I've always admired the courage a small business owner has to take an idea, a dream and turn it into a reality. This courage inspires me as I help guide and support our local small businesses as they flourish and exceed their wildest dreams. 

I'm here for you, lets chat on how risbHUB can help your dreams come true.

bgouveia@skillsforri.com

English

I believe small businesses are the foundation of our RI economy. I admire the courage and dedication it takes to start a small business. I am excited to support you in your small business goals and look forward to hearing your story and business needs.

risbHUB@skillsforri.com

English

I am proud to be part of a team that supports people’s dreams in authentic, palpable, and substantial ways, while being sensitive and aware of the needs of Small Businesses and the people who own them. What better way to hold up my community than to be part of an agency that is driven by impact. 

Allow me to be part of your Dream. .

drondon@skillsforri.com

Yo Hablo Español

I’ve worked with small businesses my entire life and believe that representation, education, and access to state-of-the-art resources are vital in supporting local businesses within our community. I am excited by the stories behind each storefront and what they mean to our communities. Reach out, let’s connect and grow together.

eash@skillsforri.com

English

As a RI resident for 23 years I have seen businesses start and grow over the years. A small business owner myself, I know of the tremendous challenges that exist in the day to day management of that business. I am excited to take the lessons that I have learned over the past many years and use that knowledge to help small businesses thrive.

jcogswell@skillsforri.com

English

I enjoy getting to know all the small businesses here in Rhode Island, I love their enthusiasm, and I respect the hard work and grit they put into their business. I buy locally and encourage everyone to do the same to help the economic stability of the state of Rhode Island.

I fundamentally believe everyone deserves the opportunity to make their dreams come true

mromero@skillsforri.com

English / Español

As a daughter of a shoe maker, I grew up appreciating and understanding the opportunities and impact of small business ownership. I really love everything small businesses represent to our local communities. Small businesses are truly the backbone of our economy and a path to economic success for many. I want to make sure our HUB provides you with the tools you need to succeed and thrive in small business ownership.

mdepenaaffigne@skillsforri.com

Yo Hablo Español

As the proud daughter of immigrant parents who achieved economic success through small business ownership, I have witnessed first hand how small businesses can shape a person, a family, and a community. Our HUB team feels privileged and honored to support your small business dreams!

risbHUB@skillsforri.com

English

I’ve been helping small businesses in Rhode Island for over 25 years, I am passionate about it and having owned a small business, I want to use my experience to help small businesses succeed.  

Contact me to talk about your business, and let’s find solutions to help you grow.

prodriguez-masjoan@skillsforri.com

Yo Hablo Español

Growing up, I worked in my family's small business. On a personal level, I truly appreciate how important the impact a successful small business can have. From cashier to management, my years of experience can help your business prosper. 

Contact me to learn how the HUB can help. 

rlefevre@skillsforri.com

Mwen Pale Creole Haitian

As a RI small business owner for 30 years, I have gained experience in all facets of running a business. I understand the demands small business owners face on a daily basis while having to plan for the future. Let me help you navigate the start-up, planning, a growth of your small business. 

spande@skillsforri.com

English

Throughout my life, I have been either the proud daughter or wife of a hard-working Small Business owner. Launching and developing a new business in Rhode Island during this time of explosive growth and change may be the opportunity of a lifetime. Realizing this dream requires vision and dedication, as well as a number of responsibilities you may find challenging. I am excited to take on a role of support and guidance through the legal channels to assist Small Business Owners in arriving at their destination expeditiously, as well as introducing you to resources for growth and success. I look forward to meeting the future stars of Rhode Island’s economic landscape!

gwaite@skillsforri.com

English

As someone who frequents local small businesses, I'm always impressed by their hard work and resiliency. It's always amazing to see how a small business shapes a street, a neighborhood and a community. I look forward to supporting you and learning about your small business needs.

risbHUB@skillsforri.com

English

I appreciate the stories about hard work and resilience that have brought your small business to its current success.

I'm here to support you and connect you with the resources you need, so you can focus on taking your business to the next level.

vcruz@skillsforri.com

Yo Hablo Español

As a wife and mother of small business owners, it is astonishing to see how important it is to have good background knowledge regarding the process that it takes to open a small business. New business owners want to thrive, be self-sustainable and become successful. However, unforeseen challenges arise, and it can be difficult to navigate unknown systems. Therefore, having a Small Business HUB will be instrumental for all Small Business.

tquezada@skillsforri.com

Yo Hablo Español

It fills me with pride to know that I am part of this great team where I can help navigate and collaborate with small business owners and help their business flourish.

avelez@skillsforri.com

Yo Hablo Español

 As a first-generation college student, I understand the challenges of having little to no access to resources and having dreams of being something more. Small businesses aspire me to want more and do more for my family, my community and myself. Small business owners are goal-driven, and self-determined and I admire everything about them, they are what make the community. 

Alavoie@skillsforri.com 

English - Spanish 

Inglés - Español  

I believe that small businesses are the soul of our communities. Whenever I enter a new business in my community, I feel a sense of wonder and I appreciate the passion that led to its formation. Therefore, as an AmeriCorps Fellow, I am here to help small businesses with their operations, as I believe to help others is the greatest of achievements.  

Vcoronel@skillsforri.com  

English - Spanish 

Inglés - Español 

I believe small businesses are important to Rhode Island because it helps economic growth and provides job opportunities. Each time I visit a small business, I enjoy hearing the stories of small business owners. The strength and resilience these owners have are inspiring. I’m excited to help these businesses so that our Rhode Island community can continue to grow. 

sum@skillsforri.com 

English 

I'm grateful to be a part of a group that helps others achieve their dreams. I frequently love shopping small and admire how small business owners treasure the relationships they have with the customers. I have worked alongside my family's small business growing up; hence, I am aware of the difficulties the business faces. I am here to support and connect you with the resources that businesses need to succeed, Let’s connect! 

rsonevong@skillsforri.com 

I speak Thai and Laotian 

Hablo tailandés y laosiano 

Small businesses are the backbone and life force of our economy. Rhode Island's Small Business Hub ability to impact and assist businesses operate more sustainably and successfully is an amazing achievement.  

I am proud to be a part of a team that is committed to serving and developing our communities. Being a resource in my community has always been a goal and I'm glad that, I'm a part of something larger than myself.    

Mjennings@skillsforri.com 

English  

I believe that information is something that needs to be accessible to everyone. Small businesses are entities that struggle a lot with accessing crucial information. These businesses play a pivotal role in the economic and social fabric of any community. They are essential engines of innovation, job creation, and economic growth. That is why I feel so passionate about adding my part in making these small businesses strive, grow, and better support our economy and our community.  

aguzman@skillsforri.com 

English - Spanish 

Inglés - Español   

I am happy to help in any way possible. I would like to use my technical skills to improve the navigation process of the small business owners. From working with a browser to providing training on a full business suite. I am happy to facilitate the development and comfort of their professional experience. I would love to help small businesses grow and flourish. No task is too large or small; consequently, I am looking forward to working with such a powerful community.  

cortizBlanco@SkillsForRI.com 

English - Spanish 

Inglés - Español 

Growing up with parents who immigrated to the United States gave me firsthand insight into their daily challenges, such as not knowing certain information due to language barriers. This has inspired me to become more involved in my communities by acting as a resource for anyone in need of information or support.  I feel that knowledge is critical for the development and future success of a community. I am eager to help the small business community to thrive and grow.  

Please contact the RI Small Business Hub for support. The best part is that it is free!   

Acorrales@skillsforri.com  

English - Spanish 

Inglés - Español  

Being the son of a small business owner, I understand the struggles and difficulties that come with business operations. I love being innovative and using my strengths to plan accordingly towards any challenges that arise. I am going to put these strengths towards empowering small businesses and overall strengthening the foundation of Rhode Island’s Economy. 

jperez@skillsforri.com 

English Spanish 

As a computer science student, I am passionate about utilizing my knowledge in computer science to empower entrepreneurs. It's not just about providing quick fixes; rather, I am committed to teaching and sharing insights that enable small businesses to navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology. 

In my role, I am more than just a problem solver; I am a dedicated ally, offering guidance and teaching valuable skills that contribute not only to immediate solutions but also to the long-term growth and success of the businesses I support. 

apolanco@skillsforri.com

English  

Inglés 

I admire the stories about all the hard work that is attached to building a small business; including the perseverance that an owner needs to have to build a successful business.  I am looking forward to being part of the evolving process of the small businesses as they receive technical assistance support from the HUB team. I believe everyone deserves and is worthy of achieving their dreams. I am happy to be a part of this team where I can support and connect small business to an array of technical assistance to resources.  

mlopez@SkillsForRI.com 

English - Spanish 

Inglés - Español