One of those “Wouldn’t it be nice if …” moments will soon become a real-life moment when the 2025 East Bay Business Expo arrives at Roger Williams University next week.

Held for the first time ever, or for the first time in anyone’s recent memory, the expo is the brainchild of numerous people connected to the local business community who felt the East Bay deserves a signature gathering event for the companies and consumers of this region.

One of those key people is Bryan Hoffman, president of the Barrington Business and Community Association and member of his hometown’s Economic Development Commission. Hoffman has worked for months with board members from the East Bay Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Rhode Island Small Business Association and Roger Williams University, to organize the big event for next Tuesday, March 11. It will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Global Heritage Hall on the university’s Bristol campus.

The expo will feature more than two dozen local businesses, as well as a professional head shot portrait studio, but the headliners are the two speakers lined up as featured guests at the event.

First is Lisa Raiola, visionary founder of the food incubator Hope & Main. Raiola is expected to talk about the power, opportunities and impact of women entrepreneurs, which matches the theme of the expo.

“March is Women’s History Month, and we wanted to focus on that for the expo,” said Hoffman. “We’ve lined up two fantastic speakers who embody that theme of success and entrepreneurship for women.”

Liz Tanner, Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce

“The speakers are going to be incredible and inspiring people to listen to,” Hoffman said.

In addition to the speaking program, business leaders and the general public will be able to mix and mingle around vendor tables spread throughout Heritage Hall. Vendors include financial advisors, banks, Realtors, contractors, roofers, painters, solar installers, retailers, restaurants, and more. Visitors will have a chance to stroll through vendor tables to learn more about some of the local businesses in the East Bay community. Admission is free.

“We wanted to put together an expo that was both business-to-business, B to B, and business-to-consumer, B to C, and I think that’s what we’ve landed on,” Hoffman said. “If you’re a business owner or leader, you get a chance to meet with and learn from other business leaders, and if you’re a consumer, you have so many opportunities to learn about the businesses in your backyard. We’re going to have financial companies, graphic designers, flooring companies, contractors … We’re really excited to hold this expo.”

Learn more about the expo at: eastbaychamberri.org/ .