April 2024 Newsletter

Published on Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Rhode Islanders over the age of 55 are the backbone of our small business community. They own over 12,000 businesses and employ over 115,000 of our friends and neighbors.

As they reach a well-earned retirement, they're going to leave behind a big gap. We need to ensure that they can enjoy the fruits of their labor while encouraging more Rhode Islanders to pursue the dream of owning their own business.

Here's how my office worked to do that this month:

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE

We gave the next generation of RI business owners an opportunity to showcase their ideas and win thousands of dollars in scholarships at the Lt. Governor's Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Presented by Citizens, the Entrepreneurship Challenge is a live business pitch competition for high school students. Keep an eye out for these names—they're our state's future business leaders!

   1st Place: Raneem Al Suwaidani, "Lilypad"
   2nd Place: Emma & Kate DiPardo, "Anchor Cremation"
   3rd Place: Angel Bonga, "Angelic Twist"
   4th Place: Jordy Chacon, "Future Stars Sports Complex
   5th Place: Matthew Spaziano, "GasEase"
 
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP

My office's Small Business Advocacy Council hosted a forum with the Employee Ownership Expansion Network and Fuerza Laboral on how both workers and retiring owners can benefit by transitioning a small business to employee ownership.

If you're interested in learning more about employee ownership, reach out to my office at (401) 222-2371 or ltgov@ltgov.ri.gov!
 
SENIOR CENTER TOWN HALLS

After a lifetime of work, retired Rhode Islanders should be able to easily government and non-profit programs to help them continue to lead vibrant lives. That's why my office is bringing resources to them through our Senior Center Town Halls, with in-person help from state, federal, and non-profit groups.

Our next Town Hall is scheduled for May 30th from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the Pilgrim Senior Center in Warwick. Join us there and get the resources you deserve!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Lieutenant Governor!

Best wishes,

Sabina Matos