RIBBA Roundup: Here's the Latest

Greetings!

As we welcome spring, we are excited to share upcoming events and opportunities! Register for our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 7th, from 5 PM to 7:30 PM at Farm Fresh RI—an excellent chance to make connections and gain visibility for your brand.


Don’t forget—401Gives kicks off on March 31st at 6 AM and runs through April 1st. Set your alarms for the first match time at 6 AM, when giving starts to amplify your impact!


Save the date for our Annual Awards Gala on Friday, August 28, 2026! Nominations are now open—submit a business owner, entrepreneur, or community leader you'd like to see recognized!

We want to hear from you—how can we support your growth and success this year? If you are a small business owner, please take a moment to fill out our 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.


Read on for more updates! ↓

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. We understand that these are challenging times, especially with the current climate in RI and the struggles many small businesses are facing, with some even closing their doors. Please know that we are here to help. 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

Providence Business Client Spotlight: El Boli Cafeteria

Applications are open for our 2026 Emerging Leaders Development Program

The Emerging Leaders Development Program is a vital 7-month cohort designed to address Rhode Island’s critical workforce gap by cultivating the next generation of leaders.

Open to residents and workers across Rhode Island, it provides participants with the advanced knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to advance their careers and fill crucial leadership roles. More than just training, this program significantly enhances leadership capabilities, enabling individuals to secure higher-paying jobs and drive positive change throughout our community. 

Investing in emerging leaders is investing in Rhode Island’s prosperity. Encourage your network to seize this opportunity—program begins June 2026 and is pivotal to closing the workforce gap and building a stronger Rhode Island.


The early consideration deadline to apply is Sunday, March 29, 2026. Submitting by this date offers early consideration and the possibility of early acceptance into the program. The final application deadline is Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Transform Your Career: Participants Share Their Goals for the Program

Last Chance to Join LEAP, your Future Awaits!

Meet Caroline Lamarine: a young leader driven to create meaningful change. Through the Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway (LEAP) Mentorship & Training Program, Caroline built confidence, developed vital professional skills, and unlocked new opportunities. Today, she's dedicated to public policy and advocacy as she pursues her studies at Brown University.

Supporting young adults like Caroline as they transition into college and the workforce is crucial for Rhode Island's future. By investing in their development, we strengthen our local talent pipeline, fuel economic growth, and foster a more resilient community.

If you are between 18-26 and ready to lead and make an impact, this is your FINAL CALL to apply for the FREE LEAP Mentorship & Training Program! Over 5 months, you will gain important professional skills and be paired with a dedicated mentor to guide your success.

The deadline to apply for our 2026 cohort is Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Complete our 401Gives Challenge & Earn Exclusive RIBBA Merchandise

Mark your calendars for 401Gives from March 31st - April 1st, 2026! Join us in celebrating our "Sweet 16" and Rhode Island's BIGGEST day of giving! You can have a direct impact on the lives of Rhode Island families. Powered by the United Way of Rhode Island, 401Gives brings people together to make a difference for local nonprofits that deliver vital services to our communities throughout the state.

Tips: Set your alarms for the first match at 6 AM on 3/31! View all match times here to amplify your impact. Also, check with your employer to see if they offer matching gifts—your donation could be doubled! 


Make sure to visit our giving profile, add us to your gift basket so that you are ready to give and join our challenge and become a RIBBA Ambassador. Learn more at ribba.org/401gives.

Don't Miss our Annual Meeting!

Calling all business owners and career professionals in Rhode Island! You are invited to our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 7th from 5 PM - 7:30 PM at Farm Fresh Rhode Island. It is the perfect platform to expand your network and gain visibility for your brand. Pre-registration is required.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Network with over 200+ attendees, including business & community leaders
• Create long-lasting connections
• Hear inspiring stories about RIBBA's impact
• Shop our RIBBA Marketplace, showcasing local businesses
• Learn about our services & programs and how we can support your growth
• Celebrate our scholarship winners
• Enjoy a cocktail hour with refreshments
• Spread the word about your business or organization

Interested in Making an Impact?

RIBBA is seeking passionate and dedicated Board Members to help us advance our mission of closing the wealth gap in Rhode Island. Our efforts focus on small business development, financial empowerment, mentorship, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. We particularly welcome candidates with expertise in human resources, accounting, tax, and marketing to bring valuable skills and insights to our board.


As a nonprofit organization, we value committed individuals who are eager to actively participate in shaping our strategic direction and driving our organizational goals forward. Join us in making a meaningful impact on Rhode Island’s communities—your leadership can help create lasting change.

Resources

Per the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training

Jobseeker and Employee Information - English & Spanish

RI Unemployment Insurance Information - English & Spanish

Education, Training & Resources for Young Adults - English & Spanish

Wage & Workplace Laws - Download Here

EMERGING LEADERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Statewide Program begins June 2026

SKILL-UP PROGRAM | PAWTUCKET

Program begins Spring 2026

SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER AT RIBBA

Join us in driving positive change in Rhode Island