A Message on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
from RIBBA's Executive Director, Lisa Ranglin.
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Sign up for RIBBA's Small Business Program's Today! |
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Our business development programs and services are here to help BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & Person of Color) owned businesses receive the essential resources they need to achieve sustainable growth.
Fill out an application to begin receiving FREE business services or contact us for more information.
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Emerging Leader Highlight: Mark Fisher of Black Lives Matter Militia |
Mark Fisher is the Director of Community Outreach at Black Lives Matter – Militia and a participant in the inaugural Emerging Leaders Development Program provided by RIBBA.
What has being a part of the Emerging Leaders Program meant to you?
Being a part of the Emerging Leaders program has meant a great deal to me and will be one of my most memorable experiences. To be a part of a limited and select group of 25 respective industry leaders is special. Not everyone was accepted to be a part of this cohort and it’s been a pleasure to hear and share our unique and professional perspectives on a range of topics all pertaining to leadership development. Also I’ve learned quite a lot about myself as well as mindsets of proven and effective leaders. We have been given the space to be our authentic selves and voice our authentic opinions. Likewise, it’s a pleasure to be working with Lisa again, someone whom I hold in very high regard and have the utmost respect for and whom I also call a friend. She is an example of the curriculum being delivered via her distinguished accomplishments and credentials as well as the foresight and ability to roll out such a program as this one where all who are connected feel empowered.
What’s the most significant think you’ve learned so far?
The most significant thing I’ve learned so far is my CliftonStrengths. Absolutely amazing discovery. I learned that I am 1 in 33 million. These are the odds that someone has the same Top 5 strengths as I do in the exact same order. My distinct CliftonStrengths profile sets me apart from everyone else. I am uniquely powerful.
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Previous COVID-19 relief funds drastically missed RI’s own Black businesses. Rhode Island dispersed 50 million dollars to businesses through their COVID-19 relief programs. Of that, only 13 million went to Black or Hispanic-owned businesses (Commerce RI, 2021).
We know that new business relief funds are on their way, and want to help you prepare as best as possible. We've put together a step by step guide on what to prepare:
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Introducing: Keesha Dickey, Business Development Specialist at RIBBA |
Keesha Dickey is a Business Development Specialist with the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA). Keesha was born and raised in a small town in Scranton, PA and moved to Rhode Island in 2007 to fulfill her business admiration. Before joining RIBBA in December of 2021, Keesha's primary focus was rebuilding and developing associations while assisting project managers and business owners to fulfill their development needs. Keesha has a strong analytical background as well as a strong background in creating opportunities for individuals of color. Society's environment continues to change drastically. Keesha's perspective and focus will be on the urgency and importance to become a successful leader amongst the community and advocate for all businesses of color. |
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US Black Chamber launches a National Black Business Directory & Only Black-Owned Certification Program |
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The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. has created the ByBlack.us Platform to provide Black businesses the capability of registering, promoting, and driving revenue to their firms with an extensive online community. ByBlack Platform, powered by U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and presented by American Express, now offers the only national certification exclusively for Black-owned businesses at no-cost. We are committed to increased spending with Black businesses and welcome you to the program.
Join the USBC on Wednesday, January 19th from 5-6 pm to learn about the platform, steps to create your business listing in the ByBlack Directory, and requirements to apply for ByBlack Certification.
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Forgivable Micro Loan Program for Minority-Owned Small Businesses |
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The Rhode Island Black Business Association is proud to offer the Forgivable Micro Loan Program to boost Black or minority-owned small businesses. Our Forgivable Micro Loans are similar to normal loans except, once businesses have used the funds for their intended purposes, the loans will be forgiven.
Rhode Island's Black and minority-owned small businesses are a vital part of our economy, and their success is vital to the sustained economic growth and prosperity of our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted minority-owned businesses. Given this, RIBBA is distributing forgivable loans to businesses owned and operated by people of color.
Current clients are invited to complete our self-assessment survey linked here and below. If you are not an existing client of RIBBA, we invite you to begin the enrollment process to become a client by using the New Client button below.
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For questions or additional information, please contact us via email: angel@ri-bba.org or by phone: 401-383-1179. |
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It's Tax Season! Here's what you need to get ready and when it's due... |
Tax season is here and we want to ensure you have all the important dates and information you need to be timely and prepared.
- Employee and Independent Contractor Compensation reports:
Deadline is January 31, 2022
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State and Federal Business Tax Return:
Deadline March 31, 2022
Have questions? Reach out to a RIBBA representative for assistance.
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Free Offshore Wind Training for RI Businesses this February |
Please join the Business Network for Offshore Wind for a briefing on their Foundation 2 Blade program. F2B is a four-day course meant to help business assess, enter, and expanded with in the offshore wind market. This briefing is being held ahead of the Business Network's Foundation 2 Blade training course that is being held February 4, 11, 18, 25 on behalf of Rhode Island businesses. This briefing and the Foundation 2 Blade delivery is sponsored by Real Jobs Rhode Island. |
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Join us for our monthly general membership meeting to learn more about what's happening at RIBBA and about relevant opportunities for you and your business to take advantage of.
Our next General Membership Meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 25th from 6-7:30 pm.
This month, we have J.Adrian Lawrence, Senior Counsel, who will present on "Intellectual Property - Your Most Important Business Asset". In addition, we will be providing you with an important update on COVID-19 Relief Fund Programs.
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RIBBA’s impact is dependent on not just staff, but also the dedicated volunteers in our community that support our very important work. Below are our current volunteer opportunities.
RIBBA is always looking for skills-based volunteers to help drive our mission forward. Please click below to share your your volunteer interest with the team.
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Become a member
Discover the power of an ally, advocate, & change agent standing behind you, your business, career & our community.
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You can have an impact today
Your contribution will provide direct support for
RIBBA’s programs and services that directly impact Rhode Island's Black Business community.
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