The Spirit of Individual Enterprise and Economic Inclusion

Explore Our Small Business Directory

Learn about the businesses that have taken part in our Self-Employment Program.

Here is what Michael Coyne, Business Owner of “Red, White and Brew” cafe and “The Budding Violet” retail shop has to say:

I love being my own “BOSS”, meeting new people and spending my time working on something I really enjoy every day!
I decide my own flexible work schedule and hours.
The Business Development Classes helped me to learn skills for problem solving, creativity, communication, and self-advocacy. I met other great people with disabilities who also own their own businesses. And I received a mini- grant to buy some equipment I needed for my business!
I have assistance through my personal support network and my Business Team who are there to help me with my business.
I am no longer “volunteering” my time at a job, but instead I have MY OWN business making money and I have increased my income!

For people to learn skills to make money at meaningful employment they have a real passion for
Each person attains their “Ideal Conditions of Employment” and Do What They LOVE !
To be your Own BOSS!
To schedule your own work hours vs. time set by someone else
To decide on your place of employment… work where you want
To work at your own pace…don’t have to answer to someone else
To increase your self-esteem and build a stronger sense of dignity
To improve your financial future and build financial security
To learn practical skills in the areas of communication, problem solving, networking, creativity, and money management

To build a statewide “RI Self-Employment Business Incubator” through entrepreneurship education and ongoing business support to assist people with developmental disabilities and others to develop and grow successful new businesses in Rhode Island.
To cultivate economic inclusion of people with disabilities as valued business owners contributing to the growth of RI’s economic development.

Business Development Series of 8 Business Classes
Personal Staff Mentor
1:1 Business Support from Business Advisor:
- Business Logo, Business Card design and printing
- Marketing ideas, Business planning, Facebook design, Website design, Benefits Planning
- Local News and social media stories on entrepreneurs and their businesses
Mini-Grant of $250.00, 500.00-1000.00, up to $2000.00
Completed personalized Business Portfolio
Weekly Virtual Entrepreneur’s Forums for ongoing business support
Local community Vendor Marketplace Events in RI from May through November for Business Owners to sell their products and services
Support to participate in “Small Business Saturday SHOP RI” in November
Paid Speakers Bureau opportunities share success stories and inspire other individuals to start their own businesses

Grant Funding provided by the RI Department of Labor and Training’s (DLT) “Back to Work RI” initiative
Additional funding support from the RI Developmental Disabilities Council and The Fogarty Foundation
Short and long-term job development support for individuals provided by State VR and State DD