This is by no means a comprehensive list. As we become aware of more events, we will update this hand out. Check out websites for details.
Chambers of Commerce! Many have both breakfast meetings and after work type events. Several also have their own Business Expos. (Not all hold meetings but can be a wealth of information). Always call to verify details, see if you need to be a member to attend and what the cost will be.
Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (401) 521-5000 30 Exchange Terrace, Prov. RI. Economic Outlook Luncheon, Legislative Lunch, Congressional Breakfast, Annual Meeting, Breakfast/Policy Forum, The Chamber Experience, The Inside Track, Industry Exchange.
Central RI Chamber of Commerce –3288 Post Road, Warwick. 491-732-1100. Young Professionals Networking, Leads Luncheon, March Statewide Business After Hours, Lunch Connections, Networking at the State House, Annual Legislative Reception, “Speed Dating for Business”, YP (Young Professionals) Central
Newport County Chamber of Commerce, Innovate Newport, Broadway, Newport (401) 847-1608. Emerging Leaders, Business During Hours: Human Resource Roundtable, Chamber Connections.
Northern RI Chamber of Commerce , 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Lincoln (401) 334-1000. “Speed Networking, HR Strategies, Eggs & Issues Breakfasts, workshops, women’s executive council, emerging leaders, etc..
East Bay Chamber of Commerce, 16 Cutler Street, Warren, RI (401) 245-0750
Together WE Can, Networking Referral Group, WEBOND – Women’s Empowerment and Business Owners Networking Development, Meet & Greet, Coffee & Commerce
Other local chambers:
North Kingstown
Jamestown
Charlestown
Cranston
Southern RI
East Greenwich
Ocean Community
Fall River
New Bedford
Attleboro, N. Attleboro, Franklin, MA
Expos, Dinners, Conferences:
RI Small Business Administration (RI SBA) (401-528-4561)
Annual Awards Event usually held in May. Networking event prior to lunch. Free seminars held during the week. “Matchmakers” for government contracting offered in the spring or fall. Also sponsors annual SBA Business Summit in January.
The Women’s Summit @Bryant University, springtime. Registration in January (sells out fast!).
Monthly Meetings & Other Networking Events:
Business Networking International – many local networking groups.
Boston’s Entrepreneur Network. The Boston Entrepreneurs’ Network provides early stage technology based Entrepreneurs with information and resources necessary to transform an idea into a successful product or service business.
Center for Women & Enterprise (401-277-0800) Email: info@cweprovidence.org for details.
DESIGNxRI – Rhode Island’s monthly gathering for those obsessed with design.
eWomenNetwork.com – accelerated networking for women, meets monthly, dues based., national organization w/Providence chapter.
Green Drinks Newport – Green Drinks is mostly for people working on environmental issues, but anyone can come — people from environment groups, business, government, academia and as individuals. Monthly meetings. Also, Green Drinks Providence.
Leading Women – Membership based and monthly meetings. Workshops, seminars, Networking, leadership development programs, etc.
Ocean State Toastmasters. Find a local chapter.
Out of the Box Networking. A different kind of networking event bringing the Business, Arts, Events and Wellness communities together.
Providence Entrepreneurs Meet Up
RI Hospitality Association -Voice of Rhode Island’s Lodging, Restaurant and Tourism Industry. 94 Sabra Street. Cranston, RI 02910 . (401) 223-1120. Dues based. Must be a member to attend meetings.
New England Business Association– Formerly SBANE (Smaller Business Association of New England) Sponsors breakfasts meetings, networking, workshops from 7:30AM – 9:00AM in Providence, RI and Waltham, MA.
Rotary International – Look up districts in RI and nearby MA for a convenient location.
Southern New England Entrepreneur’s Forum, 151 Martine Ave., Fall River, MA. Annual Membership: Membership fee. Admission fees also may apply.
Tech Collective (formerly RI Technology Council) holds monthly meetings for members. Usually open to colleagues. Call 401-521-7805 for more info.
The Venture Forum, formerly the Worcester Venture Forum (WPI). Email for more information. Topics vary.
Newport & Bristol Counties
Portsmouth Business Association
Bristol Merchants Association & Explore Bristol
Barrington Business Association
RI NCMA–National Contract Management Association
Senedia–The Southeastern New England Defense-Industry Alliance
Online Referral Organizations:
Newspaper Listings:
Providence Business News – lists monthly calendar events, networking, workshops, summits and local business news.
Providence Journal, Sunday edition, Business Section. Check calendar and events section.
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