RI’S BIPOC ENTREPRENEUR + BUSINESS OWNER NEEDS
However, such training need not be part of the formal curriculum as it can also be provided in other settings, such as clubs, after-school events, summer camps, and the like. Community college programs offer another opportunity. Since 2019, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has offered an entrepreneurship certificate within its business programs. This is an important first step, but CCRI might also consider steps to “infuse entrepreneurship across the curriculum.” This term refers to programs that link entrepreneurship to other disciplines, including trades and the arts. Many community colleges now offer entrepreneurship certificates that help these students learn about their primary major (e.g., cosmetology, HVAC, plumbing), while also learning how to run a business along the way. Kansas’ Johnson County Community College offers a model for this approach. 12 Third, Rhode Island should consider restarting its statewide self-employment assistance programs. This effort, which would be spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Training (DLT), authorizes the use of federal workforce funds to support self-employment training. DLT previously operated a program of this type, but it does not appear to do so any longer. In fact, proposed state legislation (H.6250) seeks to create this program at DLT. In addition, several localities, such as Providence, offer self-employment assistance services. All parts of Rhode Island should do so. The State’s workforce programs could also consider providing these types of services in their federally-backed youth programs that serve at-risk young people aged 14-24. Finally, the State should support and expand efforts that seek to provide career pathways and support diversity and inclusion in key fields, such as banking, accounting, management, and marketing, that support business development. Invest in ‘earn and learn’ training programs to create opportunities for individuals to develop and grow their talent while maintaining income. Similar efforts should focus on increasing youth interest in training and careers in other fields with high-growth potential and a strong history of supporting high-quality jobs and career options. These include computer and mathematical, architecture and engineering, and life, physical, and social sciences. Many trade associations, such as the Rhode Island Bankers Association, are initiating efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. These efforts should be actively encouraged, as inclusive ecosystems include diverse types of entrepreneurs and diverse service providers as well.
Business Assistance Rhode Island has a strong base of business support organizations (BSOs) and the roster of such organizations is growing on a regular basis. For example, RI Hub, and 401 Tech Bridge have all opened for business in recent years. While there is a robust service provider base in Rhode Island, interviewed entrepreneurs report that they are often unaware of available programs or feel uncomfortable accessing such services. Meanwhile, BSOs report growing interest in entrepreneurship, which aligns with national trends showing business startup growth in 2021 at the highest levels in recent history. They also report that they have been actively seeking to better serve BIPOC entrepreneurs. For example, the statewide Small Business Development Center, SCORE, Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG), and Urban Ventures, networks have greatly expanded outreach
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Hanover Research, Community College Entrepreneurship Center Models, 2014. Available at: https://www.hanoverresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Community-College-Entrepreneurship-CenterModels.pdf.
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