December 2021 Newsletter
Dear Friend,

As we reflect on the last two years, we couldn’t be prouder of our entire community – staff, volunteers, members, board of directors, and clients - for withstanding this unimaginable pandemic. Together we have overcome so much and will continue to persevere through the unknown.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, RIBBA has worked with over 500 business owners and professionals to provide them with programs and support services to help them thrive and find economic self sufficiency. Our community has grown and with it our power to impact change and advocate for equitable resources. 

RIBBA works diligently to create a stronger, more dynamic and prosperous business community. As a member of RIBBA, your business enjoys a competitive edge with leadership opportunities, connections to business leaders and business-building initiatives.  

As we close out one year and look to another, we invite you to join the association and get involved with our economic development strategy for the larger community. RIBBA works diligently to provide return on your membership investment by offering a wide array of educational workshops, networking opportunities, business marketing, referrals and discounts to businesses affiliated with RIBBA. 

Together, we're stronger and our strength enables us all to do more. Regardless of your situation, you are sure to find like-minded peers, expert insights, new business connections and opportunities. 

Become a member and discover the power of an ally, advocate, and change agent standing behind you, your business, career and our community. 

Sincerely,

Lisa Ranglin
Founder and Executive Director
Rhode Island Black Business Association
14 Businesses Receive November's Forgivable Micro-Loan
Forgivable Micro Loan Program for Minority-Owned Small Businesses
The Rhode Island Black Business Association is proud to offer the Forgivable Micro Loan Program to boost Black or minority-owned small businesses. Our Forgivable Micro Loans are similar to normal loans except, once businesses have used the funds for their intended purposes, the loans will be forgiven.

Rhode Island's Black and minority-owned small businesses are a vital part of our economy, and their success is vital to the sustained economic growth and prosperity of our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted minority-owned businesses. Given this, RIBBA is distributing forgivable loans to businesses owned and operated by people of color.

Current clients are invited to complete our self-assessment survey linked here and below. If you are not an existing client of RIBBA, we invite you to begin the enrollment process to become a client by using the New Client button below.
For questions or additional information, please contact us via email: angel@ri-bba.org or by phone: 401-383-1179.
Emerging Leader Interview: Edinalia Lopes of IGT
Edinalia Lopes is a Financial Analyst at IGT and a participant in the inaugural Emerging Leaders Development Program presented by RIBBA. 

What has being a part of the Emerging Leaders Program meant to you?
Being part of the Leadership program means many different things for me. It gives me a chance to network with other professionals from RI, from different industries/cultures. Though I am not currently in a leadership position, this program caught my eye because I would like to grow in my career and this program is a way for me to learn more about what I personally need to get there. I wish this type of program was part of college/grad school curriculum because so many of the things we are learning can help everyone not only in their careers but also understand what leadership qualities they have and what they need to work on to strengthen. The program has given me a chance to step back from the day to day things I do for my career and evaluate myself; learn more about myself and learn about what qualities I have to become a great leader.

What’s the most significant think you’ve learned so far?
The program is teaching me more on how to be a genuine/unique leader and I feel like I couldn’t learn that elsewhere. Before this I felt like I had to fit a mold and follow what past leaders have done to be successful but now I am starting to understand how my unique abilities and characteristics can help me get to where I want to go.  I think that is the most significant thing I have learned; that I can become a leader using my own strengths and not have to change everything about myself to be the type of a leader that others might expect me to be.
LEAP Mentor Program - 3rd Cohort Launched!
On December 2nd, RIBBA welcomed 15 new mentees into the newly expanded LEAP Mentor Program. These 15 young adults will work with mentors over the next 5 months to refine their goals and navigate barriers to achieving them.

In addition, the newly expanded program will provide not just mentorship, but also help each participant identify and utilize their strengths, provide education on financial literacy and work readiness, as well 1:1 sessions with career and financial coaches.

Since the program's start, we've been able to support over 40 mentees. We're grateful to our sponsor Bay Coast and funding partner Real Jobs Rhode Island for making this expanded program a reality.

For more information on upcoming cohorts, please contact Amanda Roman | Director of Program Development & Operations | amanda@ri-bba.org.
RIBBA in the news: R.I. Commerce board awards $1.4M to support small businesses, nonprofits
PROVIDENCE – As the economy emerges from the pandemic crisis, the R.I. Commerce Corp. board of directors on Monday approved the awarding of $1.4 million in Innovation Network Matching Grants to firms and nonprofits that support small businesses in the state.
Let's Grow Your Business Together. We have FREE Business Support Services for you to take advantage of!
Our business development programs and services are here to help Providence-based minority businesses receive the essential resources they need to achieve sustainable growth.

Fill out an application here to begin receiving FREE business services or contact us for more information.
Next General Membership Meeting
Join us for our monthly general membership meeting to learn more about what's happening at RIBBA and about relevant opportunities for you and your business to take advantage of.

Our next General Membership Meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 25th from 6-7:30 pm
Welcome New RIBBA Member!
Volunteer Opportunities
RIBBA’s impact is dependent on not just staff, but also the dedicated volunteers in our community that support our very important work. Below are our current volunteer opportunities.






RIBBA is always looking for skills-based volunteers to help drive our mission forward. Please click below to share your your volunteer interest with the team.
Become a member
Discover the power of an ally, advocate, & change agent standing behind you, your business, career & our community. 
You can have an impact today
Your contribution will provide direct support for
RIBBA’s programs and services that directly impact Rhode Island's Black Business community.