Rhode Island District Office
Release Date: May 7, 2024 Contact: brian.hopkins@sba.gov
Release Number: RI25-15 Follow us on:X, Facebook, Blogs, Instagram, & LinkedIn
SBA and Skills for Rhode Island’s Future Host First Annual “Connect and Innovate” Small Business Empowerment Summit
WARWICK, RI – On Tuesday, May 6, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and co-sponsor Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) hosted the first annual “Connect & Innovate” Small Business Empowerment Summit. Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, the Summit saw 350 local small business owners, resource providers, and stakeholders attend the day-long event, which culminated in the “Made in Rhode Island” small business pitch event.
Attendees were able to choose from twenty different educational seminars to sit in throughout the day, with topics ranging from building a brand on social media, small business financing, sessions focused on food and manufacturing companies, and more, all presented by local subject matter experts. With time dedicated to learning, networking, and discussing business growth opportunities, entrepreneurs from all different industries and backgrounds were able to connect and grow their entrepreneurial book of knowledge.
“Building a successful business isn’t just about individual effort – it takes a strong, supportive community. By fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and uplifting one another, we create an environment where current and future entrepreneurs have the resources and confidence to take those first steps,” said SBA District Director Robert J. Piechota. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that the next generation is not only prepared to start their businesses but also equipped to thrive. Together, we build a foundation for lasting success.”
Building on a successful partnership that was forged during last year’s National Small Business Week, SBA and SkillsRI worked together to provide the local small business community with an opportunity to come together in an educational and collaborative setting. “The incredible turnout at today’s Summit speaks volumes about the strength, resilience, and determination of Rhode Island’s small business community,” said Nina Pande, Executive Director of SkillsRI. “This event was about more than just sharing resources—it was about creating space for connection, collaboration, and mutual support among entrepreneurs, experts, and advocates from across the state. True economic development happens when we bring people together and invest in one another’s success—and that’s exactly what we saw come to life at this Summit.”
For more information about the award winners or the congressional breakfast, please contact Brian Hopkins at brian.hopkins@sba.gov or 401-528-4575.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
