Small Business Support

RI Business Services

The Rhode Island Department of State Business Services site provides comprehensive resources on planning, funding, starting up and maintaining businesses of all types in Rhode Island. The RI Business Portal Business Assistant takes prospective business owners step by step through everything they will need to launch their business in RI, including fees and forms.

Small Business Association

The Small Business Administration in an independent agency of the federal government created to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interest of small business concerns. The Rhode Island district office will work with libraries to coordinate FREE workshops or workshop series on a variety of useful business topics through their local partners.

RI Commerce Corporation

RI Commerce Corporation, a quasi-public agency, works with public, private and non-profit partners to create the conditions for businesses in all sectors to thrive and to improve the quality of life for our citizens by promoting the state's long-term economic health and prosperity.

AskRI Resources for Small Business

The Statewide Resource Center at AskRI includes numerous links for businesses, including websites, databases and links to local resources. 

Helpful databases include:

• AtoZ Databases - marketing and business directory
• Udemy - online learning platform
• Ebsco Learning Express: Job and Career Accelerator - job and interview skill support

Many RI libraries house 3D printers, which small business owners may want to use to create product prototypes and models quickly and at a low cost.

Barrington Public Library

Clark Memorial Library, Richmond

Coventry Public Library

Cranston Public Library

East Providence Public Librar

Greenville Public Library

Jamestown Philomenian Library

Middletown Public Library

Newport Public Library

Portsmouth Public Library

Warwick Public Library

Westerly Public Library