Here's What's Happening at RIBBA 

Hello Lisa,

Are you looking to advance your career?

Applications are now open for the 2023-2024 Emerging Leaders Development Program!

Apply Here: https://ri-bba.org/emergingleaders

The program is designed and has proven to provide emerging leaders and mid-level professionals with the tools needed to advance their careers, acquire and sharpen their communication and leadership skills while building on their professional and personal brand and networks.

This 7-month program is beginning in October 2023 and is in partnership with the University of Rhode Island and funded by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training (RI DLT) Real Jobs initiative.

RIBBA is currently looking for community and business members to take part in organizing RIBBA’s Annual Awards Gala. If you are interested in joining the Gala Event committee, click here to sign up.

Cheer on the participants of RIBBA's Business Pitch Competition!

During the month of August, which is National Black Business Month, RIBBA will be hosting a Business Pitch Competition on Saturday, August 26, 2023 (Please note new, rescheduled date!) at 10AM at Sprout Coworking in Providence, RI. This will be an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to develop and pitch an idea for the chance to win up to $3,000. If you would like to attend the competition to cheer on the participants register here.

Are you unemployed or underemployed and need to boost your career or skills?

Join us, Tuesday, August 22, 2023, from 6PM - 7:30PM to learn more about the RIBBA x RI DLT new initiative to support Rhode Islanders. We will also be sharing all of the career training opportunities available at RIBBA including the Emerging Leaders Development Program, the Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway (LEAP) Mentorship & Training Program and opportunities to become a mentor.

This event will be happening virtually on Zoom and is open to everyone.

Now Accepting Applications for our 2023-2024 Leadership Equity Accelerated Program

The LEAP (Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway) Mentorship & Training Program is a free 5-month cohort based program which mission is to empower, train and support Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous and multi-racial youth and young adults, ages 18-30, through their academic and career goals.

The program aims to build capacity and develop necessary professional skills. In addition, participants will be matched with a mentor. The mentor’s role is to provide honest and constructive feedback while sharing their knowledge, skills and experience in guiding the participant down a productive and goal-oriented path.

Northeast Regional BIPOC/ Minority Business & Nonprofit Conference Tradeshow & Networking Event

The Diversity Business Exhibit is taking place Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI. It is the leading networking event in Southern New England for the racially diverse business and nonprofit communities. Utilizing the power of collaboration, the 501(c)(3) organization facilitates regional strategic connections across state lines, creating far reaching economically impactful platforms via high-profile events and productions directed towards large scale audiences.

Come grow your professional relationships with like minded individuals and organizations from across the Northeast. Expand your spheres of influence by creating authentic connections with the movers and shakers in the region. Increase your list of contacts and leads while building genuine relationships throughout a day filled with exciting activities and curated experiences.

August is National Black Business Month

It is the mission of RIBBA to reach every Black owned business in Rhode Island. Historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. founded National Black Business Month in August 2004. The purpose was to “drive the policy agenda affecting the 2.6 million African American businesses.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black business owners account for about 10 percent of U.S. businesses and about 30 percent of all minority-owned businesses, that amounts to approximately two million companies owned by African Americans.

RIBBA is here to support all black and minority owned businesses in RI. Fill out an intake form today and get in touch with a Small Business Specialist.

Visit the RIBBA team at Power the Future!

When: Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 8:30AM - 3:30PM

Where: Rhode Island Convention Center

1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI 02903

This event is open to the public and is a career awareness and workforce development exposition for youth and their parents/guardians to learn more about industries of the future.

Key Links

Community Focus: Rhode Island Black Business Association's Lisa Ranglin discusses Black Business Month and support of RI's Black-Owned Businesses: https://www.wpri.com/video/community-focus-ri-black-business-associations-lisa-ranglin/8905843/

Governor McKee Signs Legislation Providing Businesses Relief from the State’s Tangible Property Tax: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-signs-legislation-providing-businesses-relief-states-tangible

Obtaining Minority/ Women Business Enterprise (MBE/ WBE) Certification:

RIBBA assists small businesses in Rhode Island with obtaining their MBE or WBE Certification, fill out this form today to get started.

Resources

Per the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training

Jobseeker and Employee Information - English and Spanish

Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance Information - English and Spanish

Employer Resources - English and Spanish