In 2026, IDEA returns for its 14th year, with the theme Ignite Possibility. From January 14 through 16, nearly 1,200 first-year and transfer students will participate in this hands-on learning experience, using design thinking to tackle more than 45 real-world challenges. Rhode Island community members play an essential role in this transformative program. Whether you participate in one session or all three, your involvement empowers students to think differently, collaborate effectively, and lead with
People’s Credit Union Middletown Branch Employees Host an Icelandic Tradition "Jolabokaflod" Christmas Book Exchange at the Middletown Public Library Organized by People's Credit Union employee, Valerie Gomes, the Middletown Branch Team hosted a Jolabokaflod Christmas free event at the Middletown Public Library. Books were distributed to children, along with fun activities, treats, and a visit from Santa. ABOUT PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Middletown, RI, People's Credit
Centreville Bank team members celebrated the grand opening by cutting the ribbon at the Middletown branch, located at 160 East Main Road. Charitable Foundation awards grants to Newport Mental Health and the MLK Community Center Centreville Bank celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of its first full-service branch in Middletown, Rhode Island, located at 160 East Main Road. The new branch is the Bank’s first ground-up construction project since 2020 and represents a significant
On December 3rd, more than 100 BankNewport employees came together at the Middletown headquarters to hand-make 100 no-sew fleece blankets to support Rhode Island families served by Children’s Friend and Connecting for Children & Families. BankNewport employees worked together to make 100 no-sew blankets to benefit families of Children's Friend and Connecting for Children & Families at BankNewport headquarters in Middletown, RI. Taylor Crossley, Development and Communications Coordinator, Connecting for
On December 3rd, People’s Credit Union employees held a wreath-making event to support Lucy’s Hearth’s Designer Wreath Sale. Workshops were held at the Middletown branch with over fifty volunteers participating. “Lucy’s Hearth supports families in need all year long, and our employees were delighted to jump in with their creativity for this fundraiser,” stated Courtney Hunter, Head of Community Development for People’s Credit Union. “We all share the same hope to make the holidays a little brighter
Small Business Collective Launches to Cultivate Connection and Empower Entrepreneurs Across Rhode Island A new resource for small business development has officially launched in Rhode Island. Small Business Collective (SBC), a newly established nonprofit, is proud to announce its formation and the appointment of Mollie Frazer Williams as its Executive Director. Based in Middletown with statewide programming planned, Small Business Collective will offer collaborative workspace,
Donations of Gifts and Clothing for Local Children will be Collected at All Branches Through December 16th People’s Credit Union is once again partnering with the Salvation Army and their Angel Tree program to provide gifts for local children in need this holiday season. Through December 16th, donations of unwrapped, new children’s gifts and clothing will be collected during normal business hours at all six People’s Credit Union branch locations. Employee volunteers will help deliver the donations
BankNewport Awards Over $480,000 in Fall 2025 Charitable Foundation and Proactive GrantsFunding supports over 50 nonprofit organizations throughout Rhode Island The BankNewport Charitable Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its Fall 2025 grants. Over $480,000 was awarded to more than 50 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to strengthening communities and supporting programs that foster basic needs, education success, arts and culture, and healthy
People's Credit Union Donates $1,500 to Butler Basketball Club for Distribution to Local Families in Need L to R: Randy Butler, Founder of Butler Basketball, Jordan Butler, and Sean Daly, Head of People's Credit Union. ABOUT PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Middletown, RI, People’s Credit Union is a purpose-driven, member-owned, state-chartered, community credit union that serves as a catalyst for positive change in the community through its member engagement and community
Growth is a thrilling word for any small business owner. But expansion — done right — isn’t just about hiring more people or opening another location. It’s about building the kind of resilience and systems that make growth sustainable over the long haul in Rhode Island’s ever-changing business landscape.TL;DR To grow well, small businesses should focus on five key areas: clarity of purpose, financial discipline, operational scalability, legal structure, and community connection. Build systems before you
Client onboarding is more than just paperwork and welcome emails — it’s the first real impression of how your service-based business operates. A clunky, confusing, or manual onboarding process can quickly undercut trust, while a smooth, structured one builds confidence, accelerates delivery, and strengthens loyalty from day one.The Quick Summary Before diving deep, here’s what you’ll take away: Streamlined onboarding is about clarity, automation, and communication, not just speed. Systems that
Parsons Capital Management Honored as No. 1 Firm in the 2025 CNBC FA 100 List National recognition for Providence-based firmPROVIDENCE, R.I. - October 1, 2025 - Parsons Capital Management, Inc., a registered investment advisory firm based in Rhode Island, is proud to share that it has been named No. 1 in the 2025 CNBC FA 100 list, an annual ranking of the top 100 financial advisory firms in the United States as compiled by CNBC, in partnership with AccuPoint Solutions. The recognition marks the
Rhode Island Energy is proud to support small businesses like yourselves by providing solutions that reduce both energy use and cut costs. It starts with a NO COST, NO OBLIGATION energy assessment, where an Energy Specialist gives you a proposal on how to reduce your energy costs. Check out this video from a small business in Providence! Whether you own or rent your building, you could get up to 70% off your next energy efficiency upgrade on equipment like:HVAC systemsWalk-in cooler upgradesOccupancy
In digital marketing, skillfully managing assets can be the key to success. Having resources like images, videos, and reports meticulously organized enables greater impact. The value lies not in simply possessing these assets, but in strategically using them to stay ahead. Mastering digital asset management streamlines workflows, boosts team productivity, and enhances security. Embracing best practices transforms disarray into efficiency and raw potential into measurable success.Building a Fortress: User
Being an entrepreneur is all about juggling, innovating, and growing—but what if you had a secret weapon to make it easier? Enter Adobe Acrobat, a powerful ally that streamlines your day-to-day, helping you work smarter while leaving more room for what truly drives your business forward. This Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating the ways Adobe Acrobat is empowering women entrepreneurs to elevate their hustle, simplify workflows, and realize bigger dreams. Acrobat AI Assistant: Check out
Transforming your home into a space that fuels entrepreneurial success is both an exciting and rewarding venture. By optimizing your environment for productivity and creativity, you can elevate your home into a hub for innovative thinking and business growth. A well-designed home office or workspace can help you maintain focus and balance while working on your entrepreneurial goals. Implementing effective strategies and best practices will ensure that your home supports your business ambitions without