Rhode Island Builders Association Helps Boost Minority Business Success
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) has partnered with the Rhode Island Builders Association to implement the Latino & Female-Based Enterprise Program to develop, promote and grow a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) business training initiative. The goal is to support the development of minority contractors to become equitably registered and increase their development and capacity to overcome barriers.
The training program, part of the association’s already established Contractor Development Program, will focus on the development of resources, class offerings and credit-driven programs that enable individuals to pursue and establish successful careers as builders and contractors in Rhode Island.
“Our goal is to ensure the minority residential construction industry has the resources they need to succeed,” said Margarita Robledo Guedes, Woman and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (W/MBE) program manager at the Rhode Island Builders Association.
Reina Maritza Tutila is one individual who has benefited from the program. She and her husband have more than 10 years of experience in the construction industry building residential and commercial buildings. After relocating to Rhode Island from New York, Tutila opened her own residential painting company, F. Lines LLC. She received her Renovation, Repair, or Painting (RRP) certification from the association, then acquired her Residential/Commercial license and became MBE certified. During this process, she took every single course in Spanish.
“Being able to take courses in Spanish has allowed us to learn more about how to run a business in the state and to know all the opportunities that exist to move forward,” said Tutila. “Thanks to the MBE sessions sponsored by the Department of Administration, my business is now MBE certified. I am looking forward to more business opportunities.”
She participated in the 2023 Rhode Island Home Show as an MBE sponsored by DLT and hopes to join a future show. She is taking continuing educational courses in Spanish, and her personal goal is to grow and develop a larger company to provide a legacy for her family and expand her business.
Latest from NAHBNow
Spring Leadership Meeting
Apr 25, 2025
Virtual Subcommittee Schedule Available for 2025 Spring Leadership MeetingNAHB’s Spring Leadership Meeting will be held in person from June 10-13 in Washington, D.C. Prior to this year’s meeting, subcommittee meetings will be held virtually beginning the week of May 5.
IBS
Apr 25, 2025
Builder of IBS 2025 Show Home to Share Insights in Live WebinarDan Coletti, owner of Sun West Custom Homes and the designer of the 2025 show home, will delve deeper into the design concepts and innovative techniques that defined The New American Home 2025.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Apr 23, 2025
New Home Sales Rise in MarchA modest decline in mortgage rates and lean existing inventory helped boost new home sales in March even as builders and consumers contend with uncertain market conditions.
Economics
Apr 22, 2025
The Power of Women in the WorkforceOver the past 125 years, women have played a crucial and multifaceted role in the labor force. Increasing women’s participation in the workforce is not only essential for individual and family well-being, but also contributes significantly to overall labor force participation rates and economic growth by adding more workers and enhancing overall productivity.
Economics
Apr 21, 2025
Who Influences the Purchasing of Building Products?In a previous post, NAHB analyzed where builders and remodelers purchased products, regardless of who ultimately purchases them (themselves or subcontractors). In this post, the question shifts to who is most often responsible for the choice of particular products.