Diversity Business Exhibit
Friday, September 12, 2025 - Saturday, September 13, 2025
Join us on September 12th and 13th, 2025, for the Diversity Business Exhibit! Prepare for two dynamic days filled with networking opportunities, inspiring guest speakers, engaging exhibitors, informative workshops, and so much more! This is the premier conference, trade show, and networking event designed specifically for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and nonprofit professionals.
2025 Exhibit Agenda
Friday, September 12th
9:00 AM – All Day
- Check-In & Registration
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
- Welcome & Kick Off
Main Stage #1
Remarks from public officials, business & nonprofit Leaders, members of the press, and community members
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- International Markets, Local Capital: Financing & Global Trade for Small and Diverse Businesses
Main Stage #2
Panel discussing Global Markets, Trade, Importing & Exporting
11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Supplier Diversity: Certification Workshop
Main Stage #1
M/WBE Certification Workshop facilitated by the Divison of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
11:30 PM – 12:30 PM
- The Business of Inclusion: Navigating Supplier Diversity Portals, Procurement & Programs
Main Stage #1
Supplier Diversity panel of private and public sector anchors & buyers
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Work Smarter, Not Harder: Affordable AI & Tech Tools That Saves Time & Gets Results
Main Stage #2
Technology, AI, Cybersecurity panel of industry professionals providing the latest tools and resources
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
- DEIB Collaborative
Stage #2: Side Corral
City of Providence Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Department September Meeting
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Supplier Diversity 1-on-1 Meet & Greet/ Q&A
Main Stage #1: Side Corral
Meet 1-on-1 for a private meet and greet or Q&A with procurement professionals to learn how to contract with their organizations - From Certified to Contracted: Success Stories of MBE/WBE Businesses Winning Contracts in the Public and Private Sectors
Main Stage #1
Supplier Diversity panel of regional success stories and how they did it - Business Blueprint: Your Guide to Getting Started & Entrepreneur Essentials Workshop
Main Stage #1
Workshop led by Rhode Island Secretary of State Business Services, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Align Your Value Proposition to Offer Transformational Solutions
Main Stage #2
Global Black Economic Forum workshop equips professionals and entrepreneurs with a practical, leadership-driven framework to articulate their unique value, align with stakeholder needs, and confidently demonstrate impact and relevance.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- PVD Stage: Your Gateway to City of Providence Opportunities
Main Stage #2
Panel led by the City of Providence Economic Development Office and Senior Staff Members - Kitchen to Commerce: Building Scalable Food-Based Businesses & Nonprofits
Main Stage #3
Food and Beverage panel made up of culinary professionals, entreprepneurs, retailers and suppliers
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Free Legal Clinic for Small Business, Nonprofit, Expungement and Immigration matters
Main Stage #1: Side Corral
In collaboration with the Thurgood Marshall Law Society. One on One Sessions with diverse attorneys to assist with your legal issues.
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- “Power Hour” Speed Networking & Coaching
Stage #2: Side Corral
Group speed networking with regional leaders and executives. Professional development opportunity to expand networks
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Radical Rest & Wellness: The Future of Health, Reimagining Care through Equity & Culturally Competent Providers
Main Stage #1
Health & Wellness panel of medical and wellness professionals and entrepreneurs - Culture as Economic Power: Building Movements and Momentum.
Main Stage #2
Culture, Media and Entertainment panel of community leaders and builders of large platforms - Stewarding the Vision: Budgeting, Boundaries & Burnout- Partnering Across Ministries, Nonprofits, and Businesses for Community Transformation
Main Stage #3
Ministry and Marketplace panel of businesses, nonprofits and faith based leaders.
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- LG Youth Boot Camp
Main Stage #2 Side Corral
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Happy Hour
Professional networking. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Cash bar for adult beverages.
Lt. Governor's "Back to School, Back to Business!" Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
9:00 AM – 9:25 AM
- Student & School Check-In
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
9:30 AM – 10:25 AM
- Welcome and Entrepreneurship Panel
Main Stage #3
Intro by Facilitator. Youth & Young professional panel discussing their entrepreneurial or nonprofit journey, challenges and wins.
10:30 AM – 11:25 AM
- Boot Camp Workshop
Main Stage #3
Entrepreneurial workshop led by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) & Community Business Coaches
11:30 AM – 11:55 AM
- Lunch Break & Prize Giveaways
Exhibit Hall D Foyer
12 PM – 12:50 PM
- Boot Camp Workshop
Main Stage #3
Entrepreneurial workshop led by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) & Community Business Coaches
1:00 PM – 1:55 PM
- Group Pic & Exhibit Hall business stroll
Main Stage #3
Small Group Business Stroll visiting with entrepreneurs at their Exhibitor Booths for inspiration and real world experience.
Saturday, September 13th - Marble House Mansion Networking Reception
Marble House Mansion - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Be part of an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, equity, and entrepreneurship, set against the iconic backdrop of the Newport Mansions. Join regional change makers, creatives, business leaders, influencers and community builders for an evening of stylish vibes, meaningful connections, and pure inspiration.
Keynote Speakers
Legal Clinic
Job & Career Fair
Supplier Matchmaking
Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Funder Matchmaking
Speed Networking
Cultural Hubs
Expert Panels
New Product Demos
Health & Wellness Clinic
Educational Workshops
Pitch Contest
Civic Drive
Marketplace
Saturday
9:30AM – All Day
- Check-In & Registration
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
10:00AM – 10:50AM
- Shaping the Future: Diversity, equity & inclusion Policies
Main Stage #1
Their impact on entrepreneurship and advocacy through legislation.
11:00AM – 11:50AM
- Business Blueprint: Your Guide to Getting Started & Entrepreneur Essentials
Main Stage #1
Workshop led by Rhode Island Secretary of State Business Services, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston
11:00AM – 11:50AM
- Inclusive Health: Innovation & Equity
Main Stage #2
How diversity drives innovation and equity in medical and wellness practices.
12:00PM – 12:50PM
- Diverse Flavors, Inclusive Business: How Diversity is Shaping the Future of the Food & Beverage Industry
Main Stage #1
Learn from the challenges and opportunities from diverse entrepreneurs and professionals.
12:00PM – 2:00PM
- Free Legal Clinic
Main Stage #1 Side Corral
One on One Sessions with diverse attorneys to assist with your legal issues.
12:00PM – 2:00PM
- The Ultimate Pitch Contest
Main Stage # 2
Watch entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of Judges. Vote for your favorite & help them win!
1:00PM – 1:50PM
- Ministry & Marketplace: Doing Well by Doing Good
Main Stage #1
Ethics and profitability in the nonprofit and social entrepreneurship space.
Join us on September 12th and 13th, 2025, for the Diversity Business Exhibit! Prepare for two dynamic days filled with networking opportunities, inspiring guest speakers, engaging exhibitors, informative workshops, and so much more! This is the premier conference, trade show, and networking event designed specifically for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and nonprofit professionals.
Further details will be announced soon, so mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates. We look forward to seeing you there!