Resources for Businesses

Rhode Island businesses are essential for the wellbeing of our economy. I know what it takes for strong, resilient businesses to thrive in our state, and I understand the relationship between government and business. In Congress, I remain committed to providing economic growth by supporting programs that will aid Rhode Island businesses.

Small Businesses

Rhode Island small businesses are responsible for more than 55% of private-sector jobs in the state. According to the Small Business Administration, Rhode Island had more than 95,000 small businesses in 2008. These small businesses account for over 96% of the state’s employers. I understand the substantial impact these businesses have on job creation, and I am therefore devoted to making life for small business owners and startups as easy as possible. Below are some federal and state resources that might be helpful to those who own, or would like to own, a small business in Rhode Island.

• IRS Small Business & Self Employed Tax Center - Taxpayer information for those who file Form 1040, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.
• Rhode Island Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Programs, support services, networking opportunities, resources, and physical space for innovative and high growth ventures.
• Commerce RI - Resources for businesses including financing opportunities and access to a network of private and public partnerships.
• Rhode Island Quick Start - Everything you need to know about starting a small business, from Rhode Island’s Secretary of State.
• Rhode Island SCORE - A volunteer organization of working and retired business owners, professionals and executives that provides free counseling to small businesses in Rhode Island.
• Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Business Services - The official repository for business and commercial records in Rhode Island.
• Rhode Island Small Business Development Center - Offering business counselors and trainers, this center at Johnson & Wales University helps small businesses strategize, solve core problems and facilitate new action plans.
• Social Enterprise Rhode Island - Provides a comprehensive support system of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and investors who share their skills and resources to advance the goals of the social enterprise community.
• U.S. General Services Administration - As the General Services Administration (GSA) liaison to the New England region, the Office of Small Business Utilization advocates for small business owners by providing access to the GSA and other federal agencies.
• U.S. Small Business Administration - Tools and resources needed for small businesses to gain access to loans, grants, bonds and other federal assistance.

Working with the Federal Government

The federal government provides several worthwhile opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are interested in selling a product that may be needed by government agencies or purchasing surplus product from the government, utilizing the resources your federal government has at its disposal may be the right option for your business.

• How to Buy through the Federal Government
• How to Sell to the Federal Government
• Register with the CCR - Registering with the Central Contractor Registration will give you access to the federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

Second District Chambers of Commerce

• Central Rhode Island
• Cranston
• East Greenwich
• Greater Providence
• North Central
• North Kingstown
• Northern Rhode Island
• Southern Rhode Island
• Westerly-Pawcatuck

Other Resources

I am dedicated to helping all Rhode Islanders achieve their business ambitions. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my district office.

• Center for Women & Enterprise - Through education, training and technical assistance the CWE empowers women to become economically self-sufficient and to prosper through business and entrepreneurship.
• Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation - Whether you’re looking to start a business, file for a license, or just have a general question, the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation has every tool that your business needs to grow and develop. 
• Rhode Island Minority Business Enterprise - By promoting the development of certified Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Businesses, the MBE facilitates participation in Rhode Island’s business and economic development opportunities. 
• Rhode Island Procurement Technical Assistance Center - Through group training and one-on-one counseling sessions, the Rhode Island Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) helps businesses take advantage of exciting opportunities in federal, state and local government markets.