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Hello Lisa,
Welcome to the March 2025 edition of RIBBA's newsletter! We are excited to celebrate a significant milestone—RIBBA is turning 15! Over the past decade and a half, we have worked to uplift and empower our community of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals in Rhode Island.
As we look forward, we are reminded of the important work ahead, particularly as we gear up for 401Gives, on Tuesday, April 1st, a special event dedicated to uplifting our communities and supporting the incredible work of nonprofits across the state. RIBBA continues to proudly participate in this initiative, striving to eliminate the wealth gap and ensure all Rhode Islanders can thrive.
As RIBBA celebrates its 15th anniversary, we invite you to consider donating to RIBBA this month. Every dollar is an investment in your community and Rhode Island families.
Your support is needed now more than ever. Thank you for being a part of our journey—here’s to 15 years of RIBBA, and many more to come! Explore this newsletter for the latest updates at the association and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to stay connected.
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As we reflect on the success of the small businesses we have had the privilege to support. We are proud to have outreached to over 6,000 small business clients, awarded over $221,589 in grants, provided over 710 counseling hours to 48 M/WBE clients, and secured $1.6 million in funding to foster growth and opportunity. These achievements highlight the crucial role RIBBA plays in empowering Rhode Island entrepreneurs!
Over the past 15 years, our efforts have created a positive ripple effect, benefiting families by reducing food insecurity, facilitating homeownership, and fostering generational wealth. We must continue this important work to ensure lasting impact and opportunities for all.
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Workforce Development Updates | |
Emerging Leaders Development Program - 2025 Pawtucket Cohort
Today more than ever, workforce development is crucial for the residents of Pawtucket, RI. With a median household income of $67,436 in 2023, compared to the national median of $80,610, there is a pressing need for enhanced career opportunities and training that can uplift the community's economic landscape.
RIBBA's Emerging Leaders Development Program is designed to equip local talent with essential career development training and meet that need, empowering them to enhance their skills and increase their earning potential. By investing in yourself and participating in programs like this, we can help bridge the income gap and create a brighter future for all Pawtucket residents.
Participation is free through funding from the City of Pawtucket. RIBBA will facilitate the program in collaboration with the University of Rhode Island's Office of Strategic Initiatives. We encourage you to share this valuable opportunity with your professional network.
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Building Connections: Celebrating Leadership & Community
Current and former participants of our Emerging Leaders Development Program came together at the Leaders Lounge for an incredible session filled with icebreakers, networking, and collaboration! This gathering provided a fantastic opportunity to make connections, exchange ideas, and spark new partnerships that will shape the future of leadership.
At the heart of this initiative is workforce development, which is essential to our state's economic growth. It means investing in individuals and equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive in an ever-changing work environment. By nurturing our emerging leaders, we are not only shaping successful careers but also driving progress and innovation that benefit everyone.
Attention, City of Pawtucket, RI, residents! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to invest in your future—click here to apply to our new 2025 cohort designed for YOU.
| If you are interested in applying to our statewide program for all residents of Rhode Island, click here to apply. | | |
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Celebrating Women's History Month with Indigenous Ingredients
Meet Surana George, the spirited entrepreneur pouring her heart into Indigenous Ingredients LLC, a luxurious line of shea butter products. A $3,000 loan from RIBBA has ignited her dreams, enabling her to cover essential costs for label designs, containers, and lids. "As a small business, this is a significant investment, and it’s crucial for the growth of my brand," Surana shares.
| From the outset of her journey, RIBBA has been her steadfast ally. "I found RIBBA online before I even had a website or registered my business or taxes," she recalls, "They’ve been with me through every step, from building my website to helping with registration and taxes. Malcolm even gave me valuable feedback on my product before I even had labels—his support has been incredible. I’m so grateful for the support RIBBA has given me to help grow my business." Surana's gratitude shines through and we are excited to see her thrive. |
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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.
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Save the Date | Annual Meeting
We invite you to our Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 15th, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence, Rhode Island.
This event highlights the association's accomplishments over the past year, awards scholarships to college-bound students, and introduces our board of directors. The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour to network, featuring a marketplace with RIBBA vendors. We are excited to announce that the vendor application is now open. If you would like to apply to be a vendor, click here. Whether you want to expand your network, learn about our amazing work, or enjoy an inspiring evening, this is an event you will not want to miss!
📆 Thursday, May 15, 2025
🕠 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Roger Williams Park Casino, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI
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401Gives: Transform Families & Make an Impact on Rhode Island's Day of Giving
How You Can Get Involved:
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Become A Member
Join RIBBA and become a part of a community dedicated to supporting Rhode Island's small businesses, career professionals, and families. Your membership not only helps us continue our mission of closing the wealth gap, and promoting economic growth and development in the state, but also gives you access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and exclusive member benefits.
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.
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Brain Waves RI Celebrates Milestone 10th Anniversary
Annual Brain Fairs and In-School Programs Inspire People to Explore the Mysteries and Wonder of the Brain. Click here to read more.
Brown Brain Fair
Saturday, March 15th
Engineering Building
345 Brook Street, Providence, RI
10 am - 2 pm
Pawtucket Brain Fair
Saturday, March 22nd
Hope Artiste Village
1005 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI
10 am - 2 pm
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Each fair features 50+ display tables with games and fun activities, all centered on the functions and health of the human brain. While the study of the brain is serious business, these fairs have proven to be engaging and delightful experiences for families and kids. The fairs are free and open to people of all ages. | | |
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Attention Providence Business Owners
The City of Providence is inviting business owners to share feedback through the 2025 Business Satisfaction Survey. This survey is a key opportunity to share thoughts on city services, business priorities, and areas where the City can better support businesses.
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"Way too many unknowns": RIBBA's future uncertain with DEI rollback
The future of the RIBBA is up in the air as President Donald Trump calls for an end to policies related to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). To read more: click here.
Source: WPRI 12
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Stay Connected with RIBBA Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, exclusive content, and more. We love hearing from you, join our community and be part of the conversation! Click the links to connect with us today! | | |
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We Value Your Feedback
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 currently facing so we can assist you. Click here to submit the survey.
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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
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EMERGING LEADERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Pawtucket Cohort - Program begins April 2025
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401GIVES - MAKE AN IMPACT
Tuesday, April 1st from 6AM - 11:59PM
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SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER AT RIBBA
Join us in driving positive change in Rhode Island
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