What better way to jump start Spring 2026 than with our Millrace Business Open House and Entrepreneurship Fair!
Taking place on March 25 from 3-6:00pm at 5 Island Place in Woonsocket, the fair is uniquely designed to highlight new commercial space available in downtown Woonsocket and connect business owners with business supports. With a diversity of organizations on tap for the day, we’re looking forward to generating awareness and knowledge about these available spaces!
The Open House follows the recent ribbon cutting celebration for the Millrace District, where NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley and community partners marked the completion of the substantial rehabilitation of three historic mill buildings into 70 affordable homes and 23,000 square feet of commercial and community space. The Open House is the next step in activating the District by connecting the newly available commercial spaces with entrepreneurs who want to start, grow, or relocate to downtown Woonsocket.
During the event, attendees will be able to tour seven leasable commercial suites located across 5 Island Place, 15 Island Place, and 68 South Main Street, coordinated through Mancieri Real Estate. The spaces were previously home to artists and small businesses, and NWBRV hopes to bring that creative energy back to the Millrace District.
Fair attendees can look forward to connecting with small business resources, as well as training, financing, and technical assistance from multiple entities, including The Woonsocket Education Center and Woonsocket Small Business HUB, the City of Woonsocket, the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative, the Millrace Kitchen & Events, Citizens, Navigant Credit Union and Washington Trust. The Woonsocket Small Business Hub will aim to highlight small business supports, while the City of Woonsocket plans to speak to small business on permitting, obtaining COs, and coordinating ribbon cutting events. With event parking readily available across the street at Market Square, the fair promises easy access to all those interested.
Keep reading for a sneak peak inside our Open House from some of our Fair participants!
Citizens
We’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to Citizens for their support! Acting as one of our main funders for the overall Millrace development project, Citizens has proven time and time again their unyielding devotion to our community. Fair attendees are encouraged to visit the Citizens table during the event, where they’ll be speaking to small businesses in attendance, making suggestions for small business checking and exploring other business products. We’d also like to extend our appreciation to Citizens Community Development Lending Officer Mike Comiskey for speaking at the ribbon cutting!
Mancieri Real Estate LLC
Mancieri Real Estate LLC. is a staple here in our Woonsocket community. Specializing in commercial property, owner and broker Garrett Mancieri also provides residential sales services, specifically in downtown Woonsocket.
As a young boy, my Memere would tell me stories about Woonsocket, the community that she lived in her whole life. My Uncle also ran a business here. I have been well versed with the happenings in Woonsocket, serving in many capacities, including the Woonsocket City Council from 2013-2016 and 2022-2024. I also served as the Chair of the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative, Former Chair of the Autumnfest Steering Committee and on several other committees. Downtown Woonsocket has seen a revitalization like no other over the past decade.”
Garrett Mancieri, Mancieri Real Estate LLC.
Having assisted over 75 Woonsocket businesses in opening, Garrett’s work has been instrumental in helping to lower vacancy rates. The Millrace Business Open House will feature many spaces ranging from 1000-4000 square feet market rates affordable for a multitude of businesses. Mancieri Real Estate is looking forward to everyone coming out to see these beautiful spaces and sampling some of the delicious food tastings prepared by the chefs at Millrace Kitchen!
Woonsocket Education Center
We are thrilled to continuously partner with the Woonsocket Education Center!
The Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner’s Woonsocket Education Center is a
workforce and higher education hub located in the heart of downtown Woonsocket. With a mission to
expand access to education, workforce training, and career advancement opportunities for residents
across Northern Rhode Island, they focus on partnering with colleges, workforce training providers, employers, and community organizations. They aim to bring postsecondary education and training programs directly to people so they can gain the skills necessarily to be successful in their careers.
In addition to workforce training, Woonsocket Education Center is also home to an established Small
Business Hub that supports entrepreneurs and small business owners in the region. The Hub
provides access to business development resources, workforce training opportunities, technical
assistance, and connections to partners who can help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their
businesses. By bringing these resources together in one place, local entrepreneurs can have easy
access to the support they need. All of this work is highly collaborative.
We are proud to partner with NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative (DWC), and the Beloved Woonsocket initiative to support entrepreneurship and economic development in the city. Together, we are strengthening Woonsocket’s downtown, supporting local businesses, and creating pathways for residents who are interested in launching or expanding a business. The Entrepreneurship Fair and Open House on March 25 will be a great opportunity for community members and aspiring entrepreneurs to learn about Woonsocket Education Center first hand, connect with organizations that provide business support, and learn about the many resources available in Woonsocket. All are encouraged to visit the space, meet the partners involved, and learn more about how the community is working together to support small business success. We’re excited to continue building these opportunities alongside our community partners.”
Jill Olson-Crowley, Director
Woonsocket Small Business Hub
The mission at the Woonsocket Small Business HUB, in partnership with Skills for RI’s Future/Rhode Island Small Business HUB, is to ensure that small business owners have equitable access to the tools, resources, and professional support they need to succeed and grow. They provide a comprehensive suite of no-cost services designed to meet businesses at every stage—from startup to expansion. These services include legal guidance, financial and accounting support, marketing strategy, and website development, all delivered by experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges small businesses face.
“Our work extends beyond a single location,” shared Tania Quezada, Senior Director-RI Small Business HUB Skills for Rhode Island’s Future. “We proudly collaborate with municipalities across Rhode Island, including East Providence, Woonsocket, Middletown, and Central Falls, and have established satellite offices within these communities. This localized approach allows us to meet business owners where they are, making our services more accessible and responsive to the specific needs of each community we serve.”
With a firm goal to support businesses and help them scale, pivot, and increase revenue sustainably, the Small Business Hub believes in empowering small businesses by strengthening their knowledge, confidence, and decision-making capabilities. Through ongoing technical assistance, professional development trainings, and access to capital opportunities such as loans and grants, they ensure that business owners are equipped to make informed and strategic choices.
Equally important is their role as a connector. At the RI Small Business HUB, they actively build bridges between small businesses, industry professionals, and key resources. They create opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exposure that open doors to new markets and long-term growth.
“For aspiring entrepreneurs, we serve as a starting point, guiding individuals through the process of launching a business with clarity and purpose. We help them understand the financial, operational, and personal investment required, setting a strong foundation for long-term success. Ultimately, our work is rooted in a commitment to strengthening the small business ecosystem across Rhode Island. By supporting business owners and fostering meaningful partnerships, we are helping to build resilient businesses, stronger communities, and a more inclusive local economy.”
Tania Quezada, Senior Director-RI Small Business HUB, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future
We’re looking forward to program Coordinator from the RI Small Business, Daisi Rondon joining us for the Fair!
Events held at Millrace support our overall mission at NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley and are crucial to our organization. NWBRV has been able to help foster a strong community full of committed, invested residents and thriving local businesses through the use of our event spaces. By choosing one of our spaces, you’re also choosing to support everything from community events to affordable housing.
For more information on holding your next event at Millrace or staring up a food business visit www.millracekitchen.org.
