PROVIDENCE – (September 15, 2025) – The Rhode Island Business Competition’s 26th year will kick off on September 23, 2025, with a Lunch and Learn event called “Building Your Business with LinkedIn and AI”. 

Presented by business consultant and coach, Mark Devincentis, this workshop will equip entrepreneurs with practical tools and AI-enhanced strategies to grow their business using LinkedIn. Participants will learn how to optimize their digital presence, create high-converting content, and engage effectively with their target audience. They will also explore built-in LinkedIn tools such as LinkedIn Analytics, LinkedIn Search Filters, LinkedIn Ads, and LinkedIn Premium/Sales Navigator, highlighting how these tools integrate with AI to drive targeting outreach, better lead qualification, and increased visibility.

This Lunch and Learn event will be held from 12pm – 1pm and is part of Rhode Island Startup Week. It will be held in the Watch Hill Room at CIC Providence, and it’s free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.ri-business.com.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Sponsors of the 2026 Rhode Island Business Competition

Pillar sponsor is Everhope Foundation. Other lead sponsors include 8 Cylinder Consulting, Envision Technology Advisors, Hinckley Allen, KLR, and Sprout Coworking. Also sponsoring are Beacon Mutual Insurance Company, FM Global, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, and Papitto Opportunity Connection.

Additional sponsors include Bank Rhode Island, Bristol County Savings Bank, Business Development Company, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Dimeo Construction Company, Navigant Credit Union, Peter George, Slater Technology Fund, Social Enterprise Greenhouse, Washington Trust, BankNewport, Blount Fine Foods, Brain for Rent, CBC Wind Energy, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at CCRI, Hope Global, Rhode Island Commerce, and Roger Williams University. Our growth partners are CIC Providence, New England Medical Innovation Center, and RIHub.

The Rhode Island Business Competition fosters development of companies by inviting emerging and established entrepreneurs to submit ideas for a business, in any industry, that is based in Rhode Island and has strong growth potential. The most promising ideas will receive cash and services. The Competition is supported by a broad range of sponsors that include private businesses, investors, foundations, colleges and universities, public entities, nonprofit organizations, and former competitors. Today, we are one of the leading community-supported business competitions in the Northeast.