Guidance and Events for Entrepreneurs

October 19, 2026

Attention Toys for Tots Sponsors!

Greetings!

TODAY (October 19) is the last day to commit to being a financial sponsor of the 2026 Businesses Give Back TOYS FOR TOTS event!

(Reply to this email immediately if interested)

The event is November 16th, but we need the sponsor commitment now so we can put the sponsor logos on our printed materials. Act now to support this great cause!

This is our 6th year for having this big event. When people ask me how it started, it goes back to the pandemic and losing one of my good friends, Dan Edmonds. Dan was a big supporter of TOYS FOR TOTS and he unfortunately passed away during COVID. So, in 2021 we did a special TOYS FOR TOTS event to honor him and it was so popular that we decided to make it an annual event! And each year it has been bigger than the year before. We hope you will help make THIS YEAR the biggest and best yet! See below for more information.

As we all know, COVID changed a lot of things for a lot of people (even simple things like using QR codes and having Zoom meetings!). Change is a constant in life and it is DEFINITELY a constant in business. Check out today's business article below on this subject. I hope you enjoy it.

Also, November is coming fast, and I am not just talking about Thanksgiving. Three of the BIGGEST events of the year for our community happen in November- the annual OCEAN STATE BUSINESS EXPO (Nov 10) and the annual BUSINESSES GIVE BACK TOYS FOR TOTS event (Nov 16) and SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY (Nov 28). Now is the time to reach out if you want an exhibitor table at the Business Expo or Small Business Saturday or if you want to be a sponsor for the Toys for Tots event.

DO NOT MISS THESE AMAZING ANNUAL EVENTS!

CHEERS!

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn."

- Alvin Toffler

The Mission of MOMENTUM

is to support the local small business community and entrepreneurs by encouraging them to:

ENGAGE (get out to seminars, networking and other events);

EDUCATE (commit to lifelong learning);

ENJOY (if you cannot laugh and have a little fun, then you are not doing it right!).

See you out there!

P.S. BREW WORK networking monthly officially kicked off in September but there are still a limited number of memberships available (see member photo below). Membership includes free entry to the BREW WORK events through Sept of 2027. Sign up for membership before December 9th.

BECOME A MEMBER

P.P.S. REMEMBER! Our big TOYS FOR TOTS event is happening on November 16th so today is the final day we can take commitments from any financial sponsors. Reply to this email TODAY (Oct 19th) if you want to sponsor. You can sponsor after today but you may not be included on all the printed materials that will be put together over the coming days. Sponsors pay $500 to be a financial sponsor of our event. Take a look below to see our many sponsors from 2025. Get behind this great cause!

THANK YOU!

P.P.P.S. A new referral group is forming in Providence RI. For those serious about using networking to grow their business, being part of a regularly meeting referral group is a key component to achieving that goal. Regular in-person meetings is the fastest way to build trust and as Bob Burg (author of THE GO-GIVER and ENDLESS REFERRALS) said:

"People do business with people they know, like, and trust."

Change is the Only Constant

-by Bob Salvas

“Change is the only constant” is a phrase usually associated with the Greek philosopher Heraclitus from around 500 BC. His idea was that nothing stands still and everything changes all the time.

This ancient philosophy is even more relevant today than it was back then, and ESPECIALLY in the world of business. Everything changes…and quickly. We change. Our customers are changing. The world is changing. And the one thing that seems to change faster than anything else is technology. For a business to succeed today, they must embrace technology. They must constantly move forward. They must be aware. They must innovate. They must be open to change. There is no “status quo” in business. Be evolving or be extinct.

"Business is like riding a bicycle. Either you keep moving or you fall down."

-Frank Lloyd Wright

The history of business is littered with examples of those who did not embrace innovation and the changing world around them. Many even saw the signs of change coming but chose to ignore them. Here are some classic examples:

Upcoming Events

In-Person Networking:

Brewing Better Business

with the Better Business Bureau

October 20, 2026

8am-9am

Location: Coffee Connection SmithfieldSmithfield, RI

Brew meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and grow your network.

Start your morning with coffee, conversation, and connections at Brewing Better Business in Rhode Island!

Join BBB and Commonwealth Financial Group for a relaxed networking experience with members of the local business community. Meet new people, exchange ideas, and learn more about the businesses and professionals around you.

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking

(real estate)

at T's Restaurant,

East Greenwich RI

October 20, 2026

8am-9am

At Trust Networking - East Greenwich, you'll have the chance to expand your professional network, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or simply looking to meet new people, this event is perfect for anyone interested in fostering meaningful connections.

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking Newport (Real Estate)

at Wyndham Hotel, Newport RI

October 20, 2026

8:30am-9:30am

Trust Networking - Newport, RI

Join us at our newest chapter: Trust Networking - Newport Real Estate. This new Real Estate focused group will meet on Tuesdays from 8:30AM - 9:30AM at Johnny's Restaurant @ Wyndham Hotel. This in-person gathering is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals in the Real Estate related world.

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking

at Englund Studio, North Kingstown RI

October 21, 2026

12pm-1pm

At Trust Networking - North Kingstown, you'll have the chance to expand your professional network, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or simply looking to meet new people, this event is perfect for anyone interested in fostering meaningful connections.

In-Person Event:

Shining a Light a Grief Vol 3 Book Launch

at The Guild Brewing Co,

Pawtucket RI

October 21, 2026

6pm-8pm

Rhode Island author, editor, and Certified Master Grief Coach Susan Lataille will celebrate the release of Shining a Light on Grief, Volume Three with a book launch and signing on Wednesday, October 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at The Guild in Pawtucket.

Shining a Light on Grief is a collaborative book series that gives individuals an opportunity to honor someone they love by sharing their personal stories of love, loss, grief, healing, and hope. In Volume Three, eight contributing authors open their hearts and offer an intimate look at the people they have loved, the losses that changed their lives, and the ways they have learned to carry that love forward.

The event will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Guild, 461 Main St., Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Admission is free.

In-Person Event:

The New England Patriots at the Chicago Bears

at Soldier Field, Chicago IL

October 22, 2026

8:15pm

The Patriots travel to the oldest NFL stadium still playing games- SOLDIER FIELD, home of the Chicago Bears. GO PATS!

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking Mansfield

at DataPay Payroll, Mansfield MA

October 23, 2026 9am-10am

Trust Networking - Mansfield

Join us for referral networking at the Mansfield, MA chapter.

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking

October 23, 2026

noon-1pm

Trust Networking's first B2B group is the B2B CUMBERLAND TRUST GROUP and it is in a brand new location at Phantom Farms Brewing Co in Cumberland RI. Come for a visit and see what the excitement is all about.

In-Person Event:

The Purple Healing Hearts Art

at Now or Never, Providence RI

October 24, 2026

2pm-4pm

Join us for a meaningful art show and fundraiser that will feature art by survivors. Enjoy delicious desserts and refreshments, and view the purple wedding dress featuring purple ribbons in honor or victims and survivors of domestic violence. Attendees will be invited to make a purple heart to show their support of survivors, and can enter a raffle to win a gift basket.

In-Person Event:

Puffs & Pawns

at White Ash Cigar Lounge, Pawtucket RI

October 25, 2026

1pm-5pm

On Sunday October 25th at 1pm, the PUFFS 'N PAWNS gathering will take place. If you like chess and cigars, this is the place for you. Come out and play some casual chess and enjoy a cigar and a drink. All are welcome!

In-Person Networking:

Trust Fall Meet & Greet

at Towne Tavern & Tap, North Attleboro MA

October 26, 2026

5:30pm-7:30pm

Come join other local business people for some food, drinks, and networking, (food is on us) just bring a hunger for new connections!

In-Person Networking:

Networking Pop-Up

at Juncal Mexican Bar & Grill, Cumberland RI

October 27, 2026

4:30pm-6:30pm

Join us for an evening of connection & conversation, at one of RI’s best restaurants — Juncal Mexican Bar & Grill in Cumberland.

Whether you’re looking to grow your professional circle, catch up with colleagues, or make new connections across industries, this event is for you.

In-Person Networking:

Cigar Networking

with Sal and Uncle Jay

October 28, 2026 4pm-6:30pm

Regency Cigar Emporium

752 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI

Join us at the Regency in East Greenwich for a little casual business-to-business networking.

Sit back and relax, enjoy a cigar and adult beverage.

Discuss the issues of the day and unwind from the grind.

In-Person Networking:

Good Networking Coffee Hour

at Good Working

October 29, 2026

8am-9am

Good Working Coworking .

585 Smithfield Road,

North Smithfield, RI

What to Expect: Join fellow professionals at our monthly Good Networking Coffee Hour (on the last Thursday of the month) held at the cozy and inviting Good Working co-working space. Whether you're a freelancer, business owner, etc.

In-Person Event:

Spookatcular SPEECH-A-THON

at Gregg's Restaurant, East Providence RI

with Englund Studio

October 29, 2026

6pm-9pm

Toastmasters presents an open night of costume dressing and speech giving. Come out and join the fun in the private room at Gregg's in East Providence RI.

In-Person Networking:

Last Friday Coffee

with Englund Studio

October 30, 2026

8:30am-10am

at the Quonset Office Park

70 Romano Vineyard Way, North Kingstown, RI

Bring plenty of business cards and a positive energetic business attitude. Stop by and meet new contacts and, as always, rebuild your associations.

In-Person Event:

RI Future Leaders Summit- Student Showcase

with the Better Business Bureau

October 30, 2026

4:30pm-6:30pm

Businesses, parents, educators & community leaders: join us in celebrating & supporting Rhode Island's next generation of entrepreners! The location is the Quinta Gamelin Community Center in Bristol RI.

The summit gives high school students the opportunity to explore what it takes to turn an idea into something real. Students will have the chance to showcase their business ideas, nonprofit concepts, and entrepreneurial goals while connecting with local business leaders, mentors, educators, and community partners.

Happy Halloween!

October 31, 2026

In-Person Event:

The New England Patriots at the Miami Dolphins

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami FL

November 1, 2026

4:30pm

The Patriots travel to sunny Miami to face the rival Dolphins. GO PATS!

In-Person Networking:

Cigar Networking

at the White Ash Cigar Lounge, Pawtucket RI

November 2, 2026

5:30pm-8:30pm

Kamil Sarji is celebrating his 10th year of hosting Cigar Networking.

Ten years ago, a small group of business owners and professionals sat down, lit up, and started talking. That first Monday in May 2016 turned into a monthly tradition — and this year, we’re celebrating 10 years of Cigar Business Networking.

If you’ve never been, here’s the idea: every first Monday of the month (unless that falls on a holiday), we gather at White Ash Cigar Lounge in Pawtucket for a relaxed evening of real business conversation. No stiff name tags, no forced small talk — just good people, good cigars, and genuine connections.

You don’t have to smoke to belong here. What brings people back month after month is the room itself — entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners who actually want to grow and help others do the same. (note: White Ash is now an official CIGARS FOR WARRIORS location!)

In-Person Event:

Election Day 2026

November 3, 2026

7am-8pm (in most polling places)

Let your voice be heard. We have a right to vote, and we should never take that for granted. Get out there and VOTE!

In-Person Networking:

Welcome Wednesday

with the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce t

November 4, 2026

8:30am-9:30am

The Welcome Wednesday Chamber of Commerce coffee event is back on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 8:30am-9:30am at the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket RI.

Don't miss the chance to expand your network and make meaningful business connections. Complimentary coffee will be available. Registration is free, but required.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Networking:

Non-Profit Connections RI

at the Working Man Distillers, Pawtucket RI

November 5, 2026

5:30pm-7:30pm

After a short hiatus, the NONPROFIT CONNECTIONS RI is BACK! Lots of new stuff happening (new dates -first Thursday of each month and new home base- Working Man Distillery!) and each month will feature a different sponsor.

The Nonprofit Connections RI event for November is sponsored by the Businesses Give Back Toys for Tots event later in the month. Help us get a jump on toy collections by bringing your new unwrapped toy to this networking event which is free for all who want to attend. Join us at the Working Man Distillery on November 5, 2026, for great networking with the nonprofit community.

GET READY! This year's big TOYS FOR TOTS event will be held on

November 16, 2026!

See below for more information.

In-Person Event:

The Green Bay Packers at the New England Patriots

at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA

November 8, 2026

4:30pm

The Patriots return home to face the Green Bay Packers. travel to sunny Miami to face the rival Dolphins. GO PATS!

In-Person Event:

Ocean State Business Expo 2026

at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick RI

November 10, 2026

3pm-7pm

This is one of the biggest and best events of the year!

The 2026 Ocean State Business Expo kicks off another year of outstanding support for the small business community. The event takes place on November 10, 2026 from 3pm-7pm at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI.

NOW IS THE TIME TO PURCHASE YOUR TABLE AT THIS EVENT. DON'T MISS OUT!

ALSO, BE SURE TO STOP BY THE BREW WORK TABLE WHILE YOU ARE THERE!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXPO

Why is it so important to go to IN PERSON events when we live in an increasingly digital world? It is precisely BECAUSE we live in an increasingly digital world! Check out this article for more information:

The Future of Connection: Why Event Marketing Reigns Supreme

Happy Veterans Day!

November 11, 2026

In-Person Event:

The New England Patriots vs the Detroit Lions

at Allianz Arena, Munich Germany

November 15, 2026

9:30am

The Patriots and Lions travel overseas for just the third time the NFL has played a regulation game in Germany. PROST! And of course, GO PATS!

In-Person Event:

Puffs & Pawns

at White Ash Cigar Lounge, Pawtucket RI

November 15, 2026

1pm-5pm

In-Person Event:

The 2026 Businesses Give Back Toys for Tots Event

at the Guild Brewery, Pawtucket RI

November 16, 2026

5pm-9pm

The 2026 BUSINESSES GIVE BACK TOYS FOR TOTS event will be back at the Guild Brewery in Pawtucket RI on November 16, 2026 from 5pm-9pm. This is a great event for a great cause. Free music and BBQ and great tasting beer and other drinks to enjoy. All you have to do is bring some new toys with you for the donation. We collected over 2,000 toys last year!

In-Person Networking:

The Heart of RI Networking

at CIC, Providence RI

November 18, 2026

8am-9:45am

One of the more popular monthly networking events is the HEART OF RI and it routinely sells out. So you might want to reserve a spot NOW! Always a lot of great networkers at this event.

In-Person Networking:

Heart of Massachusetts Networking

at the Springhill Suites by Marriot, Wrentham MA

November 18, 2026

5pm-6:30pm

The Heart Of Massachusetts

Gather and collaborate with The Heart of Massachusetts to connect, grow, and thrive in a vibrant, community-focused event.

In-Person Networking:

Funny 4 Funds

at the Guild Brewery, Pawtucket RI

November 20, 2026

6:30pm

Funny 4 Funds is back with a comedy fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer's Association on Friday, November 20, 2026. The event will be held at the Guild Brewery in Pawtucket RI with doors opening at 6:30pm and the event wrapping up around 10pm. Come out for a night of laughs to support a great cause!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Networking:

Small Business Saturday Shop RI

at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick RI

November 28, 2026

9am

Celebrate 10 years of shopping small at Rhode Island’s holiday shopping showcase! Small Business Saturday Shop RI brings together more than 150 diverse vendors all under one roof. The event takes place on November 28, 2026 at 9am at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Networking:

RI Women's Expo

at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick RI

November 29, 2026

11am-3pm

RI WOMEN'S EXPO- a Pat Cruz event, comes to the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI on Sunday November 29, 2026. It runs from 11am-3pm. This lifestyle event for women & drink, shopping, fashion, prizes, giveaways, personal growth and LOTS OF FUN! Don't miss this one!

This is not just an expo. This is an event dedicated to 'all wonderful things women' and honestly, you deserve it!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Event:

The New England Patriots at the Los Angeles Chargers

at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles CA

November 29, 2026

8:20pm

The Patriots travel to the west coast to face the LA Chargers. GO PATS!

In-Person Event:

The Buffalo Bills at the New England Patriots

at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA

December 6, 2026

4:30pm

The Patriots return home to face their big division rival, the Buffalo Bills. GO PATS!

In-Person Networking:

BREW WORK

at Long Live Beerworks, Providence RI

December 9, 2026

5:30pm-7:30pm

This is a BRAND-NEW networking series of events that started in September. If you love local craft beer (or at least love to support local brewery businesses) and you love casual business networking, then you are going to want to jump on board with BREW WORK. For December, we visit Long Live! Complete schedule below.

SAVE THE DATES

for some big events

coming in 2027!

(NOTE: Some of these events (below) are open for those who want to sponsor or exhibit at them -please contact me if you are interested in that or feel free to check out the links to each event)

For 44 years, the Pawtucket St Patrick's Day Parade has been a highlight event in the month of March. The parade kicks off on March 7, 2027, but there will be many fundraisers and events leading up to parade day. Support this great Rhode Island tradition.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The biggest home and consumer show in southern New England will take place in Providence RI (Convention Center) from April 9-11, 2027. Exhibitor spots are already being sold so lock yours in before all the spots are gone!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

National Small Business week takes place from May 2-8, 2027. The final event that week is the awards luncheon. You can submit a nomination now for some of the awards being given. You will soon also be able to buy tickets to that luncheon. Keep supporting small business!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Momentum Monday is sponsored by

Mailbox Power

Let's be sure to reach out in gratitude to those who have helped us succeed in business and in life. Make that notion of gratitude more meaningful by sending something TANGIBLE to those you appreciate. I like to call it MOMENTUM MAIL- sending tangible thanks not only makes you feel good but it builds momentum for your business and for your life!

Many of you will think about this but then get too busy.

Trust me, MAILBOX POWER is the solution you have been looking for.

Send small gifts or cards affordably and conveniently right from your laptop.

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

This is an easy and creative solution to gift giving and card sending, so I encourage you to take a closer look at MAILBOX POWER (try it free for 14 days). Everything can be done from your laptop and at an affordable price too!

LET YOUR CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS KNOW YOU APPRECIATE THEM!

Contact Bob