ri commerce

Join us on Thursday for a Community Conversation focused on Small Business

Upcoming 2030 Community Conversation: Small Business
Governor Dan McKee and his administration are pleased to announce the next community conversation, to be held this Thursday and to be focused on issues related to small business. The Community Conversations are designed to help develop a vision and strategy for a more resilient, prosperous, and equitable Rhode Island.
This conversation will take place on Thursday, July 29 at 5:30 PM on Governor McKee’s Facebook page.
Governor McKee has initiated this series of virtual community conversations in order to discuss Rhode Island’s recovery and future — especially given the expected arrival of significant federal stimulus funding.
The conversation will feature remarks from Governor McKee followed by keynote remarks from Bulbul Gupta, President and CEO of Pacific Community Ventures and co-author of the study “Big Ideas for Small Business.”
Following the presentation, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor. The panel will feature:
  • Hugo Adames, General Manager and Owner, The Talent Factory
  • Julia Broome, Owner, Kin Southern Table
  • Sanjiv Dhar, Rhode Island Restauranteur (Chaska, Kabob and Curry, Rasa, Rasoi)
  • Buck Harris, Vice President of Community Lending, Community Investment Corporation
  • Saron Mechale, Founder, GoTeff
  • Jennifer Ortiz, Owner, Executive Cuts
  • Chris Parisi, President and Founder, Trailblaze Marketing
  • Lisa Raiola, President and Founder, Hope & Main