RI Rebounds Small Business Grant Program

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The RI Rebounds Small Business Grant Program provides direct financial assistance to our state’s small businesses that have suffered financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. RI Rebounds Small Business Grants are available for either $2,500 or $5,000. In January 2023, $800.00 supplemental awards are being made available to businesses operating in the following impacted industries: food services; personal care services; and arts, entertainment, and recreation. If you are eligible for a supplemental award, you will be contacted by the Commerce RI team by email.

The application period for the RI Rebounds Small Business Grant Program closed on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 3:30 PM.

Update February 2023: IRS 1099 Forms have been mailed to grant recipients eligible to receive a 1099 Form. If you have not received your IRS 1099 Form, please contact us at rismallbiz@commerceri.com.

THOSE SELECTED FOR PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION SPOT CHECK

If you have been selected as part of the program’s internal controls audit, the RI Rebounds Small Business Grant team will reach out to request backup documentation for the information included in your application. These documents can be uploaded into the application portal by logging back in.

If you would like help pulling together the required documentation, you may reach out to any one of the RI Rebounds Small Business Grants Technical Assistance Providers (available here and listed below) for free support.

How to Obtain a UEI or active SAM.gov registration

Updated May 2, 2022:  As of April 1, 2022, DUNS numbers are no longer required for this grant program. As of April 27, 2022, sole proprietors are no longer required to obtain an active SAM.gov registration and may obtain only the Unique Entity ID.

Registering in the System of Award Management (SAM.gov) is a federal requirement for all payees of RI Small Business Grants. Registration is free and assistance is available to help with these registration processes.

• For incorporated entities ONLY, a full active SAM.gov registration is required in advance of receiving funding through this grant program.
• For sole proprietors that are not incorporated ONLY, obtaining a Unique Entity ID (UEI) through SAM.gov is required in advance of receiving funding through this grant program.

Obtaining a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) or Active Registration can be completed for free on the SAM.gov website.

First, create an account at login.gov. Then, follow the steps provided by SAM.gov to complete the Unique Entity ID and/or Registration processes.

Important: If asked “Why are you registering?,” select only the following response: I only want to apply for federal assistance opportunities like grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs. 

Important: You may be asked to supply information about your business, including a notarized letter. Templates and instructions can be found here.

If you need additional assistance on SAM.gov registration (not on any other aspect of the grant program), please check out the Federal Service Desk (FSD) which provides free assistance via Live Chat or phone (866-606-8220) along with other helpful guides. More information about registering for SAM.gov is available in the Resources section below.

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Stay up-to-date with the latest news about the Rhode Island Rebounds Small Business Grant program