See What's Happening at RIBBA 

Hello Lisa,

Welcome to the June 2025 edition of RIBBA's newsletter! Recently, we held our Annual Meeting, where over 200 members, clients, program participants, and community partners gathered to reflect on our impact over the last 15 years. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and recommit to our mission of empowering small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals across Rhode Island. Click here to view the full photo album from the event.

We are also thrilled to announce that our 2024 Impact Report is now available. This report highlights the measurable progress we have made over the past year and showcases the lives we have touched through our mission-driven work. We invite you to explore the report to see how your support has contributed to positive change in our community.

Our Impact

• 6,000+ small businesses reached out to
• 1,500+ small businesses served directly
• Empowered 50+ M/WBEs, contributing $27 million+ to Rhode Island's economy
• $1.9+ million in capital secured by clients
• 1,260+ mentorship hours delivered
• 215+ individuals trained, 98% graduation rate
• Over 90 employees trained from major companies and organizations in RI

Introducing our Wellness Series 🌿

Recharge your mind, body, and spirit with two inspiring and practical workshops designed to help you manage stress, build resilience, and boost your overall well-being.

Workshop I: Cultivating Calm & Inner Strength

🗓️ Tuesday, June 17, 2025

🕠 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM 

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

Workshop II: Mindfulness & Well-Being

🗓️ Wednesday, June 25, 2025

🕠 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

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

Both workshops are free to attend. Donations are welcome to support future programming.

Member Spotlight: Revive Therapeutic Services

We are proud to spotlight Revive Therapeutic Services, a valued RIBBA member and a dedicated small business client. Specializing in mental health services, Revive is dedicated to helping individuals achieve mental wellness through personalized therapy, medication management, and innovative treatments, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Their compassionate team ensures accessible care, with services covered by insurance and available across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Maryland.

Beyond their clinical excellence, Revive actively promotes mental health awareness and advocacy. In celebration of Men's Mental Health Month, they are hosting an impactful event titled "The Unspoken: Real Talk on Men’s Health," aiming to foster open conversations and reduce stigma around men's mental health issues:

📅 Thursday, June 12, 2025

🕠 5:30 PM – 8 PM 

📍 Fête Music Hall | 103 Dike Street, Providence, RI

• Part 1: The Landscape - Lived Experience, Culture & Barriers: Exploring lived experiences, cultural influences, and barriers that prevent men from seeking care.  
• Part 2: The Solutions - Research, Treatment & Access: Discussing research, treatment options, and steps to improve access and outcomes.

Panelists include esteemed professionals such as Keith Abare, Asad Akinfolarin, Patrick Golden, LMHC, LCDP, Kevin Keith Martins, Ed.D., Lamel Moore, Yves Mukanya, Deidre O’Donnell, Arthur Robinson, Joseph Trunzo, Ph.D., and Adewole T. Akinbi.

Attention Providence, RI residents and business owners!

If you are a Providence, RI, resident 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, this session is open to all, no matter where you are in your business journey. Walk-ins are welcome! As part of our Learning Series, join us for an informative session designed to connect you with the resources and knowledge you need to succeed, including 1-on-1 business support, marketing assistance, website development, credit and financial analysis, business planning, and access to capital.

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025

Location: RIBBA's Hub, 220 Smith Street, Providence, RI

Time: Open from 1 PM to 6 PM — come anytime that works for you!

Questions? Our team will be available throughout the day to answer any questions and provide personalized support.

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.

Annual Awards Gala - Call for Nominations

We are excited to announce the date for our Annual Awards Gala! Join us for this special evening on Friday, November 7th, from 6 PM to 10 PM at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, Rhode Island. This year, we are celebrating our 15th anniversary and 15 years of making an impact. It is a milestone worth honoring, and we look forward to celebrating with you.

Last year's event sold out quickly, so mark your calendars and save the date. To ensure you don't miss out on tickets, we recommend signing up for our mailing list to receive notifications when they become available. Please also spread the word and encourage others to join our mailing list so they can stay informed and secure their spots.

RIBBA will honor outstanding business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for their achievements and contributions to our community. Click here to learn more about the awards and make a nomination.

Our President & CEO, Lisa Ranglin, is now a monthly columnist for The Valley Breeze Newspapers!

In her debut article, "Work-Life Balance Isn't Just a Personal Responsibility," Lisa dives into why achieving true balance isn't just about personal choices — it's about systems, structures, and shared responsibility.

Thank you to Ethan Shorey and the Valley Breeze team for welcoming Lisa to this vibrant community of voices!

Are you looking for ways to take 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.

"It’s time to tax the wealthiest and invest in a Rhode Island that works for all of us. It would be a game changer for working families, small business owners, and underserved communities across the state," writes the President & CEO of RIBBA. Boston Globe

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.

Stay Connected with RIBBA Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky, and YouTube for updates, exclusive content, and more. We love hearing from you. Join our community and be part of the conversation!

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.

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

Program begins October 2025

WELLNESS SERIES WORKSHOPS

Tuesday, June 17th and Wednesday, June 25th

SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER AT RIBBA

Join us in driving positive change in Rhode Island