Media Contact:

Lisa Ranglin, President & CEO

Rhode Island Black Business Association

3 Regency Plaza, Suite 3E

Providence, RI 02903

401-465-3669 - Email: Lisa@ribba.org

Rhode Island Black Business Association Empowers Young Entrepreneurs Through Successful Pitch Competition

Providence, RI - September 14, 2023 - The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA), a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to propelling Black-owned and minority businesses and professionals in Rhode Island, capped off National Black Business Month, with a signature event that serves as a shining testament to RIBBA's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship among young adults.

RIBBA’s Young Adult Business Pitch Competition was held on August 26, 2023, at the vibrant Sprout Co-Working in Providence, Rhode Island to resounding success.

Ten enterprising young entrepreneurs presented their innovative business ideas before a distinguished panel of judges. The competition, exclusively open to Rhode Island residents aged 18-30, who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, resonated with RIBBA's mission of fostering inclusivity and driving economic empowerment.

Staying true to its mission to help minority businesses grow and scale, Lisa Ranglin, the tenacious CEO of RIBBA, shared a surprise announcement that every participating business outside the top three finalists would receive a well-deserved $500 grant.

The following visionary enterprises were celebrated for their innovation and potential with grants ranging between $1,000 and $3,000:

• 1st Place: Savannah Campbell – Caribe & Co., LLC
• 2nd Place: Kayla Price – Kapri Haircare, LLC
• 3rd Place: Edmund Addai – The Stackhouse, LLC

First place winner, Savannah Campbell was appreciative of the opportunity and continued support shared, “It’s an amazing feeling to not only have an outlet to share business ideas and win money, but to have support afterwards. Thank you RIBBA.”

To prepare for the event, each participant underwent meticulous training in crafting and delivering a compelling business pitch. The final verdict was entrusted to a panel of esteemed judges, an accomplished entrepreneur and emerging professionals in the state. The evaluation criteria encompassed the strength of participants' ideas, immediate use of funds, and the strategic depth of their business plans.

"Participating in the RIBBA business pitch competition gave me the opportunity to reflect on my business accomplishments,” said Kayla Price, runner up of the competition's top spot. She continued, “Winning gave me the confidence I need to keep going while also giving me the push I needed to keep putting myself and brand out there to reach new milestones."

Contemplating the state of black businesses and the significant contribution of RIBBA in fostering their achievements, Edmund Addai, securing the third position, expressed his delight in being surrounded by a multitude of ambitious entrepreneurs at different stages of their ventures. He firmly believes that the future holds immense promise, and credits RIBBA for diligently undertaking the necessary measures to advocate for and empower businesses owned by people of color. “I feel like the future is bright and RIBBA is doing all the right things to promote and uplift businesses owned by people of color,” said Addai.

This year’s event saw the return of familiar faces including 2022 participant Linsay Alcindor. Drawing from her experience, Alcindor – who served as a competition judge this year, shared, "From starting as a participant last year to now serving as a judge, this experience has profoundly nurtured my growth as an entrepreneur, particularly enhancing my confidence in public speaking. I am ecstatic to have contributed to the next wave of entrepreneurs through this competition."

Lisa Ranglin, RIBBA's visionary CEO, passionately underscores the significance of their initiative: "We are unwaveringly committed to dismantling the barriers that impede our underserved communities' access to vital capital resources." She continues, "Through our distinctive approach, RIBBA not only ignites business expansion but also fervently tackles the issue of unemployment head-on. Our core mission is to nurture entrepreneurship – we will continue to work diligently to empower our next generation of talented and promising young entrepreneurs from communities with the greatest needs."

RIBBA is a beacon of comprehensive business support, from funding avenues to personalized training and business development guidance. To delve into the rich array of services offered by RIBBA, please email smallbizhelp@ri-bba.org or contact 401-383-1179.

The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the business opportunities and vitality of Black-owned and minority businesses in Rhode Island through access to capital, contracting, business development resources, entrepreneur training, business advocacy, meaningful investor services, and workforce development. 

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