EDITOR’S CHOICE
Central R.I. Chamber workshop will focus on time management THE CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a workshop called “Don’t Let the Day Slip Away: Time Management for Busy Entrepreneurs,” hosted by the Washington Trust Business Center. Lisa Griffith, a certified professional organizer and trained coach through the Coach Approach Training Institute, will share her favorite time management tips to boost productivity and reduce stress. She has pursued advanced specialist training through the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals, with a focus on workplace productivity and team productivity.
FRIDAY, JAN. 16, 9-10 A.M. Free
Washington Trust Business Center, 3280 Post Road, Warwick.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/2a2ftbm9
Creating your marketing plan THE RHODE ISLAND Small Business Development Center will hold a workshop designed to help Rhode Island small-business owners build a clear and effective marketing plan for 2026. SBA marketing outreach specialist Amanda Basse will cover how to identify a target audience and understand what drives them; set achievable marketing goals that align with business objectives; choose the right marketing channels, including digital, print, social and more; build a 12-month marketing calendar to keep things on track; and measure what’s working while adjusting what’s not.
THURSDAY, JAN. 8, 11 A.M. TO NOON Free
Online.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/32rm7fns
Morning meetup THE SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a Second Friday Coffee event, hosted by The Bow Bar. The meetup provides an opportunity to network with the best and brightest of southern Rhode Island’s local business community in a relaxed setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring their business card.
FRIDAY, JAN. 9, 8-9 A.M. $5/members; $10/nonmembers
Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, 230 Old Tower Hill Road, South Kingstown.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/4j8u2hd5
Government contracting THE CENTER FOR WOMEN & Enterprise will hold a workshop titled “Exploring the Government Marketplace,” led by Sandra Ledbetter, government sales adviser for the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. This session will provide an overview of the government marketplace and address what it means to be “procurement ready.” Attendees will learn key indicators that signal when a business is ready to enter the state/municipal markets and the federal market; practical tips to prepare for success in the government marketplace; how the state and the federal government buy goods and services; and how to position a business to be “noticed” and competitive in this space.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14, 2-3:30 P.M. Free
Online.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/4chte49u
Monthly mingle THE EAST BAY CHAMBER of Commerce will hold a Monthly Mingle meetup, hosted by Anytime Fitness Bristol. The event will provide an opportunity to meet and get together with businesspeople to exchange ideas and develop new relationships in an informal, relaxed setting. Light appetizers will be available.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14, 5:30-7 P.M. $5/members; $10/nonmembers
Anytime Fitness-Bristol, 576 Metacom Ave., Unit 15, Bristol.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/3kk5efvh
How to grow a startup THE RHODE ISLAND Small Business Development Center will hold a three-part growth series for local entrepreneurs focused on mindset, money and marketing titled “The New Year, New You Entrepreneur Series.” The January session titled “Mindset: Renewing Your Why & Reimagining What’s Possible” and featuring speaker Chelsea Brehm, northern Rhode Island regional director at the development center, will help entrepreneurs reconnect with their purpose, reignite their commitment to growth, and build the mental and emotional resilience needed to lead effectively in changing times. Participants will leave each monthly session with renewed confidence, clarity and tools they can use immediately to strengthen both themselves and their business.
THURSDAY, JAN. 15, NOON TO 1 P.M. Free
Online.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/3zbr6r9b
Leveling up THE NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a workshop titled “Level Up: How to Choose the Right Marketing Channels for Your Business,” presented by Amanda Basse, marketing outreach specialist in the Rhode Island District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. In the constantly shifting digital landscape, one of the biggest mistakes brands make is spreading themselves too thin. Not every platform deserves a person’s time, and not every channel fits their strategy. Choosing the right marketing channels in 2026 is about clarity, not coverage. Registration is required.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21, NOON TO 1 P.M. Free
Online.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/3jjeu4s8
Unlocking your potential THE TRI-TOWN CHAMBER of Commerce will hold a workshop titled “Unlock Your Business Potential,” hosted by HarborOne/Eastern Bank. Attendees will hear from local experts from the Mass. Small Business Administration and the R.I. Small Business Administration, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, South Eastern Economic Development Corp., SCORE mentors, the Small Business Initiative Team of the Mass. Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General, and HarborOne/Eastern Bank on products, services, resources and educational programs available to help your business thrive. Following a short program, there will be an opportunity to network. Light refreshments will be provided.
THURSDAY, JAN. 22, 9-11 A.M. Free
HarborOne Bank, 131 Copeland Drive, Mansfield.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/mpuf3hty
Legislative luncheon THE GREATER PROVIDENCE Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2026 Rhode Island Legislative Leadership Luncheon, hosted by the R.I. Convention Center. Chamber President Laurie White will host a candid conversation with leaders of the R.I. House and Senate as they respond to questions regarding the many critical issues facing the business community and their priorities for the coming legislative year.
TUESDAY, FEB. 24, NOON TO 1:30 P.M. $90
R.I. Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., 5th Floor Ballroom, Providence.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/57kktvtz
