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Small Business and Job Creation in Rhode Island: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth

GUESTS:

Nina Pande, Skills RI

Matt Spoehr, SBA

Jim Cohill, Bank Newport

This episode explores the critical role of small businesses in Rhode Island's economic landscape. Featuring insights from leaders across banking, workforce development, and government, it emphasizes collaborative efforts to foster job growth, access to capital, and entrepreneurial success that benefits the entire community.

In this episode:

• The importance of small business in Rhode Island’s job creation goals and how it shapes economic policy
• Key initiatives like the Small Business Summit and their role in workforce upskilling and resource sharing
• How local financial institutions humanize lending processes to support new and existing entrepreneurs
• The significance of regional thinking and cross-sector collaboration for scalable business growth
• Challenges faced by small businesses, including access to funding, technology adoption, and navigating government contracts
• The upcoming Small Business Week and the Rhode Island Small Business Summit as vital opportunities for networking and development
• Practical advice from banking and SBA representatives on reducing barriers and demystifying financial resources
• Why investing in small businesses is essential for sustainable, inclusive economic growth in Rhode Island

Timestamps:
00:00 - Overview of Rhode Island's job creation efforts and small business importance

00:30 - Introducing the panel and their roles in economic development

01:22 - The vital contribution of small businesses and individual proprietors

01:33 - Jim Cohill discusses commercial lending and support for small businesses

02:11 - The interconnectedness of public and private sector efforts in job growth

02:33 - Matt Spear on SBA programs and resource partnerships

03:19 - The challenge of small business growth and the upcoming Small Business Week events

03:49 - The significance of connecting ideas, funding, and workforce support

04:05 - Nina Pande on adult workforce upskilling and technology modernization in small companies

05:29 - The role of free resources and community outreach in easing entrepreneurial fears

06:36 - Jim’s perspective on humanizing banking and supporting business start-ups

07:03 - Jim on the importance of transparent conversations for new entrepreneurs

08:03 - The need for broader awareness of available resources and government contracting opportunities

09:16 - Fight the intimidation: humanizing banking to unlock small business potential

10:38 - The role of small business in Rhode Island’s economic future, not just reliance on large firms

12:09 - How developing small businesses supports regional growth and job creation

13:09 - Opportunities for small and mid-sized firms in the regional economy

14:48 - The collaborative spirit needed among Rhode Island’s businesses and institutions

15:14 - The upcoming Small Business Summit as a platform to network and leverage resources

16:06 - Closing remarks emphasizing community and support for entrepreneurs

Resources & Links:

• SkillsRI - Skills for an Island's Future
• Bank Newport
• [U.

S. Small Business Administration Rhode Island District Office](https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/district/ri)

• Rhode Island Small B

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Unveiling Climate Storytelling: The Power of Coalition and Communication

This episode explores how documentary filmmaking can illuminate environmental crises and foster coalition-building across diverse worlds — from scientists and religious leaders to policymakers and journalists. Abby Ellis, director of The Lake, shares insights on addressing complex ecological issues through compelling narratives that bridge ideological divides.

In this episode:

• The importance of coalition-building in tackling environmental crises
• How different ideological worlds can converge on shared goals
• Strategies for communicating climate science to skeptics
• The significance of portraying multi-dimensional characters in environmental storytelling
• The urgency of global ecological issues and timely solutions
• The role of religion and science in uniting communities around environmental stewardship
• Practical approaches for engaging hesitant audiences in climate conversations
• Example of empowering narratives from The Lake and real-world activism

Timestamps:

00:00 - Overview of upcoming screening of The Lake and its significance

00:30 - Introduction to Abby Ellis and the film’s core themes

01:16 - The role of coalition-building in environmental activism

01:54 - How bipartisan efforts emerged in Utah’s ecological crisis

02:22 - Environmental issues as human, not just political, concerns

02:50 - The urgency of the Great Salt Lake’s potential disaster

03:28 - The importance of immediate coalition-building for climate resilience

03:44 - How the film emphasizes the immediacy of ecological threats

04:12 - Lessons from Utah’s crisis for the broader climate movement

04:40 - The impact of united communities across political and religious divides

05:09 - The significance of diverse moral and ideological convergences

05:25 - The role of religious perspectives, like Mormon stewardship, in environmental advocacy

05:52 - The power of religious and scientific values coexisting in activism

06:27 - Communicating climate science to skeptical audiences effectively

07:37 - The importance of understanding different cultural triggers for environmental messaging

08:17 - How to speak to people in terms they understand, beyond politicized language

08:42 - Upcoming screening details and community engagement opportunities

09:05 - Future broadcasting plans and broader reach for The Lake

Resources & Links:

• The Lake - Official Website (Check for updates and broadcast releases)
• EcoRI News – Rhode Island’s leading environmental news source
• Act on Climate - Rhode Island – Local climate legislation and activism
• Sundance Film Festival – Premier platform for the film’s debut

Connect with Abby Ellis:

• Twitter
• Instagram

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Title: Providence Rent Stabilization Debate: Insights from City Council President Rachel Miller

This episode delves into the complex political and social dynamics surrounding rent stabilization in Providence, Rhode Island. City Council President Rachel Miller shares her perspective on the ongoing debate, the influence of special interests, and the urgent need to prioritize residents' survival amid a soaring housing crisis.

Key Topics:

• The current state of Providence's rent stabilization proposals and the political stalemate

• The impact of rent hikes on long-term residents and the city’s future

• How misinformation campaigns by corporate landlords complicate policy discussions

• The importance of effective communication and community engagement in shaping policy

• The broader national and global context influencing local housing debates

• The significance of building support within the council and navigating opposition

• The potential for rent stabilization to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions

• The political implications of current debates for upcoming elections

• The role of advocacy and community voices in influencing policy outcomes

Timestamps: 00:00 - Overview of rent stabilization controversy in Providence
00:31 - Council efforts to build support and address community concerns
01:05 - Personal stories illustrating housing affordability crisis
01:47 - Likelihood of political shifts among council members
02:02 - Addressing the information gap and communicating carve-outs
02:51 - Influence of corporate interests and misinformation campaigns
03:38 - Community engagement and correcting myths
04:47 - Outsized influence of corporate landlords on policy
05:17 - The city's survival and the impact of external networks
05:57 - The long-term decline of residents and housing stress
06:16 - Balancing growth with protection of existing residents
07:08 - The global and national context of housing issues
07:35 - The urgency of implementing bold policies despite imperfections
08:11 - The political reality and support from renters
08:48 - Evidence suggesting regulation does not harm construction
09:14 - The threat of well-funded interests stopping progressive policies
09:46 - The historical opposition from mayoral leadership

10:19 - Building a political roadmap and election implications

10:49 - Ongoing efforts to engage different viewpoints

11:16 - Attempts to strengthen and improve legislation

12:05 - The significance of the initial council approval and upcoming electoral accountability

12:54 - Final thoughts on potential political shifts and the future of rent stabilization

Resources & Links:

• Rachel Miller - Providence City Council President
• Additional insights on rent control policies: National Low Income Housing Coalition
• Related discussion on urban housing debates: Bartholomew Town Podcast

Connect with Rachel Miller:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

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Is Rhode Island’s "boring" election cycle finally heating up? Dan McGowan (The Boston Globe) joins Bill Bartholomew to break down a week of major shifts in the Ocean State. They discuss why the Providence mayoral race is seeing a policy divide unlike any in recent history, the "new kid on the block" energy of Ken Block’s independent run for Governor, and the political "horse-trading" surrounding a potential Supreme Court vacancy.

Key Discussion Points

• The Providence Mayoral Divide: Why the battle over rent stabilization between Mayor Brett Smiley and Rep. David Morales represents a rare, policy-driven shift in city politics that could define the next council.
• The "38 Studios on Steroids" Effect: Dan explains why the Washington Bridge crisis has surpassed previous state scandals in its "stickiness" with voters and how it provides a massive opening for "fixer" candidates.
• The 2026 Gubernatorial Chess Board: An analysis of Ken Block’s recent polling, his "new shiny" treatment in the media, and why Dan McKee and Helena Foulkes might be headed for an "opioids vs. competence" primary battle.
• Supreme Court Vacancy & Horse-Trading: A candid look at the possibility of Speaker Joe Shekarchi moving to the high court and the reality of how political judgeships are awarded in Rhode Island.
• AI and Data Centers: Bill reflects on a recent sold-out event in Newport, proving that "non-traditional" political issues are starting to break through with the average voter.

About Our Guest

Dan McGowan is the Rhode Island columnist for The Boston Globe and author of the Rhode Map newsletter. You can subscribe to his daily coverage by emailing [email protected].

Links & Resources

• Follow Bill: Instagram | YouTube
• Support the Show: Send us Fan Mail | Direct Support
• Official Website: Bartholomewtown.com

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Rhode Island Politics Spotlight: Providence Mayoral Race & Governor's Race Analysis

In this episode, we explore the key developments shaping Rhode Island’s political landscape — from the contentious Providence mayoral race to the emerging significance of independent candidate Ken Block in the governor’s race. Understand how recent polling, election strategies, and voter sentiment are setting the stage for a transformative election cycle.

Key topics

• The recent veto of rent stabilization in Providence and its implications on the mayoral primary
• The political strategies and coalitions around housing policies in the Providence mayoral race
• Ken Block’s polling results and his potential impact on the Rhode Island gubernatorial race
• How outsider candidates are shifting voter focus and the broader appetite for change
• The importance of undecided voters and campaign adaptation in the coming months

Timestamps

• (0:01) Overview of Rhode Island’s major political races and their significance
• (0:25) Providence mayoral race: Mayor Smiley’s veto on rent stabilization and its political repercussions
• (1:02) The housing crisis in Providence and the supply-side economic approach
• (2:03) The political positioning of rent control proposals and city council dynamics
• (3:25) The upcoming Providence mayoral primary and its impact on the 2024 elections
• (4:23) The divide: short-term rent control versus long-term housing solutions
• (5:21) David Morales’ rally and the populist sentiment in Providence
• (6:35) Immediate housing needs versus long-term planning — balancing demand and supply
• (8:39) The Rhode Island governor’s race heats up with outsider Ken Block’s entry
• (9:17) Ken Block’s historical political background and recent polling data
• (11:09) Pollster insights: Ken Block’s "runway" to potential victory
• (12:29) The significance of Ken Block’s credibility and voter awareness
• (14:14) Broader appetite for political change across the country and in Rhode Island
• (16:11) The current landscape: the lack of leftist candidates and the rise of outsiders
• (17:54) How polling impacts campaign strategies and voter psychology
• (19:15) The influence of undecided voters and campaign ground game
• (20:42) The importance of shifting campaign focus from negativity to substantive issues
• (22:31) Summarizing the current state: Ken Block as a serious contender and the changing political tone
• (23:55) Closing thoughts on Rhode Island’s political season and upcoming electoral shifts

Resources & Links

• Brian Wynn - Pollster Insights
• Ken Block Campaign
• Providence Mayor’s Veto on Rent Stabilization (Channel 12)
• Dan McGowan - Boston Globe Columnist

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• LinkedIn

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Bill Bartholomew welcomes independent Rhode Island gubernatorial candidate Ken Block.

Key topics:

• Ken Block's background in software engineering and political activism

• His previous efforts to create a centrist political party and advocacy for good government

• The surprising and personal journey leading to his gubernatorial run

• The disconnect and lack of traction among current candidates, and how he aims to stand out

• Critical issues facing Rhode Island such as infrastructure failures, fiscal management, and project mismanagement

• The importance of decisive leadership, especially regarding the Washington Bridge collapse

• Management failures in Rhode Island's government projects and how to address them

• The potential for AI and technological disruption impacting state policy

• Fiscal strategies, including potential reallocation of funds and critiques of tax policies

• The influence of party politics, coalition building, and the shift toward independent support

• His commitment to transparency, accountability, and pragmatic solutions for long-term stability

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Ken Block and his diverse background 00:24 - Ken's career in software and political activism 00:50 - Past political efforts and advocacy for good governance 01:18 - Journey from opposition to running for governor 02:44 - How polling and fundraising influenced his decision 03:15 - The weak current political landscape and his outsider message 04:01 - The impact of his campaign on the Democrat primary 06:22 - Rhode Island's unique challenges and broader macroeconomic issues 07:35 - Why Ken Block believes he is qualified to lead through disruption 08:05 - Management failures in major Rhode Island projects 09:30 - Critical analysis of the Washington Bridge failure and accountability 10:56 - Building a political coalition in a polarized environment 11:36 - The importance of decisiveness and political courage 12:29 - Lessons from Bruce Sundlun's decision-making style 13:55 - The need for fact-based, quick decision-making in government 15:12 - Lack of political courage and transparency in government failures 16:08 - The recurring mistakes like the Washington Bridge and fiscal mismanagement 17:30 - Infrastructure neglect and dysfunction 18:28 - Budget management, reallocations, and fiscal responsibility 20:11 - Managing large projects and the importance of skilled oversight 21:35 - Addressing state spending inefficiencies 22:28 - The importance of smarter government spending 23:24 - Challenges of housing development and infrastructure costs 24:36 - The unrealistic scope of housing targets and pragmatic solutions 26:14 - The potential of private investments like the Superman Building 28:48 - Rhode Island's economic and demographic challenges compared to Boston 29:55 - The impact of tax policies and the flight of high earners 31:00 - Building a broad political coalition across party lines 33:24 - The disconnect between community needs and government response 35:56 - The failure to maintain infrastructure and deliver public services 38:34 - The political landscape, party fragmentation, and independent prospects 39:57 - Ken Block's commitment to fixing core government issues and future outlookResources & Links:

• Rhode Island Infrastructure Crisis

• Ken Block's Campaign Website

• Bruce Sundlun's Leadership Lessons

Connect with Ken Block:

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Every gravestone is a sentence. Every cemetery is a story. And Rhode Island — one of the oldest corners of the country — has more of those stories per square mile than almost anywhere in America.

This week, preservationist Deb Suggs joins us to make the case that historic cemeteries aren't just resting places for the dead — they're primary sources, open to anyone willing to look. From colonial-era epitaphs to the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers, enslaved people, and forgotten civic leaders, Rhode Island's burial grounds hold a version of our history that no textbook does.

Deb shares what draws her to this work, what's at stake when these sites fall into disrepair, and the remarkable Rhode Islanders — some famous, most not — she's encountered while walking among the stones. It's a conversation about preservation, community, and why the past is never as buried as we think.

In this episode

Why historic cemeteries are some of the most reliable historical records we have • What gets lost when a burial ground is abandoned or destroyed • Stories of Rhode Islanders whose graves reveal lives history overlooked • How anyone can get involved in cemetery preservation • The surprising things gravestones can tell you — from demographics to disease to art history

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Half Street Group’s Mike Raia joins the show to break down how independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Block entering the race could disrupt the strategies of Governor Dan McKee and challenger Helena Foulkes.

We dig into whether Block plays the role of a “spoiler,” how similar candidates have performed historically in Rhode Island politics, and what this unique election cycle could signal about voter sentiment and fragmentation heading into November.

Then, a cultural pivot: a recent The New York Times Magazine piece explores whether meme culture has pushed us into a kind of “brain rot”—and how that might be shaping not just how we consume information, but how we interact with and even train AI systems.

Is the internet rewiring our attention spans—and could that feedback loop be influencing the future of intelligence itself?

Inside Communications is presented by Half Street Group

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Bill Bartholomew sits down with Christopher Gavin of the The Boston Globe to unpack the controversy surrounding a Ukrainian solidarity mural in Providence—and how a local story can quickly become part of a much larger national narrative.

What began as a piece of public art tied to global events soon sparked questions about public space, messaging, and civic process. But as the reaction grew, so did scrutiny over how and why the story spread—raising broader questions about amplification, influence, and the role of decentralized, well-funded networks in shaping modern culture war flashpoints.

In this conversation, Bartholomew and Gavin separate fact from reaction, examine how local issues get pulled into national discourse, and explore what the Providence mural moment reveals about media ecosystems, political narratives, and the forces that drive them.

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Following a newportFILM presented screening of The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist at The Jane Pickens Theater Bill Bartholomew moderates an expert panel on AI's growth and impact on Rhode Island.

David Altounian (Associate Professor, Business & Economics, Salve Regina University), 

Timothy H. Henry (Chair, Computer Science and Information Systems, Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies, Rhode Island College), 

Michael Littman (Associate Provost for Artificial Intelligence, University Professor of Computer Science, Brown University) 

Briana Vecchione (Technical Researcher with the AI on the Ground team at Data & Society Research Institute) 

presented by newportFILM

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