Skills for Rhode Island's Future - Providence Business News

Stephen Dolinich

Industries 08/29/2025

PBN Leaders & Achievers Awards 2025 STEPHEN DOLINICH RISE Group Inc. Manager of talent acquisition OVER A 30-YEAR CAREER in talent acquisition, Stephen Dolinich has made...

PROCEED WITH CAUTION: Pamela Thornton, director of strategic human resource services for the Employers Association of the NorthEast, says that companies relying on artificial intelligence to streamline hiring should still maintain a human connection during the process as much as possible. PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Using AI to do the hiring far from an exact science...

Focus 08/15/2025

As more companies are adopting artificial intelligence in the workplace, the technology is playing an increasing role in hiring processes, with many employers still...

STRATEGY SESSION: Nina Pande, center, executive director of Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, discusses workforce development with East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva, left, and Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp.  COURTESY CHELSEA DECESARE

As funding shrinks, focus on training goes local

Focus 06/20/2025

In response to unpredictable federal funding and constrained state budgets, officials at the nonprofit organization Skills for Rhode Island’s Future say they’re adapting their...

BankNewport starts Shop401 program, but it’s light on details

Financial Services 05/26/2025

NEWPORT – BankNewport has launched a marketing initiative called Shop401, designed to assist small businesses across the state by encouraging Rhode Islanders to shop...

Central Falls launches new business center at RIC Workforce Development Hub

Business Services 05/13/2025

CENTRAL FALLS – Local business owners, community leaders and city officials on Tuesday formally cut the ribbon on the new Central Falls Business Center...

BankNewport selected as Legacy Builder Sponsor of National Small Business Week...

Financial Services 04/28/2025

PROVIDENCE – BankNewport has been selected by Skills for Rhode Island’s Future and the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Legacy Builder Sponsor of National...

SkillsRI launches Woonsocket Small Business HUB

Economic Activity 04/09/2025

WOONSOCKET – Skills for Rhode Island’s Future has launched the Small Business HUB to help empower entrepreneurs and small businesses across the city. Located inside...

TOUGH TIME: Katharine Amaral, right, director of programs and community partnerships for the nonprofit Junior Achievement of Rhode Island Inc., speaks during Providence Business News’ 2025 Workforce Development Summit on Feb. 13. With her on the panel, from left, are Ara Millette, director of talent acquisition at Brown University Health; Amy Grzybowski, New England Institute of Technology vice president of workforce development and community relations; and Nora Crowley, R.I. Department of Labor and Training deputy director.  PBN PHOTO/MIKE SKORSKI

PBN summit: Workforce challenges coming at federal, state levels

News Story 02/28/2025

It’s a challenging time for people charged with developing the workforce of the future for Rhode Island. Not only are state agencies and nonprofits nationwide...

BUILDING STRENGTH: Michelle LaSata, right, owner of MPOWER Training & Fitness LLC, works out with Susan Dansereau, a personal trainer, at MPOWER in Woonsocket. LaSata, who took ownership of the fitness center in 2024 recently participated in a free 10-week program called LocalBiz Resilience Program targeting entrepreneurs in Woonsocket and Central Falls.  PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

In two disadvantaged R.I. cities, a pilot business program focuses on...

Entrepreneurship 01/17/2025

Olga Saucedo made her lifelong dream of owning a restaurant come true, opening Cultura Mixta Family Restaurant in Central Falls last spring. In May 2024,...