PROVIDENCE, RI (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) will soon have a brand new home.
RIBBA, which advocates for and supports black-owned small businesses in the state, celebrated the acquisition of its new headquarters on Monday.
The new headquarters will be on Smith Street, just around the corner from the Rhode Island State Capitol.
“The purchase of these new offices is both an investment in our organization’s future and our community,” said RIBBA President Lisa Ranglin. “The hard work and commitment of our employees, board, partners and members has enabled us to make this acquisition from a position of growth and strength. We’re excited about what this means for our members and community.”
sense. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse were awarded $1 million and $500,000, respectively, in federal funding to help RIBBA expand its programs, services and outreach. The Capital and the Rhode Island Foundation also each donated $135,700 to the organization.
“From this new Smith Street headquarters, the Rhode Island Black Business Association will now have room to significantly expand the resources it provides to Black entrepreneurs and small business owners,” Whitehouse said. “The additional support will pay dividends to the community through job creation and business growth.”
The new headquarters “will serve as an equity business hub for local small businesses and professionals, providing co-working spaces and state-of-the-art training facilities for RIBBA members and partners,” Reed said.
“It’s about strategically supporting and empowering Rhode Island’s Black entrepreneurs and start-ups to expand opportunity and build successful businesses,” Reid said. “Whether it’s dealing with obstacles such as a lack of capital investment, or overcoming other obstacles, RIBBA can help new businesses navigate the process, from seed to blossom.”