Creating Opportunity - Building Community

The Rhode Island Black Business Association

RIBBA Membership

It’s your Association – claim your level of engagement!

We are excited to transition to a membership model that gives our members more benefits and choices. You choose your annual level of membership based on the programs, services, community and advocacy that your business needs. Regardless of your situation, you will find expert insights, like-minded peers, new connections, and business opportunities. Your support and membership help strengthen the RIBBA business ecosystem.

Become a member today and discover the power of having RIBBA as an ally, advocate and change agent standing with you, your business and career.

Become a Member

Digital Empowerment for Entrepreneurs!

RIBBA, in Partnership with Empower by GoDaddy, are providing digital empowerment to business owners in our network. Through Empower by GoDaddy, we equip entrepreneurs in communities with training, tools, and peer networks to help small businesses establish and improve an effective digital presence.

Apply Here

Small Business Support

We provide programs, services, and loans designed to help small businesses grow, build sustainable wealth, and create jobs to impact their communities.

Apply for Business Support Here

New Headquarters Announced for RIBBA

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza joined Lisa Ranglin, Founder, President & CEO of the Rhode Island Black Business Association, United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Neil Steinberg, President & CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, Keith Stokes, Providence Director of Business & Development and community members, to announce the acquisition of an office building located at 220 Smith St., Providence. The property will serve as RIBBA’s new headquarters as well as an Equity Business Hub.

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RIBBA’s Annual Awards Gala

You are cordially invited to attend RIBBA’s 2022 Annual Awards Gala on Friday, October 28th from 6-11 pm at the Omni Hotel in Providence. Our Awards Gala is a prestigious, nominated awards program.

Learn More & Buy Tickets Here

Welcome to the Rhode Island Black Business Association

The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing business opportunities and vitality of Black-owned and minority businesses in Rhode Island through access to capital, contracting, business development resources, entrepreneur training, business advocacy, meaningful investor services, and workforce development.

Our vision is to create a more equitable and sustainable business environment in Rhode Island. Our purpose is to leverage the region’s core assets to find solutions in the areas that matter most to the business and community: quality jobs, quality growth, and quality of life for all.

How We Accomplish This

Business Development Programs

RIBBA provides programs and services to support businesses of all sizes in their sustainable growth and equitable talent development.

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Workforce Development Programs

IEED is the charitable arm of the Rhode Island Black Business Association. IEED provides workforce development programs to train a sustainable generation of diverse, empowered, and well-informed individuals.

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Advocacy

If you need an advocate on your side at City Hall or with state agencies, we will guide you through the governmental bureaucracy, and speak on your behalf at agency meetings and hearings.

Coming Soon!

Get Involved

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support of RIBBA leads to positive business growth, jobs, and pathways for sustainable community development that closes the gap on income and wealth inequalities. We hope you’ll consider supporting our programs and community directly at one of the following levels.

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Volunteer

We have multiple online volunteer opportunities available. If you’ve got access to a computer, we have short and long-term volunteer projects and roles available — from your home or anywhere with an Internet connection.

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