Many people have ideas about starting a new business. Their reasons may range from wanting to become their own boss, to getting away from the corporate life. Whatever their particular situation calls for, these are the people who are willing to risk a steady income to take a chance on pursuing their dream. They become true entrepreneurs who enable businesses to thrive.
One such case is with Charise Wilson, owner of Workforce Ready Solutions in Lincoln. She worked in the corporate world for years, until she one day realized there were better options. Her plan was helping other owners connect with each other, who were also looking for a new opportunity.
This coming May, marks Charise’s 6th year operating her company. She plans on celebrating the occasion by hosting an event at Plant City in Providence, on Wednesday, May 22, beginning at 8:30 am. She will be sponsoring the Heart of Rhode Island Networking event that will be attended by many dignitaries, and filled with giveaways and raffle prizes.
Charise said that it has been a whirlwind since her start, several years back. She also loves the many people who assisted her on her successful path, and the many clients she has supported along the way.
“I joined Heart of Rhode Island Networking with Deb Honor last September. The partnership has been more than I could have imagined,” said Charise. “Being a part of that group means I not only get to meet professionals from different industries, but I also appreciate the chance to explore options to grow my own business. The May event will be a ‘thank you’ to Debra, and the people and groups who were there supporting me throughout my professional journey,” explained Charise
Workforce Ready Solutions is a minority-owned, woman-owned business, located inside the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce office, located at 6 Blackstone Valley Place, J #402. A native of Woonsocket, she initially started in 2019, as a resource for connecting people with employers. She helped her clients with job-hunting skills, but has expanded to HR consulting, and matching companies with talent. Some of her services include: resumes, cover letter writing, and interviewing. Businesses also benefit from Charise’s experience in finding them quality people.
Charise’s company has been involved with numerous organizations, including those affiliated with the state, and non-profit groups. She works with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training with aiding the underemployed with receiving access to additional career services and opportunities. Her foray into the company initially meant counseling clients on resume writing and connecting the unemployed with potential employers. Her business extended into professional matchmaking between employers and employees.
She said that component became a game changer.
“There were many companies navigating through the pandemic that had trouble retaining their workers,” she recalled. “The job market is very competitive. It’s not just the salary that candidates look at before choosing their next job. They also look at the compensation package, schedule flexibility, insurance, and other factors. Employers who want to keep their best employees have realized that in order to do that, they need to be very generous with their offers.”
Charise also benefits from the various business-related groups that she belongs to. Besides the Northern Rhode Island Chamber and Heart of Rhode Island, she participated in Leadership Rhode Island, and also managed the Community College of Rhode Island Ethnic and Diversity Symposium. These courses helped state employees become more aware of the issues surrounding those and others related topics. She also spoke at the unveiling of the state’s SkillsRI program, where local small business ventures could be paired with other professionals, to work on projects and be compensated by the state, through grants from the federal government, in conjunction with COVID-19 relief efforts.
“That opportunity came about through another speaking engagement,” Wilson said.
“I spoke at the Rhode Island Black Business Association’s annual meeting,” she said. “ I was approached and asked if I would speak at the SkillsRI event. There were a lot of dignitaries there, and it was an honor to represent Rhode Island local businesses.”
She also spoke this past year at RISE, and is part of the NRI Chamber’s Women’s Business network.
Charise’s 5-year work anniversary event on May 22, in Providence, features guest speakers, and a chance for all to expand their networks. Attending professionals should bring plenty of business cards or marketing materials, and a positive attitude.
Admission to Heart of Rhode Island is free, but registration is required, and space is limited. When the event sells out at 100 people, additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list.
Please use the following link below to sign up today:
For additional information about Workforce Ready Solutions, or to contact Charise about enlisting her services, please contact her at 401-526-9090, at charise@wfrsllc.com.
