Rhode Island Commerce

?: We have several grant programs with upcoming deadlines on Friday, March 28, 2025 - apply today! What: Manufacturing Equipment Grant Program For who: Rhode Island Manufactures Why: To help defray the cost purchasing equipment or machinery up to $25,000. Deadline: March 24th Learn More: https://lnkd.in/ehwMhbjQ What: Site Readiness Program For who: Cities, Towns, and Developers Why: To help meet challenges faced when planning new development projects. Deadline: March 28th Learn More: https://lnkd.in/ekzZBnGG What: Wavemaker Fellowship For who: Recent College Graduates working in STEM, Design, Education, and Healthcare. Why: To help pay off student loan debt with up $6,000/year in refundable tax credits. Deadline: March 28th Learn More: https://lnkd.in/ejE9F9mx What: Main Street RI Streetscape Improvement Fund For who: Municipalities Why: To improve the appearance, accessibility, and overall appeal of “Main Street” areas. Deadline: March 28th Learn More: https://lnkd.in/epGRReZs

Last week, we joined the RI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the official ribbon cutting ceremony at their new headquarters in Providence! We look forward to continuing to work with RHICC at its new HQ to support Latino and Hispanic entrepreneurs and businesses in Rhode Island. Congratulations to Oscar and the entire RIHCC team on this important milestone!

?: There's one week left to submit an application for our Site Readiness Program. This grant provides funding intended to meet specific challenges faced by cities, towns and developers. Projects can include: - Site-specific planning? - Site-specific project improvements - Assistance with writing zoning ordinances and updating comprehensive plans - Providing strategic planning support - Providing development coordination ???Apply by Friday, March 28th. For more information: https://lnkd.in/ekzZBnGG

Gain valuable insights from two top-tier international trade professionals as they share their expertise on risk mitigation and compliance in global trade. Instructors: Betty Robson, JD, LCB, MCS, CGBP - A lifelong global trade professional, President and CEO of JF Moran, national customs broker, freight forwarder, and worldwide logistics provider. She is a Licensed Customs Broker, Master Customs Specialist, Certified Global Business Professional, and an accredited Hofstede lecturer. Paula Connelly, ESQ - Senior Member of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. Paula has over 25 years of experience in customs and international trade matters. She works with importers and exporters to address and resolve import and export compliance issues. This in-person event will be held at NO COST at Bryant University's Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center - 100 Salem Street - Smithfield - 3rd Floor Auditorium on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. REGISTER HERE:? https://lnkd.in/gCmDHcym

There's still time: Grants are available for RI manufacturers to help offset the cost of purchasing equipment or machinery. Our Manufacturing Equipment Grant Program reimburses eligible manufacturers?up to 50% of a recent cash purchase or 50% of a down payment for a recent financed purchase, with a cap of $25,000. ?? Apply by Monday, March 24, 2025 ?To review eligibility requirements and apply: https://lnkd.in/ehwMhbjQ

With the Wavemaker Fellowship, we're helping recent college graduates pay off student loan debt. If you work in STEM, certain design fields, healthcare, or education, you may be eligible to receive up to $6,000 in refundable tax credits. Learn about your eligibility and apply here. https://lnkd.in/ejE9F9mx The deadline to apply is March 28th!

Congratulations to Track 15, Providence's newest downtown food hall, on its grand opening today! We’re proud to have supported this economic development project which has brought a world-class culinary hub to Rhode Island, showcasing local chefs and dining options that further solidify our reputation as a premier culinary destination. ?? https://track15ri.com/

Applications for our Main Street RI Streetscape Improvement fund are now open. Grants are awarded to municipalities and economic development organizations for projects that improve the appearance, accessibility, and overall appeal of “Main Street” areas. Projects can include: ? New sidewalks ? Street lighting ? Landscaping ? Way-finding signage ? Accessibility improvements ?? Apply by Friday, March 28th [email protected] For more information: https://lnkd.in/eJreGVcf

NEW: We're accepting new applications for our Innovation Voucher grants up to $75,000 to partner with a local knowledge provider on research and development. Apply by April 16!

Earlier this week, we joined the East Bay Chamber Of Commerce for its 2025 Annual Business Expo! Sec. Tanner met with members, small businesses, and community leaders, and shared some of the programs and resources available across the state. More information: ?? CommerceRI.com