STAFF DIRECTORY
DENISE BARGE
Business Assistance Advisor
Denise provides advisory services to in-state companies at any stage of business. She works with Rhode Island Commerce Corp. staff, Rhode Island State government, and external partners, to address customer needs in operations, finance, and regulatory/permitting issues. She provides one-on-one consultation services with new and existing businesses and assistance in navigating the business resources and programs of Rhode Island.
Professional Background
Denise was formerly a Financial Portfolio Manager with RICC Financial Services where she was responsible for the management, marketing and collection activity on an assigned portfolio of the Small Business Loan Fund, as well as providing technical assistance to businesses statewide. Denise has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry in retail and commercial lending operations. She was previously the executive director for the Minority Investment Development Corp., a CDFI organization, and the Rhode Island Coalition for Minority Investment, a micro lender for the state. She was a co-founder of the Emerging Women in Business annual conference held in Rhode Island. During her career, she has actively participated on fifteen diverse community boards in a variety of roles, resulting in an extensive and influential network of valued partnerships both locally and nationally.
