An Urgent Appeal to Our Incredible Community!

I hope this message finds you well. We come to you today with hope, determination, and a shared vision for a brighter future. Unfortunately, we received news that the grant we were hopeful for did not come through, leaving us at a critical juncture in our mission to complete the renovations of RIBBA's Community Equity Hub.

This Hub is not just a physical space; it is a beacon of empowerment, a catalyst for change, and a symbol of resilience. Here is where we need your support and the strength of our collective community spirit.

Donate Today

In October 2022, RIBBA acquired the space located at 220 Smith Street, Providence, RI. This building acquisition was made possible by the approved Congressional Directed Spending request secured by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and immense funding secured by the Rhode Island Foundation , and the City of Providence . We were also able to expand our programming with funding secured by the generous support of Senator Jack Reed, earmarked by the Small Business Administration.

The Equity Hub will play a pivotal role in generational wealth creation through initiatives such as small business development, workforce development, financial literacy, empowerment programs, first-time home buyer programs, life skills workshops for families, and enriching programs for our youth and young adults.

Our goal is ambitious, yet the impact is immeasurable. We need to raise $500,000 to make this vision a reality. Regardless of size, every donation builds a foundation for the positive change our community deserves.

Donations can be made to the charity arm of RIBBA, our 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Rhode Island Business Development Institute. Your generosity will directly fuel programs that empower individuals, uplift families, and shape a future where opportunities are accessible to all.

We would like to share the impact of RIBBA's work through the story of our business client, Bacary Diatta, owner of Kassumay LLC :

BUSINESS CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

"Kassumay was in a rather difficult "growing up" transition state. There was a lack of cash flow, late payments which affected my credit score and no access to financing, among others issues." says Bacary Diatta, Owner of Kassumay, LLC. "It was in this situation that the Rhode Island Black Business Association stepped in to literally save my business from going out of business, by assisting me to secure a loan. This loan allowed me to continue production, which I used to send samples to my prospects, who were finally converted into partners. We also now have distribution plans established for the year 2024. I can say without hesitation that without the support of RIBBA, Kassumay would not be able to operate as it should."

With the help of RIBBA, Kassumay not only landed new partners but became a small exporting business to South America, most recently in the Dominican Republic. RIBBA also assisted with providing educational and instructive information. Reinforcement courses from GoDaddy and Verizon , provided Diatta with the information needed to grow in his business management skills.

"With the support and assistance of RIBBA, it is also with pride that I can say Kassumay is now Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified. Thank you to the RIBBA team!"

All of Kassumay’s products embrace the delicious hibiscus sabdariffa flower, which is commonly found blooming across the forests and farms of Diatta’s home region of Casamance. Since the brand’s launch in 2020, the line has grown from the original lineup of hibiscus fruit spreads to also include a line of botanical juices and sparkling beverages, all of which celebrate and honor the vibrancy of the West African communities in which Diatta was raised.

Please consider joining us in this transformative endeavor. Share this post, spread the word, and let's harness the power of the community to make a lasting impact. You can call me at (401) 465-3669 or email me at [email protected].

To donate, click here or mail checks to RIBDI, 3 Regency Plaza, Suite 3E, Providence, RI 02903.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community and believing in the power of collective action.??

With gratitude,

Lisa Ranglin

President & CEO