H 7597Funding & Budget

Making an Appropriation of $200,000 to the Rhode Island Black Business Association

Appropriates $200,000 to the Rhode Island Black Business Association for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support entrepreneurship and business development.

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Introduced Feb 6, 2026Committee House Finance

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution authorizes a one-time legislative appropriation of $200,000 from the Rhode Island state treasury to the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The allocated funds are intended to support the organization's ongoing efforts to provide critical services to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and employers across the state, helping to stimulate local economic growth.

Established in 2011, RIBBA focuses on advancing business opportunities and the economic vitality of Black-owned and minority-owned businesses in Rhode Island. The organization provides a wide array of professional services, including business development consulting, entrepreneurship training, legislative advocacy, contracting assistance, workforce development, and facilitating access to capital. These services aim to foster a more inclusive economy by supporting historically marginalized business owners who may face systemic barriers to traditional financing and networking.

The resolution explicitly notes that while RIBBA maintains a focus on minority business development, its membership and services are completely open to all Rhode Islanders regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Because the organization relies entirely on government grants, corporate grants, and public support to fund its daily operations, this direct state appropriation would provide a significant financial boost. By authorizing these funds, the General Assembly aims to ensure RIBBA can continue its mission of supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the state's overall economic development.

For younger readers

This bill gives $200,000 of state money to the Rhode Island Black Business Association. This group helps people start and grow their own businesses by offering training and support. The money will help them keep providing these services to business owners in the state.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA)Minority business ownersEntrepreneurs in Rhode IslandRhode Island taxpayers

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Low. The legislature has the constitutional authority to appropriate funds for public purposes, and economic development is a recognized public purpose. The bill explicitly notes services are open to all, mitigating potential Equal Protection concerns.

Estimated cost

$200,000

Estimated revenue

Not specified

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Supports minority-owned businesses and helps address the racial wealth gap.
Funds workforce development and entrepreneurship training for marginalized communities.
Invests public funds into community-based economic development and equity initiatives.
Promotes inclusive access to capital for small business owners.
$200,000 may be seen as insufficient to address systemic economic inequalities.
One-time legislative appropriations do not provide long-term, sustainable funding for the organization.
Relies on a private non-profit to deliver services rather than building permanent state capacity.

For Conservatives

Encourages entrepreneurship, free enterprise, and local economic growth.
Supports workforce development, which helps businesses find qualified employees.
The bill explicitly states the organization's services are open to all Rhode Islanders, not just specific demographic groups.
Increases state spending by $200,000.
Directs taxpayer money to a specific private organization rather than using a competitive grant process.
Some may oppose earmarking general treasury funds for organizations with race-specific primary missions.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) was formed in 2011 for the purposes of advancing business opportunities and vitality of Black-owned and minority businesses in Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, RIBBA assists those businesses through business development, entrepreneurship training, business advocacy, contracting, workforce development, and access to capital; and

WHEREAS, RIBBA’s membership includes those individuals and businesses of all sizes regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, abilities, socioeconomic status, culture, sexual orientation, and gender identity and the services and programs offered by RIBBA are open to all Rhode Islanders; and

WHEREAS, The organization is one hundred percent (100%) funded through government grants, corporate grants and public support; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) to the Rhode Island Black Business Association to assist its efforts and services to entrepreneurs, business owners, and employers in Rhode Island; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF JOINTRESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,0 TO THE RHODE ISLAND BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION *** This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $200,000 to the Rhode Island Black Business Association.