Power of the Pivot – CC Business Corporation Profile

Photo by Leo Selvaggio, RIBBA Volunteer Photographer

RIBBA’s mission is made possible by a stellar community of businesses, staff, volunteers, and supporters. We’d like to place a spotlight on one of the members of this incredible network: C.C. Business Corporation.

Marcellus Sharpe, Owner and President of CC Business Corporation, a business focusing on security services, office cleaning services, knows personally what it means to build, grow and adapt even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. This is a key ingredient for success in the world of business. Sharpe grew up in the Providence, RI area and spent some time between other locations such as Virginia, as he moved forward in the workforce, trying different jobs. As Marcellus did not attend college, it was very important to him to pursue other avenues of education and training and tapped into his strong sense of self-motivation to help him with this. In 1984, Marcellus officially embarked on the business owner path and started C.C. Business Corporation. These efforts paid off as he completed programs such as SCORE, through the SBDC, and started to pave the way toward notable leadership in business. A notable moment along this path included his receipt of the District Director Special Achievement Award from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 1995.

Photo by Leo Selvaggio, RIBBA Volunteer Photographer

Although Marcellus experienced success early on in his career, he didn’t go without weathering some challenges as well. A key event that propelled Marcellus forward into stepping out into entrepreneurship was when he lost a job within the cleaning industry that he had held for three years as a young professional. Another key to success in business is building a network and having meaningful and intentional conversations—something that Marcellus exemplified from the beginning of his career. When he was transitioning out of the company as result of job loss, he was committed to developing a solid plan, and had a pivotal conversation with the owner about his interest in starting a business. He received helpful recommendations such as: starting without partners to hold onto more equity, and begin with low overhead and startup costs to accelerate growth. This conversation led to the beginning of a mentoring relationship, to which Marcellus credits a lot of his success.

Some things that set C.C. Business Corporation apart include the relatively small size of the business (est. 40+ clients at a time) and personalization of the high quality customer service experience. It is important to Marcellus and C.C. Business Corporation to receive, address, and incorporate feedback about issues as soon as possible, which is something they take pride in. Marcellus and C.C. Business Corporation are committed to high quality process, results and experience, which does become challenging due to barriers such as hiring the most committed, competent, and skilled workers. Marcellus attributes the gap in finding the right talent within the security industry to a lack of adequate training for people to pursue this avenue. On the other hand, what does allow people to persevere in business despite challenges according to Marcellus is, physical and mental strength. In his own life and experience of running a business for over 37 years, he has experienced closed doors, a changing business landscape, increased barriers to success, and bureaucracy, but tenacity and determination along with the right resources, work ethic, and support have kept him on this path. One example of this is the resilience of the business structure amidst the pandemic. As Marcellus has previously learned the importance of diversifying business offerings and services, this was particularly helpful during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they pivoted away from office cleaning, and stayed solely with Security Guard and patrol services as this area grew increasingly complex during this challenging time.

No one achieves and sustains success in business without the right combination of support and resources. Marcellus is no stranger to this truth. In his years of being within the RIBBA network, he has received services including loans, marketing consultant & content development, legal consultant, financial consultant, collateral support loan program, all of which RIBBA is proud to make possible for many businesses in the network, in addition to other services and opportunities. Some advice that Marcellus offers for emerging and aspiring entrepreneurs is: demonstrate tenacity, find a mentor, you’re only as good as your last day’s work, there is no substitute for experience, and remember to work “on” your business, not “in” your business. As he turns the corner toward 40 years in business, his current focus is on continuing to strengthen the foundation and structure of the business, particularly in areas such as hiring and marketing, for the next phase of growth as he considers what his own next steps will entail and as he approaches the retirement season of his career.

Mr. Sharpe, along with RIBBA, is committed to and passionate about advancing equity and access within entrepreneurship and seeing an increased number of BIPOC owned businesses in the state continue to grow and shine. According to Marcellus, this will require commitment from the top down and from leadership of various industries and organizations. We are grateful for the commitment, leadership, and vision of entrepreneurs like Marcellus Sharpe that makes the work of RIBBA continue to expand and reach as many people as possible.

For more information about CC Business Corporation, please visit: http://www.ccbusinesscorp.com/index_security.php

For more information about RIBBA, please visit: https://ri-bba.org/

About the author: Stephanie Mireku is RIBBA’s volunteer Content Writer and works with businesses, volunteers, and community members to highlight their and RIBBA’s work. Her passion for writing of all kinds, and background in English and Business Administration fueled her interest in combining these areas through the Content Writer role. Stephanie first became involved with RIBBA through the LEAP Mentoring program as a mentee in the 2021 cohort. She is enthusiastic about relationship building, mission centric creativity, social impact, and philanthropy, and puts this into action through various outlets including her work as an Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Providence College.

 

 

Opinion/Ranglin: Now’s the time for investment that works for all of us

COVID-19 has laid bare the racism that has always existed throughout the US and right here in Rhode Island. For 400 plus years, Black Americans have been shut out of accessing the essential resources and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.

The Rhode Island Black Business Association has continued to work tirelessly since our inception 10 years ago to create a more equitable business environment.  RIBBA helps businesses and professional with access to capital, contracting, business development resources, entrepreneur training, advocacy, and workforce development.  RIBBA, like other Black-owned or led small businesses, has been undercapitalized to the detriment of the Black and brown business communities.

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Business Highlight: “All About the Hustle” – All About the Look Eyelash Studio Profile

RIBBA’s mission is made possible by a stellar community of businesses, staff, volunteers, and supporters. We’d like to place a spotlight on one of the members of this incredible network: All About the Look Eyelash Studio.

The story of All About the Look Eyelash Studio is one of four letter Gs: grit, grace, grind, and growth. Hollee Freeman-Nunes, owner of the studio, is a woman with an honorable mission, an admirable resiliency, and an unwavering commitment. Hollee’s journey to entrepreneurship is equal parts unique and inspiring. Despite always having an interest in cosmetology, she began her career in K-12 education, and specifically inclusion; having a background in Special Education, Multicultural Education, and English as a Second Language (ESL), and served as a teacher for over 20 years. While teaching at Hanley Career & Technical Center toward the end of her teaching career, Hollee worked directly with students in the Cosmetology program, where her interest in this field continued to grow as she saw her passion in action with the students. Despite some resistance from others along the way and questions about the viability of cosmetology as a career path, Hollee pushed forward, with some personal encouragement to open an eyelash studio despite not having a formal business background.

All About the Look Eyelash Studio is all about empowerment and confidence. Hollee, together with her daughter, Geiana, and family friend, Carolina, have not only weathered the storm of Covid-19 as a relatively new business, but also have found ways to innovate and create community within the industry. Services offered by All About the Look include: eyelash extensions, lifts, and tints, brow shaping, microblading, and tinting, facial treatment, collagen induction treatment, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, body waxing, full face makeup, and temporary tattoos. Some of the aspects that set them apart from other similar businesses include the educational component (lash class), and attention to detail whether it is innovating their existing craft, prioritizing cleanliness, and sharing educational opportunities. At this point in their trajectory, All About the Look Eyelash Studio is focused on strengthening their foundation and resources in order to move into the next phase of growth which could include expanding staff, services, and scope.

Although All About the Look has made a name and reputation for itself, they have faced and continue to face some significant challenges. Covid-19 has unfortunately shaken the foundation of many small businesses, and All About the Look is not exempt from this. From a decrease in customer patronization, to a need to shift elements such as capacity and protocol in order to comply with local and regional guidelines, to increased competition and decreased resources, All About the Look Eyelash Studio has had to seek additional support, take some risks, and redefine success in this unprecedented time.

It takes a special kind of person and a unique type of place to be the business owner, and business, respectively that can weather a storm of this level. One aspect of many that particularly shines about Hollee and her studio is a combination of brave and deep honesty, as well as courageous and inspiring hope. Hollee is not a stranger to resistance and growth mindset as having been an educator for over 2 decades, and that foundation has served her well along with her commitment to and passion for the field of cosmetology. Her relatability, authenticity, drive, and talent come across in all that she does. Her advice to emerging and prospective entrepreneurs, even as she charters new territory, is to “be ready to make mistakes, it’s ok if you go backwards for a time, if it’s time to let go, do so, and don’t overthink but just do it”. Not only does she say it, but she lives it—the only way to know is to try just as the only way to gain is to risk. Although there are some things she has had to learn in practice along the way, it is clear that Hollee leads with purpose and acts with intention, all with the welfare of her team, customers, and community in mind. In fact, another aspiration that Hollee has is to find a way to serve formerly incarcerated women by helping them re-enter the workforce equipped with an updated wardrobe. It nicely complements the mission of All About the Look Eyelash Studio, which is to: “We promise to efficiently and safely take care of all your aesthetic needs with our knowledge and our expertise!” To Hollee, and to All About the Look Eyelash Studio, giving back is a priority.

As Hollee and All About the Look Eyelash Studio navigate this next stage of growth and development, some areas that are of priority include financial support, operational strength, capacity building, and network development. Fortunately, these are all areas that RIBBA specializes in with regard to business and community development, and Hollee looks forward to further collaboration with the Association. As a member of the Advocacy and Policy Committee, and as a business owner in the RIBBA network, Hollee is active in both helping build and benefit from the advocacy, investment, and development that RIBBA is committed to everyday with respect to businesses in the Ocean State, and particularly those owned and operated by members of marginalized communities.

To learn more about Hollee, and All About the Look Eyelash Studio, please visit their webpage.

To learn more about RIBBA, and how to get involved, please visit our webpage.

About the author: Stephanie Mireku is RIBBA’s volunteer Content Writer and works with businesses, volunteers, and community members to highlight their and RIBBA’s work. Her passion for writing of all kinds, and background in English and Business Administration fueled her interest in combining these areas through the Content Writer role. Stephanie first became involved with RIBBA through the LEAP Mentoring program as a mentee in the 2021 cohort. She is enthusiastic about relationship building, mission centric creativity, social impact, and philanthropy, and puts this into action through various outlets including her work as an Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Providence College.

Data Research Project Volunteer

The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the 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.  

RIBBA is made up of individuals and businesses of all sizes and membership is open to the public. The organization strives to build a purpose-driven Association where people unite and take actions to create lasting change. RIBBA values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, abilities, socioeconomic status, culture, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
 

About the Data Research Volunteer Position 

A researcher and data specialist is needed to help the Rhode Island Black Business Association dissect state and national data to better understand the needs of Black businesses.
 

Key responsibilities 

  • Supporting quantitative and/or qualitative analyses, including cleaning, organizing, and analyzing data  
  • Creating a database of studies and research that can be utilized in various communications 
  • Creating business surveys as needed, analyzing, and presenting that data 
  • Producing high-quality visuals to be used in a range of deliverables 
  • Assisting in writing sections of reports, briefs, memos, and other research and policy documents 

Job Competencies  

  •     Strong knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods 
  •     Excellent organizational skills 
  •     Highly motivated and self-directed, with strong interpersonal skills 
  •     1-2 years of relevant experience preferred 

To apply, please email your resume to getinvolved@ri-bba.org.

RIBBA Launches ‘Leadership Speaker Series’ to Commemorate 10 Years in Business

Series will launch with a ‘The State of Rhode Island’s Black Economy & Business’ panel event on Tuesday, April 27th from 6-7:30 pm

Providence, RI – April 13, 2021 – The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA), a 10 year-old non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the business opportunities and vitality of Black-owned businesses in RI, announces a virtual event series to commemorate the important role RIBBA has played in supporting and growing Rhode Island’s Black businesses over the last 10 years. The series will bring together outstanding leaders from the private, government and nonprofit sectors to discuss economic recovery and development.

The series will launch with a panel event on Tuesday, April 27th from 6-7:30 pm on ‘The State of Rhode Island’s Black Economy & Business’. The panel will discuss the Black-American recovery and the importance of Black business development efforts.

The panel will offer insight from the following economic, business, and investment experts:

  • Melissa Husband: RI Deputy Secretary of State/Director of Administration – RI Department of State
  • Anthony Rust: Impact Fund Manager, BEI Business Equity Fund; Chair of the Investment Committee, Warren Wilson College
  • R. Anthony Rolle: Dean, Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies – University of Rhode Island
  • Angela Ankoma: Vice President Executive Director of Equity Leadership – Rhode Island Foundation
  • Moderator: Robin Gibbs: Regional Director, Office of International Advancement – Brown University; Board of Director Member at RIBBA

RIBBA’s vision is to create a more equitable business environment where all businesses and professionals can grow and thrive. Their founding, in March of 2011, came after community and local leaders mobilized to tackle issues affecting small businesses in underserved cities. This group conducted both community input sessions and random sampling to fully understand the gaps and priorities for effectively fostering minority small business efforts. RIBBA has worked over the last 10 years to provide Black and minority businesses with access to capital, contracting, business development resources, entrepreneur training, business advocacy, meaningful investor services, and workforce development.

“We are proud to launch the Leadership Speaker Series with a panel event highlighting the future of the Black Economy, the role Black businesses can play in the economic recovery, and the need for a transparent and equitable playing field,” said Lisa Ranglin – Executive Director of RIBBA. “Black businesses are the backbone of the Black community, but for far too long have had minimal access to investment and opportunity due to historic oppression and structural racism.”

To register for the event, click here. To learn more about RIBBA membership, programs, or services, contact amanda@ri-bba.org.

About RIBBA The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the 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.

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Rhode Island Black Business Association Receives $50,000 Donation from Partnership for Rhode Island

Funds celebrate RIBBA’s 10 year anniversary and mark a greater investment in supporting organizations that promote racial equity

Providence, RI March 31, 2021.  The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA), a 10 year-old non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the business opportunities and vitality of Black-owned businesses in RI, is pleased to announce a charitable contribution in the amount of $50,000 from Partnership for Rhode Island. This commitment follows Partnership for Rhode Island’s commitment to increasing racial equity and opportunity in the state and will be used to increase RIBBA’s overall program and service delivery capacity.

RIBBA has worked over the last 10 years to create a more equitable business environment in Rhode Island through access to capital, contracting, business development resources, entrepreneur training, advocacy, meaningful investor services, and workforce development. COVID-19 eliminated 41% of Black-owned businesses nationwide (Federal Reserve Bank of New York; August 2020). This loss has demonstrated an urgent need for investment in Black businesses.

The Partnership for RI funding follows a $50,000 donation from the Rhode Island Foundation, a member of the Partnership for RI, in December of 2020. This greater investment in RIBBA comes on the heels of a national reckoning that structural racism exists and holds back many Black and brown communities from achieving access to opportunity and economic prosperity.

“This generous donation from Partnership for Rhode Island signifies a confidence in RIBBA’s historic and groundbreaking work over the last 10 years,” said Lisa Ranglin – Executive Director of RIBBA. “COVID-19 has been completely devastating for Black and brown communities and the time to act is now. This investment provides us with the ability to grow and have greater impact in the communities we serve through programs and services that scale businesses, create jobs, advance careers, and improve over-all economic health.  We thank the Partnership for Rhode Island for their support!”

“We are excited by the growth and mission of RIBBA and hope that our support, and their continued impact statewide, will encourage others to recommit to a more equitable and sustainable business environment in Rhode Island,” said Tom Giordano – Executive Director of The Partnership for Rhode Island.

To learn more about RIBBA’s programs, services, or to contribute, go to www.ri-bba.org or contact amanda@ri-bba.org.

 

About RIBBA 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.

About Partnership for Rhode Island

The Partnership for Rhode Island is a non-profit, 501c4 organization focused on making Rhode Island a better place to live, work, learn and do business. Led by Tom Giordano, the Partnership has, the four years since its founding, has investment millions in public-private partnerships, hired tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders and has scaled programs in K-12, workforce development, energy infrastructure and business attraction. Founded at the urging of former Governor Raimondo, this active group has tackled some of the largest issues facing our state such as the turnaround of Providence Public School District, Covid-19 related unemployment to clean energy goals.

March 2021 Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

 

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