PRESS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In a continuing effort to strengthen the state’s innovation economy and ensure small businesses can access the tools and resources they need to grow, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (Corporation) recently awarded more than $700,000 through its...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Dan McKee and Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner announce the state’s Digital Equity Plan has received approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today, allowing the state to apply for additional...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Office of Energy Resources (OER) and the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) at RI Commerce are making strides to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion measures in the RI Clean Energy Internship Program. OER and REF have partnered with Browning...

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island Commerce announces the state’s new tourism marketing campaign, “All That.” With the intention of driving occupancy throughout the Ocean State and bringing revenue into communities, the integrated marketing campaign will showcase Rhode...

PROVIDENCE, RI — Today Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Commerce announced the launch of the RI Rebounds Energy Efficiency Program - a new grant program to help small businesses reduce their energy costs. The program reimburses small businesses up to $10,000 for...

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island Commerce is announcing a new request for proposal (RFP) to increase and promote attraction and destination events across the State. Funds will be used to promote, maintain, or improve existing attractions, or to assist in the development...

CRANSTON, RI – Governor Dan McKee and Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner today announced that applications for a new round of funding for the state’s Main Street Improvement and Site Readiness programs are now open. “Main Streets are at the heart of our communities and are...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Commerce are highlighting the achievements over the past year that have supported businesses and the state’s overall economy. This includes an investment of nearly $50 million in key areas such as research and...

Three-day event will take place November 6-8 at the Omni Providence. PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island Commerce, in partnership with the International Trade Council, is set to welcome hundreds of business and economic development leaders from around the world at next week’s...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Dan McKee today announced that the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Board of Directors has approved three Innovation Vouchers totaling nearly $225,000.  “When we meet businesses where they are and support their continued growth, we see a...

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation today announced that Rhode Island and its Southeastern New England partners have secured an official federal designation as a Tech Hub. Rhode Island’s proposal for an Ocean Tech Hub was one...

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee and Lt. Governor Sabina Matos today convened the leadership of all state agencies to review preparedness and response plans as Rhode Island continues to ready for additional flash flooding and severe weather as Hurricane Lee...

PROVIDENCE, RI — Revolution Wind today announced receipt of its Record of Decision (ROD) from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), successfully reaching a major milestone in the federal environmental review process for the...

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee today announced ten projects across Rhode Island that will share over $1.47 million for improvements to commercial districts. The Main Street RI Streetscape Improvement Fund grants will help pay for safer sidewalks, new way-finding...

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee today announced over $650,000 in Site Readiness Awards to eight major projects across Rhode Island. The awards will fund site-specific planning improvements at several ongoing local economic development projects and will support...

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner today announced the next round of the ‘Take It Outside’ Initiative; a statewide effort aimed at promoting outdoor commercial activities. “The ‘Take It Outside’ initiative was born out...

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's SupplyRI program hosted today a Meet the Buyer event with SouthCoast Wind at CIC Providence. Rhode Island-based businesses that offer labor as well as cranes, forklifts, trucks, vessels, fabrication services,...

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation announced today the selected projects of a recent request for proposal (RFP) to fund new attractions and destination events. Nine awardees across the state will receive a total of $731,050 in federal funding from...

SupplyRI helps connect local suppliers to larger Rhode Island institutions, our Anchors, through our database, website, trainings, and events. PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation has announced a partnership between the agency’s SupplyRI initiative...

Governor joined by Legislative Leadership, RIHousing, and housing advocates to announce $12 million in State Fiscal Recovery Funds for the acquisition of properties for redevelopment as affordable and supportive housing PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Governor Dan McKee, and...

The $12.5 million Rhode Island Rebounds Small Business Grant Program to provide $2,500 or $5,000 in direct relief to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Governor McKee announced a $12.5 million grant program to assist small businesses...

PROVIDENCE, RI – Building on the remarks he made in his 2022 State of the State address Tuesday evening, Governor Dan McKee today announced that his FY2023 budget and ARPA spending plan will propose more than $150 million to fund a series of proposals that will not...

PROVIDENCE, RI – Tonight in his State of the State address, Governor Dan McKee will unveil several significant proposals to help Rhode Island small businesses. These myriad actions aim to provide access to capital, help reduce red tape, and improve the state’s...

McKee Administration Launches “How to Open a Restaurant in RI” WebsiteBusiness assistance tool provides step-by-step guide for those who want to open a restaurant May 4, 2021 – Governor Dan McKee, in partnership with the RI Department of Business Regulation (DBR) and...

Hit the Sheets: Rhode Island Re-Launches “Hotel Week RI” Second Annual Event Offers Unbeatable Rates for Affordable and Luxury Accommodations Across R.I. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   (March 3, 2021) – Visit Rhode Island, in conjunction with 37 properties throughout its six...

Commerce Board Approves Financing of Tidewater Landing Project Public investment centered on public infrastructure improvements; Project expected to more than pay for itself  February 5, 2021 -- The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Board of Directors today approved a...

Article originally appeared in the Providence Journal here LINCOLN — In 2020, the State Ballet of Rhode Island was supposed to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Diamond Jubilee performances of “Giselle” were scheduled for April, and by February, company dancers, guest...

Article originally appeared on WhatsUpNewp.com Governor Gina Raimondo and Rhode Island Commerce today announced that more than 4,100 Rhode Island small businesses have received Restore Rhode Island grants totaling more than $51 million in awards. Total payments by the...

Restore RI Small Business Grant Program Exceeds the $50M Mark Over $51M Awarded to More than 4,100 Rhode Island Small Businesses December 31, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Governor Gina Raimondo and Rhode Island Commerce today announced that more than 4,100 Rhode...

Article originally appeared on GoLocalProv here RI Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor urged Rhode Islanders to shop local -- and a new online platform -- for last-minute shopping this holiday season and into the new year. "Shop local — we have an enhanced website by...

Raimondo Administration Announces Additional Grants to More Than 200 Small Business and Organizations to support Business Adaptation, Remote Work, and Hospitality, Arts & Tourism Activities Today’s grant announcement is in addition to the Restore Rhode Island...

Last day to apply to Restore Rhode Island Small Business Grant Program will be Tuesday, December 8. Program has provided $33.5M in grants to 2,600 Rhode Island Small Businesses. Now accepting applications for Remote Work support and loans through new $20M Small Business Development Fund.

SupplyRI continues to provide local suppliers with meaningful economic opportunities, with over $105.8M in contracts awarded during the pandemic. This past month, the Take It Outside Grant Program has awarded $6.4 million total in grants to help Rhode Island...

Governor Raimondo Announces $20M Hotel, Arts, & Tourism Industry Relief Program $20M grant program will include direct support to tourism and hospitality businesses; fund placemaking and resiliency activities. Contact: Matt Sheaff (401) 490-0688,...

Raimondo Administration Announces Additional Recipients of Take It Outside Grants $3.1 million in awards will help increase commerce while fighting COVID-19 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Governor Raimondo and Rhode Island Commerce today announced recipients of the second...

It was October, but it could have been Memorial Day weekend in Pawtuxet Park on Saturday as more than 1,000 people – all wearing masks, as best could be seen – turned out for the first Autumn 2020 Outside Marketplace.

Mayor Joseph J. Solomon has announced that the City of Warwick will run a “2020 Autumn Outside Marketplace” on Saturdays from October 10 through December 12.

“As we pulled up at the foot of Atwells, I noticed the whole avenue, for more than a mile, was closed off for al fresco service. It was a lively scene with plenty of diners seated in the middle of the street.”

On Wednesday, October 14th, The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) kicked off its #BYOBlanket campaign, geared toward helping Rhode Island’s restaurants extend the outdoor dining season.

The governor’s office announced this week the recipients of over $3 million in grant funding to support the state’s Take It Outside initiative. Among the awardees, which include towns and cities, chambers of commerce and other organizations, was East Greenwich, which will receive $75K to help encourage outdoor dining and retail, and to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Newport businesses interested in applying for the city’s Take It Outside grant program are being encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible in order to secure reimbursement for the procurement of tents, propane heaters and jersey barriers.

Businesses can now apply for funding to help take it outside in Bristol. The town was awarded $75,000 in the first round of funding from the state to help pay for needed outdoor equipment such as heating lamps, tents, lights or furniture.

The leaves are changing and temperatures are dropping in Rhode Island, but Gov. Gina Raimondo and the RI Hospitality Association are doing all they can to “Take It Outside” as long as possible.

On Thursday, Gov. Gina Raimondo and R.I. Commerce announced major expansions to the Restore RI Grant Program that will be implemented starting next week. Businesses will now be able to receive up to $30,000, doubling the original grant sizes.

Governor Gina Raimondo and Rhode Island Commerce on Wednesday announced major expansions to the Restore Rhode Island Grant Program including increasing the size of potential grant awards up to $30,000 – doubling the original grant sizes.

A $55,000 grant from the state’s economic development agency to the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce is being used to buy more than 100 heat lamps, tents, tables, and other items to help businesses meet their customers outdoors, where experts say COVID-19 is less likely to spread.

Nearly three dozen organizations across Rhode Island were awarded $3 million total in grants to help “Take It Outside” in the first of two rounds of funding from the state.

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation has awarded a $90,000 grant to the city of Woonsocket as part of its “Take It Outside” initiative. Local business owners are eligible to apply for funds to support outdoor activities to help reduce the transmission rate of COVID-19.

Newport businesses can now apply for reimbursement to help “Take It Outside” this fall. The city was awarded $75,000 from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, which will be distributed among local businesses.

The first new construction apartment building in over a generation has opened in downtown. Nightingale has welcomed its first residents. The newly constructed $54 million, 143-unit apartment community is in the walkable downtown.

An additional investment is being made in a campaign to support outdoor commerce and activities across the state, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Wednesday, while the “show will go on” – with restrictions – as trick-or-treaters prepare for Halloween.

A $55,000 grant from the state’s economic development agency to the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce is being used to buy more than 100 heat lamps, tents, tables, and other items to help businesses meet their customers outdoors, where experts say COVID-19 is less likely to spread.

The Take It Outside Grant money allowed the Commerce Association to purchase 150 patio heaters, as well as partner with two companies to distribute blankets and sanitizer.

On Friday, 150 patio heaters were unloaded on to Atwells Avenue which will be distributed to over 30 Federal Hill restaurants to extend the outdoor dining season.

The City of Newport has been awarded $75,000 from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to help local restaurants “Take it Outside” this fall.

An additional investment is being made in a campaign to support outdoor commerce and activities across the state, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Wednesday, while the “show will go on” – with restrictions – as trick-or-treaters prepare for Halloween.

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and Rhode Island Commerce announced on Thursday the recipients of awards totaling more than $3 million to help businesses “Take It Outside.”

Juan Lantigua’s path to opening the Family Cake is an uncommon one. Born in the Dominican Republic, Juan played professional basketball in his native country, being named rookie of the year in 1992. In 2001, Juan and his wife Wendy immigrated to the United States in...

96% of the world’s consumers reside outside the United States. A fact that has not escaped Joe Janson, Founder and CEO of Night Vision Technology Solutions (NVTS). NVTS designs and builds electro optical infrared camera systems for military, autonomous and manned...

Funds still available and businesses encouraged to apply through new streamlined process; Zoom office hours planned for Thursday and Friday.

Originally appearing: https://www.businessinsider.com/rhode-island-45-million-workforce-development-plan-2020-7 By: Natasha Solo-Lyons Posted: Friday, September 18, 2020 Rhode Island is using $45 million of federal stimulus funding to fast-track its economic comeback,...

Governor Raimondo today announced during her weekly press briefing that her administration has made $1 million in available funding to assist businesses and organizations interested in participating in the state’s Take It Outside initiative.

Commerce RI tells GoLocal that the $50 million Restore RI small business grant program is being significantly expanded — more businesses will be eligible and will now include businesses up to 50 employees as well as sole proprietors.

The state’s grant program for small businesses that have lost revenue during the pandemic will be expanded to help both smaller and larger companies, according to Matt Sheaff, director of communications and stakeholder outreach for R.I. Commerce Corp.

More Rhode Island small businesses are eligible to apply for Restore RI grants to help recover from the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Wednesday.

It’s been a few weeks since Gov. Gina Raimondo first told Rhode Island businesses to “take it outside,” and communities have really embraced the initiative, she said during Wednesday’s weekly news conference. New this week, the governor announced $1 million in funding to help businesses safely and effectively move outside.

Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor discussed grant funding opportunities for small businesses — and job training and opportunities for unemployed Rhode Islanders — when he appeared on GoLocal LIVE on Thursday.

Governor Raimondo earlier this week announced the “Take It Outside” initiative, a statewide effort designed to encourage and increase outdoor activities for all Rhode Islanders. The move comes in part due to national health experts’ findings that the transmission rate...

Originally appearing: https://www.wpri.com/health/coronavirus/hairdressers-barbers-seek-answers-on-when-and-how-to-resume-and-groom/ By: Alexandra Leslie Posted: May 19, 2020 / 07:47 AM EDT / Updated: May 19, 2020 / 05:51 PM EDT   PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode...

Originally appearing: https://pbn.com/r-i-offers-covid-19-guidelines-for-businesses-may-18-deadline-for-plans/ By  PBN Staff  May 14, 2020 11:09 am RHODE ISLAND has launched a website that hosts updates and regulations related to COVID-19 for businesses and other...

RI will provide supplies to help small businesses reopen by BRIAN CRANDALL, NBC 10 NEWS Wednesday, May 13th 2020 Originally appearing: https://turnto10.com/news/local/ri-will-provide-supplies-to-help-small-businesses-reopen PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Small businesses...

PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS By  Nancy Lavin  - April 28, 2020 3:26 pm PROVIDENCE – R.I. Commerce Corp. recently launched a new grant program designed to help microbusinesses largely left out of federal relief programs The Microenterprise Stabilization Grant...

Saturday, April 25, 2020 GoLocalProv Business Team https://www.golocalprov.com/business/ri-banks-and-credit-unions-step-forward-with-package-to-help-homeowners-fac A group of banks and credit unions has agreed to give flexibility to lenders during those impacted by...

On Wednesday, April 22, Gov. Raimondo appeared on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt to discuss how the need for increased access to rapid, affordable testing is crucial to safely reopening the economy. Rhode Island is leading the nation thanks to our partnership with...

http://cranstononline.com/stories/cranston-business-owner-part-of-loan-program-rollout,152762 By DANIEL A. KITTREDGE A Cranston business owner played a central role in the Monday announcement of a new small business loan initiative on the state level. The $10 million...

Join Our Email List Greetings. We once again write to you in acknowledgment of the difficult and often unprecedented situations facing many businesses, particularly our state's small businesses. We thank you for your cooperation...

Yahoo! Finance PROVIDENCE, R.I., April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced today that Goldman Sachs has committed $10 million for loans for small businesses in Rhode Island through a partnership with Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and with...

Monday, April 13, 2020 GoLocalProv Business Team John Rogers, Executive Vice President of Goldman Sachs, announced on Monday that his investment bank has pledged $10 million to back loans for the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Rhode Island Governor Gina...

PROVIDENCE (Providence Journal) -- Goldman Sachs and Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Mondy that the financial giant will will provide $10 million to help small businesses and non-profits in Rhode Island stay afloat. In a joint announcement with Sen. Jack Reed, U.S. Rep....

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The investment bank Goldman Sachs has committed $10 million to make emergency loans to small businesses and nonprofits in Rhode Island hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, state leaders announced Monday. Goldman is providing the loans through...

R.I. Superior Court launches coronavirus business-protection program https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20200331/ri-superior-court-launches-coronavirus-business-protection-program PROVIDENCE -- The state Superior Court announced Tuesday that it would launch a...

EN ESPANOL Greetings. We recognize that this remains a challenging time for our state and our valued small businesses. You received a message over the weekend about additional steps the Governor is taking to protect Rhode Islanders. As you know, these actions included...

Here are the essential businesses that can stay open in RI https://www.wpri.com/health/coronavirus/liquor-stores-gun-shops-here-are-the-essential-businesses-that-can-stay-open-in-ri/ by: Eli Sherman Posted: Mar 28, 2020 / 03:52 PM EDT / Updated: Mar 28, 2020 / 05:37...

On Saturday, March 28, Governor Raimondo announced additional measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Rhode Island, including a Stay at Home Order. As part of these measures, the Governor announced that beginning Monday, March 30,  noncritical retail...

Providence Business News --  Raimondo addressed small-business owners directly in her news briefing, saying that starting Friday, any business can access free tech support via teleconference or over the phone. The program was coordinated by the R.I. Commerce Corp. and...

Shuttered vacation spots give back to the community By MOIRA MCCARTHY | March 26, 2020 at 12:40 a.m. Right now, we can’t zip off to our favorite travel spot. Most are shuttered; all are in some kind of reduced mode of operation. And we’ve all been advised to stay...

We are writing once again this week to share news of businesses in our state that are rising to the challenge presented by the coronavirus situation. They are doing so with an innovative mindset and a charitable spirit. Before we get into these examples of creativity...

Rhode Island Commerce introduces Blue Economy Podcast New podcast to feature one-on-one interviews with influential global leaders covering the past, present and future of the world’s burgeoning ocean economy   PROVIDENCE, R.I., Feb. 25, 2020 – Rhode Island...

In a podcast discussion with Composites World, Rhode Island Commerce director of business development John Riendeau discusses how the state’s legacy experience in boat building has translated into expertise in new markets within the composites industry.

Raimondo Administration Announces First Round of Site Readiness Awards Projects include over 300 acres of potential development across 11 municipalities   January 28, 2020 – Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor today announced the first round of awards...

Commerce Seeking Applications for Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credits Focused on Manufacturing, Historic Rehabilitations, Mixed-Use in Opportunity Zones, and Workforce Housing FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – PROVIDENCE, R.I. (November 21, 2019) – The Rhode Island Commerce...

October 3 at Innovate Newport event aims to increase business opportunities for R.I.-based Diverse Suppliers FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – On Thursday, October 3, SupplyRI will host a day of education and networking opportunities in an effort to increase business...

The company that is developing technology intended to turn our own red blood cells into new medicines, expects to create 160 highly skilled new jobs in biotech and manufacturing.

“We considered a Boston office but ultimately chose Providence because of the access to talent and supportive business climate,” said David Osborne, President & COO of Virgin Pulse.

A global leader in defense technology, iXblue Defense Systems moving U.S. HQ to Lincoln; bringing 20+ jobs to Rhode Island…

Rhode Island can punch above its weight — and win — thanks to business location assets like the Quonset Business Park. It’s not a new location — more than…

In the past few years, Rhode Island has been hard at work rebuilding its economy. The results have been striking—the state has seen growth in multiple sectors, from biotech…

Rhode Island boasts a number of characteristics that make it appealing to companies across industries. The state provides easy access to Boston and New York, has prestigious educational institutions…

Manufacturers have flourished in the state for centuries

Rhode Island’s role as a leader in manufacturing began more than 200 years ago, during the Industrial Revolution.

Why more companies and their workers are happy to call Rhode Island home

Rhode Island is making a name for itself as a hotbed of innovation—an up-and-comer as a new business epicenter in New England. In just the past few years, more than 25 businesses have moved or expanded to Rhode Island.