Rhode Island Programs

Empowering Rhode Island's Grassroots Entrepreneurs

MESENow partners with local organizations to serve underrepresented entrepreneurs across under-resourced communities in Rhode Island. We combine business training with connections to essential services, including income assistance, healthcare, housing, and childcare. We recognize that sustainable enterprises need stable foundations.
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01. Entrepreneurship Training

We offer core business skills to include business planning, financial literacy and management, marketing, and digital skills, as well as culturally competent business support to help them launch and grow successful businesses.

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02. Micro/Nano loans & Mentorship

MESENow prioritizes loans designed to support different types of grassroots businesses and ventures to help them start, grow, and sustain their businesses.

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03. Cross-Cutting Supports

We address the holistic needs of grassroots entrepreneurs and their budding businesses. From childcare and family support to addressing personal well-being and market access, enabling them to contribute to the local economy and build wealth in their community

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04. Policy Development

We focus on creating a tailored and supportive environment that provides grassroots entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, and connections they need to launch, grow, and develop economically. 


Rhode Island in Action
This section highlights MESENow’s work across Rhode Island and the programs, partnerships, and initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and community empowerment.


DIVERSITY BUSINESS EXHIBIT

MESENow was invited to speak at the Diversity Business Exhibit, sharing expertise on:


  • Diaspora wealth-building strategies
  • International investing opportunities
  • Global entrepreneurship
  • Cross-border economic development
  • Building sustainable wealth across international markets


The presentation fostered meaningful dialogue around empowering diverse communities through entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and global investment opportunities.

Our Partners

CHW Entrepreneurship & Ethics Training

- Entrepreneurship and ethics training for certified Community Health Workers (CHWs)


- Training focused on helping CHWs explore pathways for social entrepreneurship and reimagine how their lived experience and professional expertise can translate into sustainable community-based solutions.


 - This training can be replicated and adopted to be used globally.


Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI Training

-  MESENow participated in the #BCBSRI #SmallBusinessMarketplace2026

 

-  Conducted financial literacy training and had meaningful conversations about personal financial freedom, mobility, and long-term empowerment.


Idea to Business Strategy Entrepreneurship Training

 - This training is for grassroots entrepreneurs who are new to entrepreneurship and want support in developing or refining their business ideas.

 

- This training is Interactive, discussion-based, and activity-driven.

PARTNER WITH US

Support MESENow's Mission to Empower Grassroots Entrepreneurs in Rhode Island.

Whether you’re a funder, partner, or volunteer, there’s a role for you in this story.