On Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) celebrated the grand opening of their new headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event brought together federal, state, and local leaders, as well as community partners, to commemorate this significant milestone in RIBBA's mission to support and empower Black-owned businesses throughout Rhode Island.
As proud supporters of RIBBA's efforts, D&J Contractor Marketing's co-founders, Dory Aine and Josh Cohn, attended the ceremony. Dory had the honor of taking a photo with Lisa Ranglin, the President and CEO of RIBBA. This moment captured the spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to fostering a thriving and diverse business community in Rhode Island.
The new RIBBA headquarters, located on Smith Street in Providence, will serve as an Equity Business Hub for local small businesses. This state-of-the-art facility was made possible through the support of various groups and partners, including a $1 million federal earmark from U.S. Senator Jack Reed and a $500,000 earmark from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse to help acquire the property.
During the ceremony, Senator Reed emphasized the importance of RIBBA's work in ensuring that Rhode Island's economic growth is shared by everyone. "That's what is so critical about this organization. You're going to reach out, give help, advice, assistance, to talent people who will move this state and this country forward," he said.
David Cicilline, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, also highlighted the significance of organizations like RIBBA in addressing historical inequities that have affected communities of color, particularly Black businesses.
"There is no way we're going to achieve the prosperity we want from our state without focusing on generations of inequities that affected the communities of color, particularly Black businesses. So this is a tremendous opportunity should be a call to action for all of us to do our part," Cicilline stated.
At D&J Contractor Marketing, we recognize the critical role that organizations like RIBBA play in creating opportunities for underserved communities and promoting a more equitable business landscape. As a marketing agency dedicated to helping contractors and trade professionals grow their businesses, we understand the unique challenges that minority-owned businesses face and the importance of providing tailored support and resources to help them succeed.
We are proud to stand alongside RIBBA in their mission to empower Black-owned businesses and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Rhode Islanders. Through our continued partnership and support, we aim to amplify the voices and stories of these entrepreneurs, connecting them with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive.
The opening of RIBBA's new headquarters marks an exciting new chapter in their journey to close the racial wealth gap and create lasting change in our community. D&J Contractor Marketing remains committed to being an ally and advocate for minority-owned businesses, working together to build a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable Rhode Island.
To learn more about how RIBBA supports small businesses and fosters economic equity in Rhode Island, visit their website here.