NRI Chamber Awarding RI Small Businesses Up to $10,000

Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce is awarding small businesses in the State of Rhode Island up to $10,000 to combat COVID 19 and increase outdoor operations. The warm weather may be over, but you can use these funds for winter items including:

• Fire Pits
• Igloos
• Heaters
• Tents
• Generators
• Cleaning Supplies
• & more

Learn more at www.nrichamber.com/takeitoutside

Frequently Asked Questions

> What is Take It Outside?

Take It Outside is a Commerce RI initiative to combat COVID 19 and increase outdoor small business operations. Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce will facilitate the program by reimbursing valid expenses. This is the third round of Take It Outside funding. Applicants may be reimbursed up to $10,000 total from one or multiple organizations, for this round of funding.

> How do I know if my business is eligible?

• Must be a valid, active, for-profit entity registered in the State of Rhode Island.
• Gross Annual Revenue did not exceed $1,000,000 in FY 2020 or 2021.
• Must have a demonstrated financial loss due to COVID 19.

> What expenses are eligible?

The cost of purchasing, obtaining, delivering, or installing:

• Tables
• Chairs
• Tents
• Cleaning Supplies
• Signage
• Bike Racks
• Security
• Contactless Technology
• Weatherization
• Covers / Roofs for Outdoor Patios (not fully enclosing space)
• Lumber for Outdoor Decks
• Labor, Time, Materials by third party contractors for outdoor decks (& similar structures that expand outdoor activities)

New as of June 10, 2022

• Igloos
• Outdoor furniture used to expand outdoor capacity, including bar carts and serving stations IF used to expand outdoor capacity.
• Gloves
• Labor for services (example paying contractor to install tent)
• Umbrellas

New eligible items as of August 10, 2022

• Portable outdoor staging (as long as the stage is for outdoor use only)
• Fire Pit (propane or other fuel serviced by public utility cannot be reimbursed)
• Coolers, refrigerators, freezer (must exclusively be used to support outdoor operations)
• Generators to service outdoor space
• Plastic to cover menus (only for menus used outside)
• Trash bins and Garbage bags (must be used exclusively for outdoors)
• Outdoor games such as bocce ball, corn hole
• TV installation at outside bar

> How Do I Apply?

Step 1: Make Sure Your Business is Eligible

Step 2: Make Sure Items are Eligible

Step 3: Purchase Items, Save Receipts?

Step 4: Fill Out Application?

Step 5: Receive Reimbursement Check?