7 Ways Rhode Island Commerce is Investing in Entrepreneurs

In recognition of National Entrepreneurship Day, we’re highlighting how Rhode Island Commerce supports business owners and innovators across the state. Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling your operations, or seeking technical assistance, these seven programs help entrepreneurs access funding, expertise, and networks to grow their businesses.?

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1. Business Engagement Specialists?

Entrepreneurs at all stages can connect with a Business Engagement Specialist through Rhode Island Commerce. These specialists provide referrals to the appropriate resources, helping business owners connect with expert advisors, funding opportunities, and other essential support services.?Get connected here. ?

2. Invention Incentives Program?

Bringing an idea to market requires strong intellectual property protection. Rhode Island’s new Invention Incentives Program will launch in the spring and aims to provide direct support to help eligible businesses offset patent filing costs, ensuring local innovators can secure their inventions and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.?

3. Innovation Vouchers?

Rhode Island’s?Innovation Voucher Program?provides grants of up to $75,000 for small businesses to fund research and development projects in partnership with local universities, research centers, or medical institutions. These vouchers help businesses access specialized expertise and facilities to drive innovation.??

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4. Innovation Network Matching Grants?

Innovation Network Matching Grants?support organizations working in key industries that provide small business support through technical assistance, flexible space, and access to capital. Grants of at least $50,000 are available to eligible organizations, including nonprofits, for-profits, universities, and co-working space operators. A 50% match is required from the recipient.??

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5. Rhode Island Business Assistant?

The Rhode Island Business Assistant is an?interactive tool, developed in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of State Business Services Division, that creates a personalized checklist of legal requirements and support resources tailored to your specific business needs. This free resource helps entrepreneurs and non-profit members navigate licensing, registration, and connect with support organizations to thrive in Rhode Island.??

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6. Rhode Map to Success?

Rhode Map to Success, launched in partnership with Division of Equity Diversity and Inclusion, APEX Accelerator, and Rhode Island Commerce, is designed to help more businesses—especially minority- and women-owned enterprises—become state-certified vendors and secure government contracts.??

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7. Network of Technical Assistance Providers?

A network of technical assistance providers works with Rhode Island Commerce to offer mentorship, funding guidance, and operational support to entrepreneurs. Business support organizations like RIHub , provide startups with access to industry leaders, business coaching, accelerator programs, and co-working spaces.?

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With these 7 resources Rhode Island Commerce empower ideas across the ocean state to succeed. We are to help?entrepreneurs?fund, network, and scale their businesses. For additional information on these resources and more visit?commerceri.com.??

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