RI Small Business HUB

10/16/2026

We have exciting news to share! Something magical is coming to downtown Woonsocket! 🎁

For SIX festive weeks, we’re turning vacant storefronts along Main Street into Merry on Main, a holiday shopping village filled with Rhode Island small businesses, unique local gifts, and plenty of holiday cheer! ❤️

Get ready to:

🛍️ Shop small
🎁 Find gifts you won’t see everywhere else
🎄 Experience holiday magic downtown
❤️ Support local businesses and help bring Main Street to life!

Who needs the North Pole when you’ve got Woonsocket?! 🎅

Let’s shop local, spread some cheer, and show everyone what Woonsocket can do! ✨

10/15/2026

This Saturday, Oct. 17, is your last chance to shop the Hispanic Heritage Month Pop-Up Market at Providence Place! 🎉

Support Rhode Island Hispanic and Latino-owned small businesses and shop food, jewelry, clothing, candles, bath & body products and more.

🕙 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
📍 Explore Providence Place — First Floor near the Apple Store

10/13/2026

10/09/2026

An employer conversation. A clearer next step.

Next Wednesday, October 14, meet with BankNewport, Navigant Credit Union, and The Washington Trust Company representatives about available jobs at SkillsRI’s Banking & Finance Career Activation Event.

Then meet one-on-one with SkillsRI team members to map out your next career step and get connected to job and training opportunities.

📅 Wednesday, October 14 | 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Small Business Collective
127 John Clarke Rd, Middletown, RI

Starting or growing a business? Connect with the RI Small Business HUB for guidance and resources.

Register now: https://skillsforri.tfaforms.net/wfnDkwQ

Funded by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training.

10/05/2026

Interested in a career in banking and finance? Join SkillsRI next Wednesday, October 14, in Middletown for our Banking & Finance Career Activation Event.

Meet employer representatives, ask questions, and explore career opportunities. Participating employers include BankNewport, Navigant Credit Union and The Washington Trust Company.

Starting or growing a business? Connect with the RI Small Business HUB for guidance and resources.

📅 Wednesday, October 14
🕙 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Small Business Collective
127 John Clarke Rd, Middletown, RI

Register now: https://skillsforri.tfaforms.net/wfnDkwQ

Funded by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training.

10/02/2026

Stronger connections between small businesses and lenders can open more doors to financing.

Yesterday, the RI Small Business HUB brought lending partners together at the Rhode Island Foundation to discuss preparing entrepreneurs for capital, strengthening referrals, and supporting businesses before, during, and after financing.

Thank you to David N. Cicilline for welcoming us and to the partners who joined the conversation:

BankFive • BankNewport • Beacon Bank • Bristol County Savings Bank • Business Development Company • Centreville Bank • Coastal1 Credit Union • Greenwood Credit Union • JPMorganChase Bank • Navigant Credit Union • Nectar Community Investments • Providence Business Loan Fund • Rhode Island Commerce • SEED • Small Business Administration • Walden Mutual Bank • The Washington Trust Company

Your perspectives help inform how we prepare and connect Rhode Island small businesses with small business loans.

10/01/2026

The Hispanic Heritage Month Pop-Up Market returns to Providence Place this Saturday, Oct. 3! 🎉

Shop Rhode Island Hispanic and Latino-owned small businesses featuring food, jewelry, clothing, candles, bath & body products and more.

📅 Oct. 3 • Oct. 10 • Oct. 17
🕙 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
📍Explore Providence Place - First Floor near the Apple Store