RIBBA

RIBBA

Share

RIBBA's services and programs are open to all Rhode Islanders. We are here to help! Membership is open to the public.

RIBBA is a non-profit organization committed to closing the wealth gap in RI by empowering all residents to thrive and fostering opportunities for future generations. RIBBA is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to advancing vitality of businesses and career professionals in Rhode Island through contracting, business development resources, entrepreneur training, business advocacy, financ

06/11/2026

📣Business Owners! Gain visibility for your venture during RI Summer of Soccer. ⚽

More than 800,000 visitors from around the world will be coming to the Ocean State this summer. This is your chance to spotlight your business and connect with new customers as a vendor. 🌎

The PVD Fan Zone starts today, June 11 through July 19 (Apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPGDJ-eVIllOXLPADC5PpwmIrDHi9tPa4ZpzEjP_vOqSN23A/viewform) and the RI Small Business Shopping Village at Providence Place Mall is June through August. (Apply: https://bit.ly/ShoppingVillageApplication 🛍️

RIBBA clients and businesses who have worked with our partner organizations may be eligible for sponsorship assistance with vendor fees. Contact us with questions or for more information at [email protected] or 401-383-1179. 🚀

➡️Learn More: https://conta.cc/3S8x2l8

06/10/2026

✂️ Recently, the RIBBA team was happy to celebrate The Community Room and owner Samantha Vaughan on their grand opening, congratulations! 🥳

Their vibrant space in Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI is your go-to for coffee, creativity, connection, and good energy. We are proud to support your journey and can't wait to see you thrive. Here's to many amazing moments ahead! ✨️

Need business support? 🔗 Reach out to us: ribba.org/small-business-programs

06/08/2026

🚨 Reminder: The application deadline for our Young Adult Business Pitch is June 11th! Rhode Island entrepreneurs ages 18–30 — don’t miss your chance to pitch your business idea. 💡 Whether you have an established business or just an idea, this is your opportunity to connect with industry experts, gain feedback, and secure funding to bring your vision to life. 💼✨

📍 RIBBA Hub, 220 Smith St., Providence, RI
🎤 Showcase Event: Saturday, August 8, 2026

⏳ Hurry! Apply now before the deadline: ribba.org/business-pitch/apply

🚀 Calling all young entrepreneurs ages 18–30!

Apply for RIBBA's Young Adult Business Pitch Competition for a chance to pitch your business idea, connect with industry experts, and secure funding to grow your venture. 💼✨

📍 RIBBA Hub, 220 Smith St., Providence, RI
🎤 Showcase Event: Saturday, August 8, 2026
⏰ Application Deadline: Thursday, June 11th

➡️ Interested in pitching? Apply today: ribba.org/business-pitch/apply

06/05/2026

🎉 RIBBA proudly supports the grand opening of The Community Room, a new café and community space in Pawtucket! Founded by entrepreneur Samantha Vaughan, this space was launched with support from RIBBA's entrepreneurial programs, including mentorship, business advising, and startup funding.

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street, for the ribbon cutting ✂ at 6:30 PM and celebrate local entrepreneurs making a difference in our community!

We’re officially opening and YOUR INVITED✨

Join me as we open the first BLACK WOMAN OWNED event space + café IN RHODE ISLAND —

The Community Room 🤍

Come celebrate the Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting (6pm), Small Bites, Curated Bar, DJ, and all the Good Vibes.

This space was built with so much intention, and I can’t wait for you to experience it 🫶🏽

🗓 Saturday, June 6th
⏰ 6–9PM
📍 Hope Artiste Village
1005 Main Street, Unit #8211
Pawtucket, RI

RSVP https://linktr.ee/thecommunityroom

Let’s celebrate something special together ✨

06/03/2026

We are excited to announce that tickets for our Annual Awards Gala are officially available! 🎉

You are invited to join us as we celebrate our "Sweet 16" and 16 years of empowering Rhode Island’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals at our premier black-tie fundraising event. 🌟 Over 500 guests—including business owners, corporate leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders—will gather for an unforgettable night of networking, recognition, and giving back. 🤝

🎟 Buy Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-awards-gala-5

📅 Date: Friday, August 28th, 2026
🕕 Time: 6 PM - 9:30 PM
📍 Location: Kirkbrae Country Club, Lincoln, RI

Early bird ticket sales end July 1st, be sure to secure your tickets soon! If you have any questions regarding tickets, donations, or partnerships, contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to celebrating with you. ✨

05/29/2026

As we close out Small Business Month, we're proud to celebrate another successful loan closing with one of our clients, Cristobal Rincon, founder and owner of Horizon Robotics Lab. 🎉

Cristobal shared that before connecting with RIBBA, he didn't have a clear plan for how to move his business forward. Through guidance, support, and resources from our team, he was able to create a pathway toward his goals and secure funding to continue growing his business.

The funds will be used to develop new products designed to guide and inspire individuals on their engineering journey. We're excited to see the continued impact Horizon Robotics will make!

At , we are dedicated to helping RI small businesses access the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Are you a small business owner looking for support? Visit ribba.org/small-business-programs to get started today! 🚀

Photos from RIBBA's post 05/28/2026

AFRICAN RESTAURANT WEEK IS ALMOST HERE! 🎉

We are excited to celebrate African Restaurant Week in honor of RI Summer of Soccer from June 1st–7th, 2026! Join us as we explore the rich culinary traditions of Africa while supporting the amazing local restaurants that bring culture, flavor, and community to Rhode Island. 🍽️

This is the perfect opportunity to visit, support, and discover the incredible African-owned restaurants right here in our community! Grab your friends, family, and fellow food lovers and make it a week full of great food, culture, and connection!

Participating Restaurants:
🔸Suya Joint – 320 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903
🔸Village Restaurant – 200 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
🔸JoRo – 114 Spruce St, Providence, RI 02903
🔸Deddeh's Kitchen – 418 Pine St, Providence, RI 02903
🔸Toyin African Restaurant – 45 Central St, Providence, RI 02907
🔸Kebbeh African Restaurant – 850 Admiral St, Providence, RI 02904
🔸Ten Rocks – 1091 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
🔸Noobai – 434 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI 02860
🔸Auntie's House – 287 Pawtucket Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860
🔸Incredabowl Food Truck
🔸Tugas Restaurant – 110 Mineral Spring Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860
🔸Afrique_d_lounge – 126 Spruce Street Providence, RI 02903

🔗 Visit https://members.ribba.org/ap/Events/Register/register to learn more.

Make sure to tell them RIBBA's Rhode Island African Restaurant Week sent you when you visit! 👏

05/22/2026

You are Invited to Rhode Island African Restaurant Week! 🎉

Celebrate the RI Summer of Soccer from June 1st to 7th, 2026! Join us in exploring the rich culinary traditions of Africa and supporting local businesses. Experience vibrant flavors, culture, and community while celebrating this exciting global event! ⚽

🔗 Register to learn more and receive updates on participating restaurants: ribba.org/subscribe

Stay tuned for more information coming soon!

Photos from RIBBA's post 05/21/2026

This week, we proudly launched our LEAP Mentorship & Training Program! 🎉

Ten young leaders are now on a to gain essential tools, guidance, and confidence to elevate their careers and set the stage for future success. ✨

Our first session, led by Sterling Spellman and Renzo Arteta from Leadership Rhode Island, introduced participants to CliftonStrengths and explored how individual strengths can drive success in professional settings, everyday life, and academics. 💼

Early career development is crucial for building a strong foundation for long-term achievement. This cohort-based program is designed to empower young talent with the skills, mentorship, and resources to navigate challenges and unlock new opportunities. 💪

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply: ribba.org/leap-program 🚀

Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Providence?
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Telephone

Address


220 Smith Street
Providence, RI
02908

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm