What a wonderful surprise for the RIDDC community. Kevin Nerney, Executive Director, RIDDC and Sue Babin, Statewide Director of the RI Small Business Self Employment Incubator, accepted a $50,000. check from Citizens Bank, surrounded by leaders within the state’s developmental disabilities community, RI Dept. of Labor & Training (DLT), and RI Dept of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH), as well as staff, small business owners/project participants and their families and support staff. Ch 10’s Mario Hilario and VP/General Manager Vic Vetters, and Citizens’ Michelle Hecht and Katie Soares were featured guests and speakers. The Award category was “Building Employment Pathways for Individuals with Diverse Abilities.
Read the article from Providence Business News Here.
There was a full house at the Red, White & Brew (RWB) Coffeehouse in Warwick on Thursday, July 24 for this special RIDDC presentation. Executive Director Kevin Nerney opened the day’s proceedings with updates and announcements regarding Medicaid, which was the specified purpose of the afternoon assembly. “Bringing so many people together, particularly at midday, is a challenge.” We certainly had a very full agenda, and great news to share about the Self-Employment project as well as for our entire community,” noted Kevin.
The room was energy-charged before the presentation, as invited guests enjoyed mingling before the event began. Colleagues from BHDDH’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Dept. of Labor & Training, CPNRI, DD agencies, and RIDDC staff and members had time to casually reconnect and enjoy the refreshments provided by hosts, RWB.
The agenda and speakers list included:
- RIDDC kick-off meeting & announcements on “Medicaid Updates”
- Michelle Hecht, Head of Corporate Affairs, Citizens – presentation
- Vic Vetters, General Manager, NBC10
- Mario Hilario, NBC 10
- Kevin Nerney, Executive Director of RIDDC
- Sue Babin, Statewide Director for RI Small Business Incubator, and Special Projects Coordinator, RIDDC
- Matt Weldon, Director of DLT
- Sheila and Michael Coyne, business owners, Red, White & Brew and The Budding Violet
- 6 small business owners – introducing themselves and their products/services
- Networking and refreshments
- Citizens Business Banking Colleagues 1-1 mentoring with 6 entrepreneurs
Adding to the excitement of the award was an additional distinction – one that makes the recognition even more noteworthy. Katie Soares, VP, Public Affairs Manager, Rhode Island & Connecticut, acknowledged to Sue: “We’ve had topics focused on disabilities, but this is our first focus that is workforce-specific.” Katie also said, “it’s a competitive process and the applications are review by a committee of Citizens Colleagues, NBC10 team members and community members. The finalist is selected after an in-person site visit.”
The award was an open competition for non-profits that create inclusive and supportive career opportunities by leveraging the strengths of individuals with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply in March 2025. Citizens will provide $50,000 in unrestricted funding, media and promotional support, and volunteer assistance to RIDDC dedicated to building employment pathways for individuals with diverse abilities.
When the presentation ended, the energy was still palpable in the room, and it quickly flowed into a separate conference room where the Citizens Bank project work immediately began. Citizens’ mentors and our six small business owners met at two round tables. That lively discussion and brainstorming session on marketing tips and business development ideas was as inspiring as it was productive.
The Framework & Plan
The RIDDC is very proud to be the recipient of a $50,000 grant from Citizens through their Champions in Action program, in conjunction with CH10. The grant is aimed at supporting our transformative Self-Employment Business Incubator. Through this award, the RIDDC will also receive promotional and volunteer support to continue the important work that awaits.
Sue offered the RIDDC’s SE Business Incubator ambitious list of plans for the funding:
- directly supporting 25-40 entrepreneurs with developmental disabilities through mini grants,
- organizing a statewide “Elevator Pitch” contest with a first prize of $5,000. and
- creating a data-driven infographic to highlight the economic contributions of these entrepreneurs.
The Impact of the Story
Beyond the significance of the day’s events and the symbolic check presentation, Sue reflects on the bigger picture, with its long-ranging impact. “This initiative not only improves financial independence and job creation for individuals with disabilities, but also shifts public perceptions, fosters inclusive economic growth, and supports state-level policy advocacy.” She continues, “With support from Citizens Bank, RIDDC will enhance statewide visibility of inclusive entrepreneurship, strengthen the small business ecosystem, and continue breaking down systemic employment barriers faced by people with disabilities in Rhode Island.”
