Business Development Organizations Support Black Entrepreneurs in Rhode Island
2.01.2024
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LISC StoriesIncome and Wealth Building
Economic development and equitable access to opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs has been a growing focus for LISC Rhode Island. Working to foster equitable and flourishing local economies is both a matter of economic justice and a key requisite for a strong, sustainable economy.
We work with an active coalition of Business Development Organizations to help strengthen their capacity, build their programs, align their collective voice and celebrate their successes. Late last year, members of this coalition launched the Business Empowerment Alliance of Rhode Island (BEARI), an innovative and groundbreaking collective of Rhode Island-based business development organizations which are united in the commitment to enhance services and expand resources available to underserved businesses across our state. BEARI will provide business owners and entrepreneurs from underserved and underrepresented communities with better access to networks, mentorship, support, and capital.
The new Business Empowerment Alliance of Rhode Island
These member organizations, which include the Rhode Black Business Association (RIBBA), Hope & Main, Social Enterprise Greenhouse, the RI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, the Center for Women & Enterprise, the Center for Southeast Asians, and Fuerza Laboral, will all work together to provide a referral network for entrepreneurs and small businesses that will ensure that resources are available, and tailored for the organization.
This year, we are celebrating several small businesses which have scaled up or launched new initiatives with the help of BEARI partner organizations. In honor of Black History Month, we are focusing on several businesses with Black leadership. Please celebrate and support these businesses in the months to come. #MoreThanOneMonth.
SOULITA
Providence native Lexus Fernandez, together with Evan Delpeche, founded Soulita to cultivate a self-care community through natural and vegan skincare products. After formulating natural herbal products for her own very sensitive skin, Lexus Fernandez teamed up with Evan Delpeche to found Soulita. They hope to foster "self-love, acceptance, and appreciation for ourselves, others, and the environment" in their community. Their products can be found online or at Plant City in Providence.
Geri's Bluffing Boutique
At Geri's Bluffing Boutique in Woonsocket, Geraldine Barclay-King draws from her Liberian roots to foster "bluffing" in her community: the desire to not only "look good" but to "feel good" by using fashion and art. Barclay-King has created an African-themed boutique with invigorating, vibrant colors, unique styles, handmade fashion accessories, art pieces, music and gifts that are all curated to boost and re-energize the spirit.
Your Big Debut
Through her coaching and consulting company: Your Big Debut, LaToia Burkley offers one-on-one sessions, group sessions, and workshops. Her coaching work focuses on helping women reach their goals, while her consulting work helps C-suite professionals develop inclusive, equitable leadership practices. Burkley offers bilingual coaching in both English and Portuguese.
Peace of Mind Nannies
Tiesha Sinouthasy founded Peace of Mind Nannies to provide all families living in and visiting Rhode Island with the opportunity for exceptional care. The nanny placement and babysitting agency specializes in caring for children and young adults with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities, and also offers child care for weddings and events.
Born-O Uniforms
Army veteran, registered nurse, and current CEO Elisabeth Borno co-founded Born-O Uniforms with her husband Yves in 2018. They carefully source their product line to include durable, life-style oriented scrubs at affordable prices. Recently, they won first prize in a pitch contest at Social Enterprise Greenhouse.
City Personnel
Dawn Apajee founded City Personnel, a recruitment and staffing agency, in 2006 to serve RI and southern MA. City Personnel offers temporary, temp-to-perm, and direct hire services for both job seekers and employers, as well as payroll services for employers.
Boxed in Black
Founded by Crystal Da Cruz, Boxed in Black is a Black woman-led brand that specializes in elevated gifting. They carefully select products from brands that align with the mission of celebrating diversity and underrepresented entrepreneurs, and package these products into curated boxes and corporate gifts.
Crystal Clear Marketing
Crystal Cordones is the founder and driving force behind Crystal Clear Marketing, a small business that specializes in driving brand awareness, increasing engagement, and boosting online presence. Crystal Clear Marketing offers social media management, brand and social media strategy, analysis and metrics, and consulting services.