Senator Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse help RIBBA open new small business hub

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse teamed up with Lisa Ranglin, Founder, President & CEO of the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) to cut the ribbon on RIBBA’s new headquarters today.

Reed and Whitehouse were also joined by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and the President & CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, David Cicilline, to help Ranglin and her team cut the ribbon on the newly renovated facility.

They said this new headquarters was supported by a variety of local, federal, and community partner funding to strengthen and expand RIBBA’s programs and help advocate for and promote the successful development of Black-owned businesses across Rhode Island.

In a statement, Reed said:

“Helping small businesses grow and thrive creates jobs and strengthens our economy and the vibrancy of our neighborhoods and communities.  I am proud to support RIBBA’s efforts to empower minority-led businesses and connect them with the resources, networks, and development assistance they need to launch and expand. I commend Lisa Ranglin for her efforts to support entrepreneurs and small businesses and I’m pleased to join with Senator Whitehouse to deliver federal funding that expands opportunity for more Rhode Islanders.”

They said this will be a new effort effort to help underserved business communities throughout the state.