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I WANT TO START A BUSINESS IN RHODE ISLAND

For East Providence business-related information, visit the City's business portal

featuring helpful links and videos or contact their small business liaison

Victor Regino at vregino@eastprovidenceri.gov

Where do I go? Who do I talk to? Where do I Start?

There are numerous resources available for people interested in starting a business. Some would agree that there are TOO many! We've taken a few sources that offer easy-to-follow instructions and noted them below. By following these links, you can get from thinking about having your own business to actually doing it, or perhaps deciding that you are not prepared or interested in doing it after all.

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Rhode Island Small Business Development Centers

Rhode Island Small Business Development Center is administered by University of Rhode Island in a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the private sector. RISBDC's mission is to provide entrepreneurs with best-fit resources to create and transform their businesses.

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RISBDC serves as a focal point for the coordination of:

  • federal

  • state

  • municipal

  • academic

  • banking

  • and other resources to aid small businesses

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RISBDC promotes economic development and provides broad-based and high-quality,

"No Cost" one-on-one counseling and low-cost group educational services.

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There are numerous steps you must take before starting your business and reaching success. Discover the free services available to assist you on this page. It features a wealth of information to help identify your strengths and weaknesses and enable you to get suggestions, coaching and resources that are relevant specifically to your busines. 

United States Small Business Administration (US SBA)

United States Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.

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US SBA Rhode Island District Office (US SBA Rhode Island)

Our office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

Rhode Island Department of State

Find out what steps are required in starting a business in Rhode Island.

What kind of business structure should I set up: corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietor...

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Business Basics LINK

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How to register a business in Rhode Island and more

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