purpose converge.

Lisa will share her insights and expertise alongside other esteemed leaders, providing invaluable inspiration and guidance for nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the country. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired. We look forward to seeing you there!

Learn More & Register

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

Are you seeking ways to elevate your business or career to the next level?

Join RIBBA and become a part of a community dedicated to supporting Rhode Island's small businesses, career professionals, and families.

Whether you are an individual or student looking to connect with like-minded professionals, a small business seeking increased visibility and support, or a corporate entity interested in investing in the local economy, we have a membership option that is right for you. Make a difference and join RIBBA today! Fill out the application by clicking the button below to become a member.

Becoming a Member: Unlock Exclusive Benefits

As a member, you will gain access to a range of benefits, including:

The Hub: Our state-of-the-art coworking space is available for rent, perfect for entrepreneurs, remote workers, freelancers, and small business owners.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and thought leaders in your industry through exclusive events and workshops.
Resources to Thrive: Stay ahead of the curve with access to expert advice, industry insights, and valuable tools to help your business grow and succeed.

Become A Member

Key Links

SNAP cuts will disproportionately impact households of color. As Congress debates federal spending, one critical program under threat is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While some may see it as just another line item, cuts to SNAP would have devastating consequences for thousands of Rhode Islanders, especially Black and Latino households already struggling with food insecurity. The Valley Breeze

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 .

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