RIBBA Roundup: Here's the Latest

Greetings!

As we celebrate Small Business Month, we are excited to share upcoming events and opportunities! Register and join us tonight, Thursday, May 14th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at our Hub, 220 Smith Street, Providence, RI, for "What Does It Take to Start a Food Business?" — an in-person workshop led by Martha Perez-Barton, Director of Incubation at Hope & Main. This will be a great chance to learn, ask questions, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs.

We are also excited to announce that the next cohort of the Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway (LEAP) Mentorship & Training Program begins this month. This free, 5-month cohort-based program aims to empower, train, and support youth and young adults, ages 18-26, as they pursue their academic and career goals.  



Additionally, don’t forget—nominations for our Annual Awards Gala are still open and will close on Monday, May 18th. Be sure to submit your nominees of inspiring business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders you would 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! ↓

Calling all food entrepreneurs!

In honor of Small Business Month, join us today, Thursday, May 14th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at RIBBA's Hub, 220 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908. Presented by Martha Perez-Barton, Director of Incubation at Hope & Main, this in-person workshop is open to all Rhode Island food business owners!

Whether you are just starting out, looking to expand, or revive your food business, we invite you to join us for this session. Walk-ins are welcome—no matter where you are in your journey!

Come learn, ask questions, and discover the resources available to support your business success—we are here to help you grow and scale sustainably.

New Member Spotlight: ADM Special Occasion

North Providence’s premier event planner, ADM Special Occasion, turns your vision into unforgettable celebrations across New England. Founded by Bunmi Ayorinde, her journey began over two decades ago on the service floor. From event server to Lead Banquet Sales Manager, Bunmi’s experience runs deep.

During the pandemic, she found her true purpose: fostering connection and healing through celebration. ADM Special Occasion was born from her desire to bring people together to celebrate, reconnect, and rejoice. Bunmi is proud to be a recent member of RIBBA, further supporting her business growth.

A proud Nigerian-American and devoted wife and mother, Bunmi infuses her heritage and faith into every event. If you have an event or celebration to plan, visit their website for more information. We look forward to supporting her continued success!

Attention Providence, RI residents and business owners!

If you are a Providence, RI, business owner, we are here to support your growth and success. We understand these challenging times, and whether you are starting, expanding, or reviving your business, our services are available to help you thrive—no matter your stage.

As part of our Learning Series, join us for open office hours on:

📅 Thursday, May 21st

🕝 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Walk-ins welcome!)

📍 RIBBA's Hub, 220 Smith Street, Providence, RI

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

Congratulations to Cohort V on their completion of our Emerging Leaders Development Program!

Over the past 7 months, these incredible emerging leaders have been empowered, equipped, and inspired to drive meaningful change within their organizations and communities. We are so proud and can't wait to see what they will accomplish next! We are also excited to share that 100% of our participants completed this transformative journey.

Thank you to our partners at the University of Rhode Island Office of Strategic Initiatives, Leadership Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training for their support. We also want to thank our President & CEO, Lisa Ranglin, for her leadership and vision in making this program possible.

If you live or work in RI and are ready to elevate your leadership skills, apply today and be part of the next wave of changemakers! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Abby Antwi Recognized During SBA's National Small Business Week

The U.S. Small Business Administration's Rhode Island District Office announced this year's honorees during the 2026 National Small Business Week Celebration, which took place earlier this month, from May 3–9, 2026.

Among those recognized was Abby Antwi, a graduate of our Emerging Leaders Development Program. She is co-founder of Revive Therapeutic Services alongside her sister, Akos. They were awarded with the 2026 Business Week Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year. We are proud to have supported her on her journey and look forward to seeing her continued success!

Call for Nominations!

Nominations are open for our Annual Awards Gala! Know an inspiring leader, entrepreneur, or community champion making a difference in Rhode Island? Nominate them by May 18, 2026!

Join us on Friday, August 28, 2026, for our first-ever summer gala, celebrating 16 years of impact. This event attracts over 500 leaders and recognizes those driving change and innovation in our community. Sign up to receive a notification when tickets become available.

We Need Your Voice

The Senate Finance Committee will be considering critical legislation—and the outcome will have a direct impact on RIBBA, our clients, small and micro businesses, and Rhode Island’s economy. This funding directly supports entrepreneurs, job creation, and economic opportunity in our communities.


Your Voice Matters

Legislators need to hear from you—our clients, partners, and community members—about the impact of this work. Please take a few minutes today to send your email to your elected officials.

For more information and detailed instructions on how to submit your support letter, please visit our website. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.

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