Apr 28, 2025 RIBBA Celebrates 15 Years of Impact at Annual Meeting in Providence, RI
RIBBA is thrilled to invite the public to its highly anticipated Annual Meeting, an inspiring celebration of community, impact, and vision. This year’s event, themed “15 Years Forward: Measured by Impact, Remembered by Stories,” will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 5 PM – 7:30 PM at the Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence, RI.
This milestone event marks 15 years of RIBBA’s unwavering commitment to eliminating the wealth gap so all Rhode Islanders can thrive. Attendees will experience an unforgettable evening filled with powerful success stories, recognition of scholarship recipients, and the announcement of RIBBA’s incoming board of directors—all while networking in an atmosphere of celebration and purpose.
An Evening You Don’t Want to Miss
Guests will enjoy:
- Cocktail Hour & Networking: Mingle with business owners, professionals, and local leaders while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
- RIBBA Marketplace: Discover and support RIBBA vendors showcasing their unique products and services.
- Keynote Speakers: Be inspired by the voices of Rhode Island Senator Tiara Mack and Representative David Morales, two dynamic leaders driving meaningful change in our state.
- Stories of Transformation: Hear firsthand from RIBBA’s workforce and business development program participants about how their lives and careers have been forever changed.
“Over the past 15 years, RIBBA has evolved into one of the most impactful and fastest growing grassroots organizations in the state,” said Lisa Ranglin, President & CEO of RIBBA. “This event is not just a celebration of our legacy—it is a call to action to continue building pathways to prosperity for all Rhode Islanders.”
The Impact Behind the Celebration
- 6,000+ small businesses reached out to
- 1,500+ small businesses served directly
- Empowered 50+ M/WBEs, contributing $27 million+ to Rhode Island’s economy
- $1.9+ million in capital secured by clients
- 1,260+ mentorship hours delivered
- 215+ individuals trained, 98% graduation rate
- 90 employees trained from major companies and organizations in RI
RIBBA has made significant progress in supporting small businesses in Rhode Island, which currently ranks last in “business climate” and “access to resources”. With 29,000 job openings and only 15,232 unemployed workers, the state is facing a workforce challenge, leaving just 53 workers available for every 100 open jobs. In this tough labor market, RIBBA’s business development program is crucial for overcoming barriers to entrepreneurial growth, while its workforce development program helps address the skills gap in the state by equipping participants with valuable training and professional networks.
Our programs directly address pressing community issues, such as reducing food insecurity, securing better-paying jobs, facilitating homeownership, and improving financial security. By empowering individuals with the tools necessary for success, RIBBA is helping to create a dynamic workforce capable of meeting local employer demands and driving the state’s economy forward.
Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your network and make meaningful connections while celebrating impactful stories of success! Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited space.