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SBA Rhode Island District Office Weekly News & Updates


September 23, 2022

Rhode Island District Office – September 23, 2022

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Mondays With Mark” 
Will Return 
Monday, October 3rd
 with Robert J. Sestito, CSP, Area Director for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Mondays with Mark

Join SBA District Director Mark S. Hayward on Monday, October 3rd at 11:00 AM as he welcomes Robert J. Sestito, CSP, Area Director for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). DD Hayward and Mr. Sestito will discuss OSHA’s mission and areas of responsibilities, new/upcoming initiatives, resources for small businesses, OSHA’s free, confidential Consultation Services Program, and more.

About Our Guest:

Robert J. Sestito- OSHA.jpg

Robert J. Sestito, CSP, Area Director for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

Mr. Sestito joined USDOL-OSHA in 1987 as a Safety Engineer.  He served as an Assistant Area Director from 2005 until being named an Area Director in August 2020. 

Mr. Sestito has conducted approximately 1000 inspections in general industry, construction, and maritime.  Notably, he investigated the Station Nightclub fire in 2003, the Inferno Wood Pellet combustible dust explosion in 2013, and the Barnum and Bailey circus accident in 2014.

Mr. Sestito graduated from Clarkson University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He became a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) in 2004.


If you have any questions, please send them to RhodeIsland_DO@sba.gov.


If you missed this week’s episode with Raul Figueroa, Cooperative Coordinator for Fuerza Laboral / Power of Workers, click the link below to watch!

September 19th Episode – Raul Figueroa


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How to Expand into International Markets with Ascent

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched “Growing Globally”, one of several training courses housed in the revamped Ascent online learning platform. “Growing Globally” specifically explores ways women entrepreneurs can expand their small businesses into new, international markets.

“Growing Globally” highlights six modules that feature the tools you need to master the topic:

  • The Value of Growing Globally
  • Opportunities for Growing Globally
  • Exploring International Markets
  • Social Entrepreneurship in International Business
  • Exporting to World Markets
  • Importing from World Markets

As the global marketplace becomes increasingly interconnected, Growing Globally helps entrepreneurs explore emerging opportunities abroad for growth. This journey will also guide entrepreneurs through the benefits and risks of expanding into international markets and introduce them to tools they need to succeed.

Start Learning


National Preparedness Month

September Is National Preparedness Month: 
Create a Plan To Protect Your Small Business

As a small business owner, you’ve worked hard to build something worth protecting. Disasters, by nature, are unpredictable, but they do not have to catch you off guard. Being ready for a wide range of scenarios is the best protection you can have.  Don’t wait until disaster is on your doorstep to act. Preparing now will put you in a better position to survive and recover.

  • Assess your risk: Disasters can vary widely by industry and location. That is why it is so important to be aware of the disasters that are most likely to impact your business.
  • Make a plan: A strong response plan can be the difference between a business that recovers and one that doesn’t open again after a disaster.
  • Execute your plan: Once your gameplan is established, take some time to familiarize yourself and your staff with all the particulars.

The SBA wants to help you be on your toes for the next disaster or emergency — and get back up on your feet afterward, should you need to.  To learn more, click the link below.

Learn More


Illustration of a trophy with text, 2023 National Small Business Week Awards. Now accepting nominations. The SBA logo is included.


The SBA Rhode Island District Office is Now Accepting Submissions for the 2023 Small Business Week Awards!

These annual awards recognize the achievements of SBA-assisted small businesses and the contributions they have made to their communities and the economy. SBA invites Rhode Island’s Small Businesses to share their stories.

Guidelines & Forms:

Click Here for District and National Guidelines & Forms

Where to Submit:

  • Businesses may self-nominate and submit! 
  • Completed packages MUST BE submitted via the Box.com link below.  Submissions via email, hard copy, or any other type will not be accepted. 

Submit Your Completed Nomination Package Here!


What to Expect When Your Employee Is Expecting: Manufacturing & Warehousing

What to Expect When Your Employee is Expecting: Manufacturing & Warehousing

Wednesday, October 12, 2022 | 1:00PM – 2:30PM ET

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) and Women’s Bureau and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) are hosting a series of webinars on workplace protections for new and expecting mothers.

During this webinar, WHD and EEOC will provide employers in the manufacturing and warehouse industries with information to understand their responsibilities under federal workplace laws that protect pregnant workers from discrimination, provide time off for the birth or adoption of a child, and ensure nursing workers can take breaks to pump breast milk while at work.

Register Here


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