Run the Room — Rhode Island
Resources for people starting and running a business in Rhode Island — the national programs that apply everywhere, the state offices that register and support businesses here, and the local help in Rhode Island's largest metro areas. Compiled by Run the Room, the weekly podcast on how business actually works, hosted by Alex and Jordan.
Rhode Island Resources
- U.S. Small Business Administration — District OfficeSBA Rhode Island District Office
Federal small-business programs, counseling referrals, and disaster assistance for Rhode Island.
- Small Business Development CenterRhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC)
Free, confidential business advising and low-cost training across Rhode Island.
- Business Registration & Entity SearchRhode Island Department of State — RI Business Portal Corporate Search
Register a business, search entity records, and keep filings current.
- Commerce & Economic DevelopmentRhode Island Commerce Corporation
The state's economic development agency — programs, incentives, and business assistance.
- State Chamber of CommerceGreater Providence Chamber of Commerce — Rhode Island's only statewide chamber of commerce
The statewide business association and chamber network.
Local Resources — Largest Metro Areas
Providence
- SCORE MentoringSCORE Rhode Island
Free mentoring from experienced business volunteers.
- Chamber of CommerceGreater Providence Chamber of Commerce
The metro chamber of commerce.
Warwick
- Chamber of CommerceCentral Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce
The metro chamber of commerce.
National Resources
- National ResourceU.S. Small Business Administration
The federal agency for small business — starting, funding, growing, and government contracting.
- National ResourceSBA Local Assistance Finder
Find SBA offices, SBDCs, SCORE chapters, and other resource partners near you.
- National ResourceSCORE — Mentoring & Workshops
Free mentoring and low-cost workshops from experienced business volunteers.
- National ResourceAmerica's SBDC
The national network of Small Business Development Centers — free advising in every state.
- National ResourceSBA Funding Programs
Loans, investment capital, grants, and surety bonds administered or backed by the SBA.
- National ResourceIRS Small Business & Self-Employed Tax Center
Federal tax guidance, forms, and deadlines for small businesses and the self-employed.
- National ResourceUSA.gov — Business
The federal government's official business portal: licenses, permits, and regulations.
- National ResourceMinority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
Programs and business centers supporting minority-owned businesses.
- National ResourceVeterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC)
Business training and counseling for veterans, service members, and military spouses.
Listen
New episodes every Sunday at 7:00 PM ET — business built from the very beginning. Browse the complete episode index, or listen on your platform of choice:
Resource links point to official program and agency sites and were verified when this page was generated. Programs and URLs change — if a link fails, the SBA Local Assistance Finder above will route you to the current office.