Because Rhode Island is a veritable hive of cool people doing cool things and hiring personal assistants is expensive, we at Rhode Island Inno have established a curated calendar of statewide goings-on we think readers will enjoy — all in one spot. Look for new events listings every month, and don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s more (or less) of a type of event you’d like to hear more of.
And! Don’t forget to check out our Events Directory for even more Ocean State happenings.
Week One
Thursday, July 1
First Thursdays: East Bay Chamber presents East Bay Community First Thursdays. On the First Thursday of every month, the chamber invites you to participate in an informal, walkabout style event sampling local stores and restaurants in the East Bay. Visit the gallery and coworking space at Sprout Warren, see what’s new or stop in a new business you haven’t been to in the community. Event begins at 5 p.m. at Sprout CoWorking in Warren. More information here.
Thursday, July 8
MedTech Innovation: Join Ximedica and the New England Medical Innovation Forum every month as they explore innovations in medtech and related fields with the MedTech Innovation Forum, and learn the skills, resources and tools needed to bring a new medtech innovation to market. Event begins online at 10:30 a.m. More information here.
Friday, July 9
Journalists & Critics Happy Hour: A cocktail chat for Rhode Island's journalists and critics. Every Friday, club members are invited to gather on What Cheer Writer’s Club virtual platform to discuss topics ranging from podcasting to publishing to genre and craft, alongside talks with recently published local authors. Event begins at 5 p.m. online. More information here.
Week Two
Thursday, July 15
Navigating The Employee Retention Tax Credit: The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) was introduced as part of the CARES Act in March 2020 as a potential measure of tax relief for businesses struggling due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses are eligible for significant ERTC credits for 2020 and 2021, however most are unaware that they can utilize this benefit. Join the Greater Providence Chamber along with Jennifer Hogencamp and Jeffrey Rogers, director at Citrin Cooperman, as they discuss what the ERTC is, who is eligible for refundable payroll tax credits using the ERTC and real world examples on how the ERTC has assisted businesses. Event begins online at 10 a.m. More information here.
Creating Compelling Job Descriptions: Wondering how to find great candidates? Overwhelmed with applicants who don't meet your needs? Online job boards have made posting and applying for jobs easier than ever, but unclear language often leads to misaligned expectations. In this webinar, learn how your company can clarify messaging and attract great employees. Kaydi McQuade is determined to change how companies hire in order to end the outdated and inefficient way it's always been done. Event begins online at 10:30 a.m. More information here.
Startup Story | Authentify Art: Join for a startup story featuring Keri Kilty of Authentify Art. Startup stories showcase local innovators, startups and small businesses with their own session dedicated to sharing what they've learned with the Venture Café community. Authentify Art is a data company with the mission to provide easy access to trusted data for the artworld. Event begins at 11:15 a.m. online. More information here.
Cultivating Innovation: Informal Conversations With RI's Economic Gardener: Join us for an informal conversation led by Tuni Schartner, executive director of District Hall & Venture Café Providence and RI's Economic Gardener. Every week, Tuni leads the conversation with thought leaders from around Rhode Island touching on a number of topics important for innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Event begins at 11:30 a.m. online. More information here.
Saturday, July 17
Volunteer Tech Days: On July 17 and 18, the community can come together under the leadership of Tech Director Roy Laurent to take on a variety of fun repair/rebuild/organization/design projects. Event begins at 9 a.m. at 142 Clinton St, Woonsocket, RI. More information here.
Week Three
Monday, July 19
Oyster Farm Tour: Oyster Farm Tour begins at Matunuck Oyster Bar with introductory information about East Matunuck Barrier Beach, Succotash Salt Marsh and Potter Pond Estuary. Perry Raso of Matunuck Oyster Farm will discuss aquaculture and fisheries on a global scale and a local scale. You will then visit the seven acre shellfish farm in Potter’s Pond. The tour takes about one hour and is held rain or shine. Event begins at 10 a.m. at Matunuck Oyster Bar. More information here.
Thursday, July 22
40 Under 40: Hosted by Providence Business News, this event recognizes 40 men and women, under the age of 40, who are successful in their careers and involved in their communities. Event begins at the Aldrich Mansion at 5:30 p.m. More information here.
Friday, July 23
Fantasy Writers Happy Hour: A cocktail chat for Rhode Island's fantasy writers to discuss topics ranging from podcasting to publishing to genre and craft, alongside talks with recently published local authors. Event begins at 5 p.m. online. More information here.
Week Four
Tuesday, July 27
Providence Toastmasters Club: Providence Toastmasters have monthly meetings at Sprout CoWorking Providence. The club welcomes new visitors to come work on their public speaking skills in a supportive environment. There’s no need to feel pressure at your first meeting, you can simply observe. You are allowed to visit up to three times before deciding whether to join. No RSVP needed. Event begins at 7 p.m. at Sprout CoWorking Providence. More information here.
Wednesday, July 28
Chamber Café - Chat. Connect. Collaborate: Bring your own coffee (BYOC) and favorite breakfast treat and join the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce at the Zoom Chamber Café. Chamber Café is a virtual networking experience that creates connections and results in real business leads. This event is designed for Chamber members to meet and make new connections and to grow established business relationships. Event begins online at 8:30 a.m. More information here.
Saturday, July 31
Dear Rhode Island Letter Writing Bee: Dear Rhode Island is a community-led project to build connections across Rhode Island using the power of letters. Sign up to get matched with a penpal at www.dearri.com. Then come together to write letters on the lawn of William Hall Library. Who knows, you might even meet your penpal in person. Event begins at 10 a.m. at the Cranston Public Library. More information here.
