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Greetings!

Welcome to the August 2025 edition of RIBBA's newsletter! We are thrilled to announce that tickets for our Annual Awards Gala are officially available, and you are invited! Join us on Friday, November 7th, at 6 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI, as we celebrate 15 years of empowering Rhode Island’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals at our premier black-tie fundraising event. We are also excited to announce the honorees; click here to read the full press release.

Mark your calendar for our first Fall Business Expo on Saturday, September 20th, from 11 am to 3 pm at RIBBA’s Hub in Providence, RI, a free event packed with networking, vendor showcases, and growth opportunities—don’t miss your chance to participate as a vendor or attendee!

Additionally, we are accepting applications for 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 are also accepting applications for our statewide Emerging Leaders Development Program. Share these opportunities with your network!

Continue reading to discover the latest updates and valuable resources to support your career growth and small business success!

Business Development Updates

Join us to Cheer on the Pitch Participants!

Join us on Saturday, August 23rd, from 10 am - 1 pm at RIBBA's Hub to cheer on ambitious entrepreneurs aged 18-30 as they showcase their innovative business ideas. Come support the next generation of business leaders and celebrate their ventures. Space is limited—register now!

Fall Business Expo

Join us for our first Fall Business Expo on Saturday, September 20th, from 11 am to 3 pm at RIBBA's Hub, located at 220 Smith Street in Providence, RI! This exciting event is open to all and free to attend, offering a fantastic opportunity to network with local professionals, explore innovative products and services, and discover new business opportunities. Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or community member, you will enjoy vendor showcases, engaging conversations, and refreshments.

Are you interested in showcasing your business? A pply now on our website to secure your spot as a vendor. Don't miss out on this chance to gain exposure and visibility for your brand!

Apply to be a Vendor

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

Skill-Up Program Designed for Pawtucket, RI Residents

Applications are 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 application deadline is August 31, 2025.

Apply Now

Applications are 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 Now

Organizational Updates

Tickets for our Annual Awards Gala are now available!

Join us as we celebrate 15 years of empowering Rhode Island’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals at our premier black-tie fundraising event.

Date: Friday, November 7, 2025

Time: 6 PM

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, RI

Our signature event sold out last year, so we encourage you to secure your tickets or full table early! Early bird ticket sales end on Sunday, September 7th. If you have any questions about tickets, donations, or partnerships, contact us at info@ribba.org. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Buy Tickets

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

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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