Cumberland Coalition for Small Businesses launches with strong local support and future growth plans
The recently launched Cumberland Coalition for Small Businesses held its inaugural networking event at Ravenous Brewing Company in Cumberland, setting a positive tone for this new community-driven initiative. The Coalition, co-founded by Brad Dean alongside Jason Dean and Craig Force Jr., seeks to serve as a vital resource hub for local enterprises, providing an accessible directory and a range of membership options tailored to different business needs. Their ambition is clear: to promote local commerce and foster a supportive environment where small businesses can thrive.
Brad Dean, who also operates Dean Warehouse in Cumberland, revealed that the Coalition's conception grew out of his mayoral campaign, where he identified a significant gap in support and information access for small businesses. “We want to think local first, we want to think Cumberland first,” Dean told attendees, emphasising the importance of community solidarity. The Coalition offers an all-in-one directory aimed at simplifying access to local services, from plumbers and lawyers to restaurants, aiming to keep commerce circulating within the town and prevent commercial vacancies that could dampen the local economy.
The event, held on May 22nd, offered a convivial atmosphere with food from Angelo’s Pizza Palace and desserts from Tara Rachels, alongside an array of raffle prizes donated by local businesses. Among those present was Jay Petronio from ROK Financial, who praised both the venue and the variety of businesses represented. Petronio noted the event’s dual appeal: supporting local business colleagues and expanding his professional network. He also highlighted the community spirit, remarking on the support and advocacy shown by Mark Berger of Berg’s Eye Communications, a stalwart champion of Rhode Island businesses. Another attendee, Corey Phinney of Supercharged Entertainment from Wrentham, MA, found the event transformative, pointing out how the Coalition’s advocacy and networking opportunities helped him land a corporate event booking—a clear testament to the Coalition’s ability to connect diverse entrepreneurial interests.
Ravenous Brewing Company, the venue for this kickoff event, complements the Coalition’s philosophy of nurturing local culture and business. Since relocating to Cumberland in 2019, Ravenous has been a staple for quality craft beer and community engagement, hosting regular events that bring locals together. This synergy between the Coalition and its chosen venue reflects a broader movement to reinforce regional identity through support of hometown businesses.
The Coalition operates with a structured membership system, offering tiers such as Community Advocate, Brand Builders, and Business Growth Plan, each designed to meet different levels of business involvement and growth ambitions. As the Coalition looks ahead, Dean outlined plans for future programmes aimed at increasing engagement and serving as a trusted information resource, with upcoming events already scheduled, including one at Phantom Farms Brewery later in September.
The Cumberland Coalition for Small Businesses positions itself as more than just a networking group—it aims to be a cornerstone for the local business ecosystem by providing streamlined resources, fostering meaningful connections, and encouraging commerce within the town. For enterprises and entrepreneurs looking to embed themselves in Cumberland’s economic fabric, the Coalition provides an inviting platform to collaborate, grow, and proudly uphold the spirit of local business.
Those interested can find further details, register for events, and explore membership options at the Coalition’s website. As Cumberland’s business community rallies around this fresh initiative, the Coalition’s mission to support and sustain local commerce appears poised for success.