MBLC connects business owners with legal experts tailored to their specific business needs and issues.
Any Rhode Island minority business enterprise or economically disadvantaged business owner (“MBE”) as defined in RI General Laws §37-14.1 is eligible to receive legal services free of charge from the MBLC up to $10,000 in legal services.
Access to legal services is one of the most significant unmet needs for small business owners, especially in the minority and economically disadvantaged business communities. MBLC supports and advances diverse and equitable business development and economic opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged Rhode Island business owners by providing business-related legal services.
MBLC is an initiative under the RWU School of Law, funded with a grant from the RI General Assembly and the RI Commerce Corporation.
You could be qualified to receive free legal representation and services for up to $10,000.00, through the RWU Law Minority Business Law Collaborative (MBLC). MBLC provides qualified Rhode Island businesses with the opportunity for one-on-one legal representation and services free of charge for qualified minority business enterprises (MBEs), working directly with RWU School of Law faculty attorneys, MBLC staff attorneys, and Rhode Island business attorneys, for no fee up to $10,000.
After completion of a written application, MBLC will conduct an in-person assessment to determine whether the applicant is ready for and requires legal assistance. Thereafter, the MBLC managing attorney will determine and assign the legal resources required to assist the MBE.
Preparing and submitting business registration documents (Corporations, LLCs, S-Corp, Not-for-Profit)
Preparing internal governance and operating documents (By-laws, Operating Agreements, Policies, Meetings, Minutes, Resolutions, Consents)
Providing regulatory guidance and legal risk assessments
Reviewing, negotiating and preparing loan and financing documents, including SBA loans
Providing employment law guidance and preparing employee policies, procedures and handbooks
Assisting in the preparation and documentation of applications/certifications
Reviewing, preparing and negotiating contracts, agreements and commercial documents
Providing trade secret, trademark and copyright law guidance; preparing and filing trademark registrations (Trademark, Trade Secret, Copyright, Licensing)
Providing general business legal advice on management and operational matters
Advising on the leasing and purchase of business properties for the MBE
Disclaimer:
The MBLC does not provide litigation, collection, or patent legal services. These services are only available to Rhode Island businesses.
MBLC offers legal consultations to Rhode Island entrepreneurs by holding “office hours” at community partners’ locations. MBLC attorneys meet with potential clients, assess their legal needs with the goal of pairing the business with an attorney to guide and advise them on their specific business legal issues for no fee up to $10,000.
MBLC provides industry specific classes and workshops based on the needs of the businesses, as well as general legal education on topics such as contracts, intellectual property, and business formation.
Materials on specific business legal topics will be created for all clients and community partners for distribution. Written in plain English (and translated, as requested), these materials will be in print form and posted online.
The Biz Bodega supports the development and growth of small business owners and entrepreneurs through a collaborative partnership of resource providers.
Empowering an inclusive community of entrepreneurs to jump start and cultivate thriving food businesses that are the foundation of a more just, sustainable, and resilient local food economy.
Impact investors creating a better financial future by increasing the number of underrepresented business owners via entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA).
Committed to eliminating the wealth gap so all Rhode Islanders can thrive.
The Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA), founded in 1945 as a not-for-profit organization, is one of the nation’s largest local trade associations dedicated to serving the housing industry.
The RI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is an organization created to represent, promote and empower our growing Hispanic business community.
Providing RI small business owners with the services and expertise they need to succeed: no cost expert counseling, relevant training, and access to important resources.
Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) provides tangible jobs to those in need.
Social Enterprise Greenhouse is creating a more just, equitable and resilient economy through social impact business.
Is Rhode Island a supportive environment for minority entrepreneurs? (PBN)
Smallest businesses comprise 90% of R.I. firms. So why isn’t the state tracking them? (RI Current)
Governor McKee Highlights 2024 Rhode Island Commerce Accomplishments: Supporting Small Businesses, Fostering Innovation and Advancing Entrepreneurship (State of Rhode Island Newsroom)
Miriam A. Ross, Esq.
Miriam Ross is in private practice, serving as outside general counsel to small and medium-sized businesses providing stragegic, transactional and governance advice and counsel. She previously served as assistant general counsel to GTECH Corporation and as corporate counsel to Textron, Inc.
RWU Minority Business Law Collaborative (MBLC)
RWU School of Law
Ten Metacom Avenue, Suite #147
Bristol, Rhode Island 02809
info.mblc@rwu.edu
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Roger Williams University School of Law hosted its annual Champions for Justice event that brought together members of the Rhode Island legal community to honor RWU Law alumni and organizations making significant contributions to social justice.
RWU Law will use gift to launch campaign about the school’s public impact and creating changemakers in law.
The awardees are celebrated for their significant professional achievements and their active involvement in and contributions to their communities.
