Warwick Ice Cream’s Thomas Bucci Finishes SBA ‘Emerging Leaders’ Program

WARWICK, RI — On Friday, Oct. 27, Thomas Bucci, Production Manager of Warwick Ice Cream, graduated from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s “Emerging Leaders” Program.

Since 2015, Rhode Island has participated in the “Emerging Leaders” training initiative that immerses owners in a condensed curriculum designed to stimulate local economies by helping their most promising businesses grow.

Warwick Ice Cream is a family business which has specialized in premium ice cream products for more than 87 years. Over the company’s history, the Bucci family has shown a passion and commitment to making the best premium quality ice cream.

“Knowing there would be a time where I was next to lead my family’s business, I had to learn what I did not know,” said Thomas Bucci. “How to better understand and read our companies financials’, how to create a marketing plan and sales strategy to position our products in the best light, and how to take a vision and make it come to life. Through this program, I am better prepared to lead Warwick Ice Cream into the future,” Bucci said.

The program’s cutting-edge formal curriculum and diversity of industry continues to provide a unique education experience. Over the course of seven months and over 100 hours of classroom time, each Emerging Leader candidate participates in sessions focusing on growth of goals, marketing, sales, financials, government contracting, and accessing capital. Through their coursework, participants work with area lenders and government procurement experts, draft growth plans for their own businesses, and develop connections with a new network of resources.

“The Emerging Leaders program continues to yield real results for the small business owners that participate in this class,” said SBA Rhode Island District Director, Mark S. Hayward. “This is the third group we have graduated through this program, and it is evident that the curriculum helps elevate these individuals and