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Happy New Year Lisa!
Happy 2024! For the last 14 years, RIBBA has highlighted the racial inequities among the small business community and the lack of continued capacity building as a result of the systemic disparities in business empowerment in the state's marginalized areas. We continue to be at the forefront of solution-building and advocacy regarding the systemic barriers to minority business owners along with the lack of traditional lending opportunities and support systems available for career advancement and business development.
The RIBBA team has intentionally outlined goals for 2024 that will continue to enhance the organization’s programs and increase our capacity. We have much to look forward to this year and invite you to become a member. Your membership enables you to make professional connections and supports upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities. These programs include in-house business development-related workshops, to be held in our new headquarters at 220 Smith Street in Providence, which we will be moving into in the coming weeks! You can support this transition by making a charitable donation. It also includes business education, one-on-one support, networking, grant and loan assistance, access to our referral network, and mentorship through the Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway (LEAP) Mentorship & Training Program and the Emerging Leaders Development Program. You will also gain access to key decision-makers in our state, which RIBBA will be addressing at our "Closing the Racial Wealth Gap in Rhode Island" Annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, February 23rd from 7:30AM - 10AM at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI.
Let's make this year a transformative one. Your engagement and contribution are vital in promoting and supporting the growth and success of our state!
-Lisa Ranglin
President & CEO
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