The controversial and questionable sentiment that there are not enough leaders and emerging leaders of color positioned for growth in the state of Rhode Island has been crushed by the weight of achievement and drive demonstrated by the participants of the program’s inaugural cohort and the impact of their stories is amplified by data. According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Rhode Island as quoted by Ruth McCambridge for the Nonprofit Quarterly, as recently as 2020, “even though people of color make up 30 percent of the state’s (Rhode Island) population, only three percent of the chief executive officers of that state’s nonprofits are led by people of color, and only 10 percent of board members are of color”(Nonprofit Quarterly). Lisa Ranglin specifically addressed this issue when she spoke about the program and described what it means to her, sharing that the impact is in the output, which is 25 leaders of color who have all successfully emerged from the program inspired, prepared, confident and motivated to not only excel and take their space but also uplift others and pay it forward for future generations of leaders to come.

In October of 2021, 25 up and coming, diverse professionals and business owners started a collective leadership journey as the first-ever Emerging Leaders Development Program Cohort.

During those 6 months, the leaders had training sessions, worked with a career coach, mentor, flexed new skills, and identified their authentic leadership style. The program wrapped up in March 2022 and we are proud to share that over 60% of the cohort has experienced job growth - from promotions, to new opportunities, to wage increases, and more responsibilities. We're overwhelmed with gratitude and awe for these 25 individuals and what they bring to the state of Rhode Island.

Thanks to Emerging Leader Farouk Ajakaiye for putting together this fantastic and powerful video. Learn more about the Marketing/Video Marketing Strategist at: www.byrouk.com

The Young Adult Business Pitch Competition is an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to develop and pitch an idea for the chance to win up to $3,000. The Competition is for young adults who live in Rhode Island, are Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, and are aged 18-30.

Winners can win a variety of prizes, ranging from $1,000 – $3,000 grants in addition to other business growth services from RIBBA. The final competition is scheduled to take place April 30, 2022, 10 am to 1 pm at Biz Bodega, Manton Ave Business Support Center, at 222 Manton Ave in Providence, RI. All entrepreneurs invited to the final competition will receive training on preparing and presenting a business pitch to ensure each competitor has the skills and information to be as successful as possible.

For more information or questions, please contact smallbizhelp@ri-bba.org.

Tomás Ávila, the Director of the Rhode Island Office of Diversity, Equity, & Opportunity. Tomás will be presenting on “Rumbo to A RI MBE Economy”. Tomás was appointed by Governor Daniel J. McKee as the associate director of the state Office of Diversity, Equity, and Opportunity, to insure the fullest possible participation of firms owned and controlled by minorities and women (MBE's) in state funded and state directed public construction programs and projects and the state purchases of goods and services, and developing recruitment and retention activities to promote diversity, and ensuring compliance with the federal and state laws and regulations.

Our business development programs and services are here to help Black, Indigenous, & Person of Color owned businesses receive the essential resources they need to achieve sustainable growth.

Fill out an application to begin receiving FREE business services or contact us for more information.

RIBBA, in partnership with our charitable arm that focuses on empowerment and training related activities – the Institute of Economic Empowerment & Development (IEED), are now accepting applications for our 2022 Scholarship.

Scholarship award amounts vary from $500-$1000 for each individual student. To date, RIBBA has given out over $50,000 in scholarships to Black students entering college or university. For more information on how to apply, click below.

The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) is currently seeking nominations for individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. We are always on the lookout for strategic and skilled individuals who can strengthen the effectiveness of our board as we build our advocacy & policy, governance, fund development, and finance committees. RIBBA welcomes you to present nominations and self-nominations for consideration for the board positions.

To view the Board of Director Position Description, Click Here.

To view the Key Requirements being sought, Click Here.

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.