EDITOR’S CHOICE
Providence Chamber to host legislative leadership luncheon THE GREATER PROVIDENCE Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2024 Legislative Leadership Luncheon event, hosted by the R.I. Convention Center. Leaders from the R.I. House of Representatives and R.I. Senate, including House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, D-Warwick; Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, D-North Providence; House Minority Leader Michael W. Chippendale, R-Foster; and Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz, R-Burrillville, will respond to questions regarding the many critical issues facing the business community. Reservations due Feb. 9.
THURSDAY, FEB. 15, NOON TO 1:30 P.M. $85. R.I. Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence. INFO AND REGISTRATION:
tinyurl.com/yc3525bs
Networking over coffee THE SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold its First Friday Coffee networking event, hosted by Charlestown Urgent Care. Local business professionals and entrepreneurs are invited to share what their company has to offer and make connections to help their business.
FRIDAY, FEB. 2, 8-9 A.M. $5/members; $10/nonmembers. Charlestown Urgent Care, 3769 Old Post Road, Suite 1, Charlestown. INFO AND REGISTRATION:
tinyurl.com/3ryz5bz3
Enjoying veggies THE ANNUAL RI VEGFEST will showcase plant-based foods, beverages, artists, makers and businesses. The lineup will feature more than 85 national vegan/vegan-friendly brands from Rhode Island and 10 other states. Attendees will shop vegan products, eat, drink and learn about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and compassionate living.
SATURDAY, FEB. 3, AND SUNDAY, FEB. 4. $8/person; $18/VIP tickets. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence. INFO AND REGISTRATION:
rivegfest.com
Morning meetup THE GREATER NEWPORT Chamber of Commerce will hold a Networking & Coffee event, hosted by Innovate Newport. Attendees will learn about the no-charge, confidential business services available to assist with planning, financing, human resources and marketing. Paul Harden of the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center and Lori Burke, the Greater Newport Chamber’s membership sales associate, will hold informational sessions at the event.
TUESDAY, FEB. 6, 8-9 A.M. Free. Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, Newport. INFO AND REGISTRATION:
tinyurl.com/yef9s82h
Budget talk THE NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will host Gov. Daniel J. McKee for its Eggs & Issues Breakfast event. McKee will discuss his proposed 2025 fiscal budget. There will also be a Q&A session.
TUESDAY, FEB. 6, 8:30-9:30 A.M. $30/members; $55/nonmembers. Bryant University, Bello Grand Hall, 150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield. INFO AND REGISTRATION:
tinyurl.com/rzfbwzr2
Financing fundamentals THE TAUNTON AREA Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Southeastern Economic Development Corp., will hold a virtual workshop titled “Fundamentals of Financing a Small Business.” Participants will learn the fundamentals of financing a small business, what lenders/loan officers look for in an application and funding programs available to business owners. Attendees will be provided with a business plan guide.
TUESDAY, FEB. 6, 10 A.M. Free/members; $10/nonmembers. Online. INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/yck3mv5
Expanding your network ONE SOUTHCOAST CHAMBER of Commerce will hold its Business Builders Breakfast event, hosted by Dorothy Cox’s Candies Inc. This event opens the door to early-morning opportunities, providing attendees with a chance to expand networks, enrich business portfolios and forge professional connections. A breakfast buffet, juice and coffee will be offered.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7, 8:30-10 A.M. $15. Dorothy Cox’s Candies Inc., 100 Griffin St., Fall River. INFO AND REGISTRATION:
tinyurl.com/yc8jyr72
Understanding ways and means ONE SOUTHCOAST CHAMBER of Commerce will hold a “Ways and Means Update” event, hosted by Rachel’s Lakeside. Sen. Michael Rodrigues, D-Westport, chairman of the Mass. Senate Ways and Means Committee, will offer his perspective on the state’s fiscal shape and what he anticipates for 2024 as the commonwealth closes out the legislative session.
FRIDAY, FEB. 9, NOON. $50/members; $65/nonmembers. Rachel’s Lakeside, 950 State Road, Dartmouth. INFO AND REGISTRATION:
tinyurl.com/hrw6h8f5
Building new relationships THE SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND, Charlestown and Narragansett chambers of commerce will hold a multi-chamber Business After Hours event, hosted by the Coast Guard House. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet fellow business professionals to build relationships with one another. Door prizes, light appetizers and a cash bar will also be offered.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21, 5-7 P.M. Free. Coast Guard House, 40 Ocean Road, Narragansett. INFO AND REGISTRATION:
tinyurl.com/36y7mf7s
Growing your business GOLDMAN SACHS 10,000 Small Businesses at the Community College of Rhode Island invites local small-business owners to apply for its Summer 2024 cohort. With a curriculum designed by Babson College, expert advisers and a supportive network of peers, small-business owners can gain practical skills and develop an actionable growth plan for their business. Applications are due Feb. 5.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, THROUGH WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7. Free. Community College of Rhode Island, 400 East Ave., Warwick. INFO AND REGISTRATION:
ccri.edu/10ksb
Interested in having your business-related event included in What’s Happening? Contact PBN Researcher James Bessette at (401) 680-4838 or Research@PBN.com.
