For Immediate Release:
April 24, 2025
BankNewport Champions Rhode Island’s Entrepreneurs as Legacy Builder Sponsor of National Small Business Week 2025Longtime Community Bank Partners with SkillsRI and SBA to Launch First-Ever Small Business Empowerment Summit and Celebrate Local Business Leaders
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) —the state’s leading nonprofit economic development intermediary—and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are proud to announce BankNewport as the Legacy Builder Sponsor of National Small Business Week 2025 in Rhode Island. The community-focused financial institution will serve as the exclusive title sponsor of four signature events that shine a spotlight on the resilience, innovation, and contributions of Rhode Island’s small business community.
“BankNewport is honored to support National Small Business Week and the incredible entrepreneurs who drive Rhode Island’s growth,” said Jeanne Lapek, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Lending Officer. “We believe in the power of small businesses to transform communities, create jobs, and build a stronger future. Partnering with SkillsRI and the SBA to celebrate these changemakers reflects our ongoing commitment to economic resilience and innovation.”
The 2025 celebration includes four cornerstone events:
- April 25 – Congressional Breakfast with SBA Awardees: A celebration that brings together Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation, SBA leadership, and local award winners for a conversation about the state’s small business ecosystem.
- May 6 – “Connect & Innovate” Small Business Empowerment Summit: A brand-new addition to the lineup, the summit will welcome over 500 entrepreneurs, business leaders, municipal leaders, and experts for a full day of professional development. The agenda includes five targeted learning tracks, networking opportunities, and a panel luncheon spotlighting public-private collaboration. For more information, or to register, click here.
- May 6 – “Made In Rhode Island” Pitch Event: This exciting pitch competition highlights Rhode Island’s most promising small businesses and entrepreneurs. Featuring live pitches, a judging panel of business and investment leaders, and prospective retail buyers of their products.
- May 8 – SBA Awards Luncheon: This prestigious event will honor ten outstanding small business owners and advocates across categories ranging from Manufacturer of the Year to Young Entrepreneur of the Year. For a full list of honorees, contact Chelsea DeCesare (chelsea@halfstreetgroup.com)
“We’re thrilled to welcome BankNewport as our Legacy Sponsor for this year’s celebration,” said Nina Pande, Executive Director of Skills for Rhode Island’s Future. “Their support allows us to launch the summit and deepen our investment in the people and businesses that form the heart of our economy. This partnership not only celebrates success but also helps forge new pathways for growth.”
This year marks the first-ever Small Business Empowerment Summit, a cornerstone of SkillsRI’s broader effort to expand support and resources for local entrepreneurs.
“Seeking out and engaging with collaborators who are as dedicated to building strong and enduring small businesses through programs like the ‘Empowerment Summit’ is central to what the Rhode Island SBA District office is all about,” said Rob Piechota, District Director of the RI SBA. “We are thrilled to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of ‘BankNewport’ and ‘Skills for Rhode Island’s Future’ as we celebrate and support our homegrown small business ecosystem.”
National Small Business Week 2025 in Rhode Island is a collaboration between SkillsRI and the SBA, with generous support from public and private partners committed to building a more inclusive and dynamic business environment.
About Skills for Rhode Island’s Future
Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) is a nonprofit, economic development agency dedicated to creating inclusive pathways to opportunity by placing people at the heart of workforce and small business growth. Grounded in three core pillars—adult workforce development, student career services, and small business support—SkillsRI delivers employer-informed, people-first solutions that empower individuals, strengthen businesses, and drive Rhode Island’s long-term economic vitality.
About Bank NewportFounded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island. BankNewport is one of the oldest banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees, and the community for 206 years. BankNewport has nineteen branch locations, a community lending center in Central Falls, and a commercial lending office in Providence. OceanPoint Marine Lending, a business line of BankNewport, specializes in consumer marine and recreational vehicle financing programs.
Through its All In Giving program, BankNewport is committed to supporting nonprofits with areas of impact focused on basic human needs, children and families, education, economic security, healthy lives, arts and culture, and the environment. BankNewport has awarded over $7.7 million in grants, sponsorships, and donations over the past five years to a wide range of nonprofits to help strengthen and enrich lives and communities throughout Rhode Island. Financial education and community service performed by employees totals 10,000 hours annually. For more information, please visit www.BankNewport.com.
###
Media Contact (For SkillsRI)
Chelsea DeCesare, Half Street Group
401.286.9037 | chelsea@halfstreetgroup.com
