Red, White & Brew, a coffee and retail shop in North Smithfield, RI, in conjunction with its retail counterpart, The Budding Violet, hosted the special RI Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC) Self Employment Project Entrepreneurs meeting with featured guest, Amy Gonzales, Project Manager of the Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC).
In addition to her role as Project Manager of DETAC, Ms. Gonzalez is founder and principal of Boston-based AMG Consulting, LLC working to provide training and technical assistance in broad areas of disability public policy to advance the Employment First mission and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities across the country. She is also a former Senior Policy Advisor, for the US Department of Labor.
The diverse group of attendees included an author, coffee barista and confectioner, nature photographer, card maker, jewelry designer, and jams and sauces purveyor, each presenting a unique path to small business success and a wide variety of products to display – and sell.
The rainy-day gathering didn’t dampen the group’s spirits as participants eagerly shared their reasons for starting a business while enjoying the hospitality and shopping venue of business owners, Michael Coyne and his mother, Sheila.
When asked why they wanted to be an entrepreneur, Jack Carfagna of Mr. C’s Old Thyme Scents, announced, “I’m the boss,” to chuckles and applause by the group.
Children’s author Karen Gasperini, commented, “It’s important for me to have a flexible schedule” to a roomful of nods. Gasperini’s book, Ariana’s Magic Boots, was inspired by her and her daughter’s diagnosis of Beal’s syndrome – a disease that causes clubfoot and curvature of the spine and the need for AFOs – leg braces.
Surrounded by colorful and artistic displays of the products, Ms. Gonzales congratulated the group on their class work, their creations and business efforts, emphasizing the value of helping people with disabilities “get jobs, and keep jobs.”
Sue Babin, RIDDC’S Self Employment Project Director, who also recently co-authored the DETAC SELF-EMPLOYMENT BRIEF, highlighted the elements of the program, including the weekly networking zoom that keeps the group connected, learning, and in touch with the latest selling opportunities. Ms. Babin updated the group about the DLT (Dept. of Labor and Training) grant that created the continuing business training and technical support for the fledgling business owners.
Referring to the publication and the grant: Ms. Babin noted “this is a great catalyst for getting more attention focused on Self-Employment…potential national and local resources…. support to other states interested in starting up or enhancing their Self Employment initiatives and… national attention on best practices.”
From Newport to North Smithfield, the RI Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC) Self Employment participants celebrated their new businesses, and received congratulations from Amy Gonzalez, nationally recognized disabilities public policy leader.
GROUP PHOTO ID: Front Row, L-R: Kathy Gudmunson, Lisa Marotta, Lilly Marino, guest speaker, Amy Gonzales. 2nd row, L-R: Jodi Merryman, Sue Babin, Carol Bruin, Karen Gasperini, Claudia Lowe, Katie Lowe, Jason Wood, Vince —, Debbie Wood, Michael Coyne. 3rd row, L:R: Wendy Taylor, Deb Duke, Tanja Blicker-Ucran, Jack Carfagna, Karyn Carfagna. Back Row: Sheila Coyne.
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The RI Department of Labor and Training (DLT) and “Real Jobs RI” has provided funding to the RI Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC) since 2018 to administer Self Employment Business Project and organize the ongoing business development support people with disabilities need to successfully start up or grow a small business.
