Rhode Island Business Resources

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)

401-596-7761 One Chamber Way, Westerly, RI 02891 Providence, RI 02903
Purpose: Both those who are considering entering a business enterprise and those who are already in a small business may benefit from the experience of successful executives who are familiar with similar businesses. Call for a free, confidential appointment. 

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
380 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903 401-528-4561, FAX: 401-528-4539
Purpose:Provides small business loans, seminars and a variety of services to entrepreneurs.

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & TRAINING/WAKEFIELD REEMPLOYMENT OFFICE
Employer Service Representative, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 401-789-9721; Manager of Reemployment Office & Professional Resource Center, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 401-783-3981, FAX: 401-783-3989
Purpose: Provides professional workers with opportunities to find meaningful employment and to upgrade their skills. Works with the business community to help them find skilled and trained workers through various programs and grant opportunities. Professional worker can come and do a self-directed job search.

RHODE ISLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP
West Exchange Street, Providence, RI 02903
401-277-2601, 800-556-2484, FAX: 401-222-2102
Purpose: Deals primarily with expanding businesses (companies that want to grow). Gives tools for growth: financing, permitting, training dollars, exporting programs. Offers lists of Manufacturers by SIC Code for sale. Web Link

RHODE ISLAND HUMAN RESOURCE INVESTMENT COUNCIL
610 Manton Avenue, Providence, RI 02909
401-277-6700, FAX: 401-277-6999
Purpose: Two award grants to companies for training, including total quality management. ISO 9000 training, developing high-performance work organization. 

PRIVATE RACE FOR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
P.O. Box 6766, Providence, RI 02940, 401-454-3030, FAX: 401-454-0056
Purpose: To accelerate economic growth in the State of Rhode Island through the use of quality management programs designed to help organizations become more competitive. Offer assessment, education and training. Also offers courses, seminars and quality awards for excellence and quality achievement.

RHODE ISLAND EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER (RIEAC) FOR CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Bryant College, 401-232-6407, FAX: 401-232-6416 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917-1284
Purpose: Provides many services to help Rhode Island businesses enter or expand into the global market. Services range from international training programs to trade missions and trade shows to export consulting. The center is also the home of the International Trade Data Network (ITDN). ITDN subscribers can obtain market research reports, vendor and buyer contracts, international trade leads and more. The ITDN is licensed to 40 states nationwide.

RHODE ISLAND MANUFACTURING EXTENSION SERVICES
205 Lippitt Hall, Kingston, RI 02881
401-621-5710, FAX: 401-621-5702
Purpose: Established in 1996 with Federal Government and State of Rhode Island monies. Group provides support to manufacturers on variety of issues. Eight hours free service, then $50 an hour. 

RHODE ISLAND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Industrial Park, 35 Belver Avenue #212, No. Kingston, RI 02852 401-294-1277, FAX: 401-232-6416, e-mail: rieac@pipeline.com
401-232-6477, FAX: 401-232-6319
Purpose: Provides support for small businesses as they build and maintain profitability. Offers resources, including planning guides, research studies, periodicals, video tapes, seminars, consulting, etc.

SOUTH COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION 'BOOST'
P.O. Box 3738, Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, RI 02883 401-789-3016, 401-214-1216
(Business Ownership Opportunities Service & Training) Microbusiness Loan Program

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND MATERIALS EXCHANGE
RIRRC, 65 Shun Pike, Johnston, RI 02919 401-942-1430, FAX: 401-946-5174, e-mail:mailto:recycle@loa.com
Purpose: The Southern New England Materials Exchange (SNEME) is a free service offered by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) to businesses in Rhode Island, southern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. SNEME creates a link between businesses that have surplus or waste materials and businesses that may have uses for them. By providing businesses with the opportunity to give away or sell what they would normally throw away, SNEME not only helps businesses to save money on disposal costs, but also helps them to reduce their environmental impact. The most up-to-date SNEME Bulletin Board listings an be viewed on the RIRRC web page at http://www.state.ri.us/rirrc/. For those businesses without access to the internet, the SNEME Bulletin Board listings will be printed and distributed by request. 

VERIZON - BRYANT COLLEGE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTER
Bryant College, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 401-232-0220
Purpose: Introduces individuals to the evolving world of telecommunications technology. The Center acts as a free statewide resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them solve their telecommunications problems. It offers educational seminars, customized programs, and consulting assistance on the Internet, Homepage Development, Telemarketing, Videoconferencing, Desktop Publishing, and Market Research. 

THE CENTER FOR DESIGN AND BUSINESS
Bryant College, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 401-454-6558
Purpose: A unique joint venture between Bryant College and the Rhode Island School of Design to provide business education to artists and designers and assist regional businesses with product design and development. It offers a range of seminars, programs, conferences, and consulting services. 

THE CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS ENTERPRISE 
Bryant College, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 401-232-6115
Purpose: Assists owner-managed businesses in meeting the unique challenges they experience in today's marketplace. The Center offers practical, high quality educational programs and activities in business planning, start-up ventures, product development and commercialization, as well as family business issues. Its award winning Entrepreneurship Training Program provides intensive training and counseling in the skills necessary to establish and operate a successful business.

THE CENTER FOR MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT 
Bryant College, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 401-232-620
Purpose: Offers corporate clients customized education programs, executive retreats, and skill-based certificate programs. Services include training in Strategic Management, Human Resource Management, Supervisory Management, Purchasing and Supply Management, Computer Training and Securities and Financial Services.

THE RHODE ISLAND BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 
3 Regency Plaza, Suite 1, Providence, RI 02903 401-383-1179
Purpose: is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the business opportunities and vitality of Black-owned and minority businesses in Rhode Island through access to capital, contracting, business development resources, entrepreneurship training, business advocacy, meaningful investor services, and workforce development. Website