Determination Meets Opportunity for Local Entrepreneur

The pandemic couldn’t have come at a worse time for Vennicia Kingston. Her new business, Eagle Eye Construction, which provides construction laborers, cleaning and site-support services, was just gaining momentum when the global shutdown and economic slowdown threatened to derail her plans. Kingston leaned on local expertise to get over the hurdles and find her way to million-dollar contracts, financial security and a trip to the Capitol for the State of the Union Address – in just four years.

Along the way, Kingston's dedication and drive ensured her success, and her journey intersected LISC's unique model of support that helped deliver resources where they could make the most impact. LISC Rhode Island provides capacity building for business development organizations providing support and counseling to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Through that work, LISC provided an AmeriCorps Member for several Business Development Organizations and emergency grant resources that enabled many to weather the storms.

Vennicia Kingston, CEO of Eagle Eye Post Construction.

“I had a couple of little contracts, but it wasn’t going to sustain me,” said Kingston. “I was really struggling. I had a small job coming up, but my savings were running out and I didn’t have the money I needed to get supplies.” Kingston, a 15-year journeywoman and member of the Local 271 Laborers’ Union and Chair of the RI Building and Construction Trades Women’s Council, saw the niche for her business and was resolved to make this enterprise work. “I needed to find capital to keep me in business.”

Access to capital is indisputably a major challenge faced by many entrepreneurs. Small business owners often struggle to secure funding from traditional lenders such as banks and other financial institutions due to the lack of collateral or credit history. Entrepreneurs often rely on their own finances for working capital and comingle their personal and business finances. 

According to the 2023 Small Business Credit Survey - Fed Communities, small businesses frequently face difficulties accessing capital due to limited credit histories, low revenues, or insufficient collateral. Many businesses report unmet funding needs, often turning to personal finances to fill the gap. As a result, about 65% of small business owners use personal funds or credit, creating a blend of personal and business financial obligations that complicates management and increases personal liability. Minority and women-owned businesses face additional barriers, with higher loan rejection rates and a greater reliance on personal capital.

Kingston reached out to the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA), a business development support organization that provides targeted programs, services and access to capital designed to strengthen and empower sustainable growth for entrepreneurs. RIBBA, led by Lisa Ranglin, is part of the Business Empowerment Alliance of Rhode Island (BEARI), a coalition of business development organizations (BDOs) that aims to expand resources and enhance services for underserved and minority businesses. BEARI is comprised of eight BDOs including Hope & Main culinary incubator, Social Enterprise Greenhouse, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and others, many of whom are part of the LISC Rhode Island BDO capacity building program.

“The pandemic highlighted the need in this community for support for the organizations that were in turn supporting the entrepreneurs,” said Claudia Staniszewski, Program Officer at LISC. “We began working with a group of BDOs to support with resources, capital and capacity building trainings designed to help the individual groups coalesce as a network of strong service providers.”

Lisa Ranglin brought Kingston under her wing. "When I first met Vennicia, I saw an entrepreneur who had the drive and determination but needed access to resources and mentorship," said Ranglin. "Our goal at RIBBA is to support businesses like Eagle Eye Post Construction Services by offering networking opportunities, business development programs, and access to capital. Vennicia took advantage of these resources and has turned her business into a vital player in Rhode Island’s construction industry." 

RIBBA connected Kingston with her first accountant, a web designer and provided an emergency grant right away to see her through the upcoming contract. That grant funding was through a LISC program with Citizens Bank that provided emergency funds to small businesses impacted by COVID.  "Vennicia’s success is an example of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. We’re proud to have played a part in her journey," Ranglin added.

Lisa Ranglin, President and CEO of RIBBA, the Rhode Island Black Business Association.

The emergency funding was a lifeline for Kingston. “RIBBA helped me keep my doors open. Things were incredibly tough, and I couldn’t get support anywhere else. That grant allowed me to complete that contract and pay my employees. I turned to RIBBA again and applied for a loan, and because of our relationship and the support RIBBA provided, I was able to get back in business.”

With RIBBA's assistance, Kingston received her first grant, which helped her purchase essential supplies and continue operations, and then a subsequent loan that helped her stablilize her business and become bankable. "RIBBA was there for me when no one else was," said Kingston, noting that Ranglin’s mentorship made a significant difference. "She’s a strong Black woman handling her own business, and she lifted me up when I felt defeated."

Ranglin emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in helping small businesses thrive, especially those led by minority women. "Vennicia is a role model for other microbusinesses looking to scale. She’s used her platform to connect with key leaders, diversify her services, and grow her revenue," said Ranglin. "We’re proud to have been there from the start."

The relationship has continued, as new stages of development expose new challenges. “We’re currently working on a growth plan and helping to introduce her to key members in the community,” said Ranglin. “Vennicia is always willing to lend her platform and voice, and that’s an important aspect of her business growth in this community.”

As a Black female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, Kingston has delivered testimony to the State Legislature related to minority representation in labor. Yet, with resilience and community backing, she has overcome many barriers and has earned respect for her work ethic and ability to deliver quality services on time.

Lisa Ranglin and the RIBBA team.

“Lisa and RIBBA helped me see the bigger picture,” said Kingston. “They provided guidance that helped me move from being a small operation to bidding on larger contracts and managing more substantial projects.” Her business is contributing to greater diversity in the construction industry by offering opportunities to local laborers from underrepresented communities, Eagle Eye is fostering economic empowerment and ensuring that a more inclusive workforce plays a role in any construction work. "We're not just here to fill gaps; we’re here to set the standard for post-construction services," Kingston says.

Kingston’s perseverance has paid off.  Eagle Eye Post Construction Services has begun landing major contracts. Recently, her company secured a million-dollar contract with Gilbane related to the construction of a new elementary school in Johnston. "Gilbane was the first to give me a shot, and now they’ve given me my first million-dollar contract," Kingston said. She has also signed agreements to provide carpenter services, further expanding her scope of work. "Being consistent, focusing on my target market, and keeping the lines of communication open have been key to my success.

"I’m looking to grow significantly over the next few years," she said, adding that she’s already planning work through 2028.

Lisa Ranglin, (left) CEO of the Rhode Island Black Business Association, Vennicia Kingston (center) and Helena Foulkes, former Senior executive at CVS and former candidate for RI Governor.

“I see her as a role model in many cases for other microbusiness that want to grow to scale – to understand that you have to be present and network – she’s used that platform to connect with leaders to make sure they know that she’s ready and has the capacity for more,” said Ranglin.

Kingston is active in the community and is a vocal advocate for minority representation in the skilled trades. She is currently serving as Co-Chair of the Women’s Council of the RI Building and Construction Trades Council. Kingston speaks about the barriers and issues that impact tradeswomen and our communities. In January 2024, Kingston received the Community Service Award from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission in recognition of her many contributions to the community and her support for the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It was through this advocacy work that she caught the attention of Freshman Congressman Gabe Amo. Congressman Amo chose Kingston to be his guest for President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address in March 2024. 

“It is my honor to announce that I have invited Vennicia Kingston as my first guest to the State of the Union,” said Congressman Amo. “During my time in government, I have found it important to uplift the voices of those fighting for good wages, fair benefits, a safe working environment, and the right to organize. As a member of a union, small business owner, and advocate for equality in the workplace, Vennicia is a true role model for working Rhode Islanders and all Americans.” 

“What a thrill,” said Kingston. “I felt incredibly special. He had seen me around and saw how hard I worked. I was gleeful all day. It was definitely incredibly special.”

Vennicia Kingston (c) stands with Congressman Gabe Amo and AFL-FIO President Liz Shuler at the 2024 State of the Union Address.

“Politics was one of my dad’s pastimes, my dad loved politics, and I would watch political things just to hang out with my father – but to actually be in the room and sit up top – it was a lot – it was a wonderful day – really, really good. I was able to meet Selma Freedom Riders who were also there – and I got to talk to them about what it was like to meet Martin Luther King.  Since the Congressman worked in the Biden administration, the access was really great,” said Kingston. “We were able to get so close and meet everyone.”

Kingston has continued the dialogue with the Congressman after her trip to the Capitol. 

“We’ve had a few conversations since then,” said Kingston. “We stay in touch. He often asks how he can help and lately we’ve been talking about child care access. It is a barrier that is keeping women out of the trades. We need to provide proper child care and paid medical leave. These are the types of conversations we have. Hopefully, we will make progress.”