See What's Happening at RIBBA

Hello Lisa,

Welcome to the November 2024 edition of RIBBA's newsletter! We are excited to bring you the latest from our vibrant community of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and career professionals. This month, we have a variety of news to share, including updates from our organization and impactful initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and growth within our network.

As we work diligently to close the racial wealth gap, we are proud to highlight inspiring individuals and success stories that showcase the resilience and creativity of our members. Your engagement and continued support fuel our progress. Take a few moments to explore our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for the latest updates and information.

Small Business Updates

Small Business Development Client Spotlight

The team would like to congratulate Tanaesha King, owner of Querída and a valued client of RIBBA's, on achieving Minority/ Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification!

"As the owner of a business rooted in Afro-Latina heritage, collaborating with RIBBA has been a graceful experience...Their assistance in obtaining my Minority & Woman-Owned Business certification was a pivotal step in my entrepreneurial journey. The process was efficient and straightforward thanks to RIBBA's guidance and support. I am deeply appreciative of having such empowering resources available in Rhode Island, as they have played a significant role in empowering my self-care brand, Querída. " -Tanaesha King, Owner, Querída

This certification will enable her business to access state contracts, increase its visibility, show its credibility, and give the company a competitive edge. It also opens doors to new opportunities for expansion and success. We are so proud to support Tanaesha and her business growth!

Need Certification Assistance?

Support Local Businesses This Small Business Saturday in Rhode Island!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 30, 2024 – it’s Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to celebrating and supporting the small businesses that serve as the backbone of our communities across Rhode Island. When you shop at local stores and restaurants this holiday season, your dollars circulate within our neighborhoods, helping small businesses thrive and fostering community prosperity.

Become A Member of RIBBA

By becoming a member and giving back, you are investing in the growth and development of our state's economy. Your support helps us continue to provide valuable resources, connections, and advocacy to the small businesses that make our state thrive.

Become A Member Today

Initiated by American Express in 2010 and formally cosponsored by the SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an essential part of the vital holiday shopping season for independent retailers and restaurants. In 2023, consumers spent an estimated $17 billion on Small Business Saturday, according to the surveyed insights commissioned by American Express. Let’s unite to keep our neighborhoods vibrant and our local entrepreneurs thriving. Join us in making a difference—shop small and support local this November 30th!

Empowering Rhode Island's Small Businesses with Access to Capital

We are thrilled to congratulate Judith Barrett, the passionate owner of Candles by Judith, on her recent success in securing a grant with the support of RIBBA! This achievement will enable Judith to expand her inventory just in time for the holiday season. Judith’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to quality have truly shone through, and we can’t wait to see how this newfound support will help her business flourish. Cheers to new opportunities and a bright future!

Business Development Support

Workforce Development Updates

Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway Mentorship & Training Program

Applications are OPEN for our Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway (LEAP) Mentorship & Training Program! Are you a youth or young adult aged 18-25 looking to elevate your academic and career journey? This FREE 5-month cohort-based program is for you!

The LEAP Mentorship & Training Program empowers and supports participants through skill-building, financial literacy, professional development, leadership training, and valuable mentorship. You will be matched with a mentor who will provide constructive feedback, share their expertise, and help guide you on a productive path toward your goals.

Share this opportunity! The application deadline is Sunday, November 17th. Thank you to our funding partner, the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Real Jobs Initiative.

Learn More & Apply Today

Now Accepting Applications for the Emerging Leaders Development Program – For Pawtucket Residents

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Emerging Leaders Development Program in partnership with the vibrant city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island! This 7-month cohort-based program is specifically designed to empower participants who reside in Pawtucket with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to elevate their careers and become future leaders in their fields.

Through engaging workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking sessions, participants will gain invaluable insights and practical experience to help them succeed in today's competitive job market. Investing in local talent is essential to fostering a strong and dynamic community.

The Pawtucket 2025 Cohort is free for participants through funding received by the City of Pawtucket. It will be delivered by RIBBA in partnership with the University of RI, Office of Strategic Initiatives. The application deadline is Friday, January 31, 2025. Share this opportunity with those in your network.

Learn More & Apply Today

Advocacy & Policy Updates

Your Voice Is Needed!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? We invite you to join our Advocacy & Policy Committee, where your voice can help drive meaningful change. Together, we collaborate on initiatives that matter and work towards solutions that benefit all Rhode Islanders. Don't miss our next virtual meeting on Monday, November 18th from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, where your ideas and insights are invaluable. Click here to register.

Join the Advocacy & Policy Committee

Organizational Updates

Heritage Holiday Market

Makers & Artisans! The Heritage Holiday Market, hosted by the BEARI Network, is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your unique products while supporting Rhode Island's vibrant small business community. Don’t miss your chance to be a vendor at this amazing event—applications close on Monday, November 18th! Apply today to secure your spot and share your creativity with fellow community members.

Spread the word and let’s make this holiday season truly unforgettable! For those looking to shop, mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 11th, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 50 Sims Avenue, Providence, RI to support local vendors and get your holiday shopping done!

Apply to be a Vendor

Season of Giving: Canned Goods Drive - Join Us in Making a Difference!

As we embrace the spirit of the holiday season, RIBBA is excited to announce our partnership with our neighbors at St. Patrick Church in Providence, RI, to support those in need within our community.

Starting now until Thursday, November 21st, we will be collecting canned goods donations to help fill the shelves of local families facing food insecurity. Your contributions can make a significant impact, and each can counts!

Please stop by the Equity Hub, located at 220 Smith Street, Providence, RI between 9 am and 5 pm, to drop off your donations. Thank you for your support and for being a part of our mission to uplift others!

2024 Bannister Award Recipient: Lisa Ranglin

It was an honor for RIBBA to be part of the Christiana Carteaux Bannister Awards, presented by Rhode Island Monthly & the Rhode Island Foundation. Congratulations to RIBBA’s CEO and President, Lisa Ranglin, who was deeply humbled to receive the prestigious Bannister Award for her significant contributions to closing the racial wealth gap and promoting equity and progress in Rhode Island.

A big thank you to the RIBBA board members who graciously accepted the award on her behalf. Your support and dedication to our mission are truly appreciated!

Save the Date: Giving Tuesday - December 3rd!

As we enter this season of giving, join us in making a lasting impact in our community! This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to support RIBBA and help us close the racial wealth gap, empower career professionals and entrepreneurs, and strengthen local businesses here in Rhode Island.

Your charitable donations can ignite change and foster growth for those striving to succeed. Together, we can make a difference. Mark your calendars and spread the word!

Add to Calendar

Save Giving Link

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 racial 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.

Become A Member

Key Links

RIBBA partners with URI to grow ‘Emerging Leaders’ in the state Funded by Real Jobs RI, 30 young professionals from across the region join the fourth career advancement cohort. To read more, click here.

Source: University of Rhode Island

U.S Treasury Free Webinar - Tuesday, November 19th at 2 pm ET

Click here for more information and to file.

Many companies created or registered to do business before Jan. 1, 2024, must e-file their initial beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by Jan. 1, 2025.