Here's What's Happening at RIBBA

Greetings Lisa,

Are you ready to get your MBE/WBE Certification?

Interested in growing your client base? Are you open to scaling your business but don't know where to start? An MBE/WBE business certification can give you access to these opportunities and much more!

Join our MBE/WBE Certification Information Session to learn about the state's certification process, the various types of certifications available, eligibility requirements, and how to get started. You'll also hear from Sean M. Fontes, Executive Counsel at the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training and local small business owners on the benefits and business certification process.

Benefits of Minority/ Women Business Enterprise Certification Include:

Priority Access to Government Contracting Opportunities
Increase in Revenue
Eligible to Participate on Goal Oriented Contracts
Networking Opportunities
Listing in the State's Certified Online Directory

Congratulations RIBBA's 2022-23 Emerging Leaders

Congratulations to the 2022-23 cohort of graduates who have completed the Emerging Leaders Development Program! Over the past 7-months, participants received invaluable knowledge, skills and tools that will empower them to advance in their careers. We are thrilled to celebrate their success!

The Emerging Leaders Development Program prepares high-performing Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous and multi-racial professionals for advancement into senior leadership and executive roles while raising their visibility as a force within their organization and community. The program includes in-residence training, assessments to aid in advancement, executive and emotional intelligence coaching, mentorship, volunteering, civic engagement, networking opportunities, and more.

APPLY TODAY

Business Formation Workshop:

Trademark, Copyright & Patent

Join us for RIBBA's monthly General Body Meeting on Tuesday, April 25th from 6PM - 7:30PM.

We will be having a legal conversation for business success with Russell Paul, ESQ., Senior BizGrow Attorney for Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR). This event will be happening virtually on Zoom.

2023 Annual Meeting

Join us for our 2023 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 2nd from 5:30PM - 7:30PM at the Roger Williams Casino in Providence, Rhode Island. We will be sharing our impact over the past year, presenting our 2023 Scholarship recipients and celebrating major achievements.

This is a special opportunity to grow your network and make meaningful connections with other professionals and business owners.

RIBBA is proud to announce our Presenting Sponsor for our 2023 Annual Meeting. Thank you to the Papitto Opportunity Connection Foundation for their continued dedication to advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion in Rhode Island.

"Making connections, eliminating barriers to success, and clearing pathways to learning are the guiding lights behind every investment POC makes. To truly matter, make an impact, and help create systemic change, the programs we support are those most needed and wanted by Rhode Island’s BIPOC communities." -Papitto Opportunity Connection

Celebrating RIBBA's Emerging Leaders

Congratulations to Shanna Ferguson! We are thrilled to recognize the career growth of all our Emerging Leaders Development Program participants.

"Participating in RIBBA's Emerging Leaders Development Program has boosted my confidence, helped me to realize my value in the workplace and empowered me to put my strengths and skills to work to support my company in strategic ways. It has also opened my network to amazing professionals and mentors that I know will continue to motivate me along my career journey. I am very grateful to Lisa Ranglin for the consistent work that she engages in to be a true trailblazer for black and brown professionals who want to drive change in their organizations and communities in authentic and valuable ways. I encourage professionals that are looking to take their professional development to the next level to participate in this program. As this program continues to grow, I hope that the state and employers will continue to support it so that they will be better positioned to embrace a more diverse Rhode Island workforce for years to come." -Shanna Ferguson, Emerging Leaders Participant

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Scholarship Opportunity

If you are currently a high school senior, are in good standing, a Rhode Island resident and identify yourself as Black or Afro-Latino, we are currently accepting applications for our 2023 scholarship program.

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Leadership & Mentorship Program

Are you a youth or young adult between the ages of 18-30?

The LEAP (Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway) is a free 5-month cohort based program which mission is to train and support Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous and multi-racial youth and young adults through their academic and career goals. For more information on eligibility and to apply, click here.

Board of Directors Positions Available

Our vision is to create a more equitable and sustainable business environment in Rhode Island. Our purpose is to leverage the region’s core assets to find solutions in the areas that matter most to the business and community: quality jobs, quality growth, and quality of life for all.

If you are interested in becoming a member of RIBBA's Board of Directors to work and help push our vision further, apply today.

APPLY TODAY

Key Links

Obtaining Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification

RIBBA assists small businesses in Rhode Island with obtaining their MBE Certification, fill out a business profile today and register for the workshop to get started.

Senate leaders back $36M in tangible tax relief for RI businesses

https://www.wpri.com/news/politics-government/senate-leaders-back-ri-tangible-tax-relief-costing-36m-per-year/

Have you filed your Annual Report? Filing period: Feb. 1 - May 1 https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/file-your-annual-report