Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and the City of Providence Office of Economic Opportunity today announced a new technical assistance program designed to help Providence-based small businesses, especially microbusinesses with fewer than ten employees, expand their business knowledge and build their existing business. Businesses can receive assistance with loan applications, accounting and finance, graphic design, social media, marketing and human resources support, as well as other areas of business development.
“When it comes to investing in our small business community, we know that our best investments need to be designed by the unique needs of each business owner throughout our City. That is why we are thrilled to launch a program that provides technical assistance to our smallest businesses throughout the City and can be shaped with each individual small business owner,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I encourage our small business owner community to take advantage of this new program and invest in new ways to improve their business.”
Through a competitive request for proposals process, Roads Consulting Group was chosen to partner with the City to work directly with eligible businesses to assess their needs and provide dedicated coaching and advice based on the unique needs of each entity. This program is open to all small businesses and microenterprises in Providence, but priority will be given to microenterprises who hope to start up or expand a small business or franchise in Providence.
“It’s critical that we foster the development of small businesses and microenterprises here in Providence, who contribute so much to our community,” said Keith Stokes, Business and Development Director for the City of Providence. “I look forward to building upon the work of the Small Business Grant Program by offering tools and resources to help small businesses grow and thrive.”
The program is part of the City’s One Providence Small Business Assistance initiative, designed to provide direct supports to small business owners. Individuals seeking support or with questions can reach out to the City’s Small Business Coordinator Jessie Ernster who will serve as a resource and connection to City services for the entire Providence small business community. To connect with Jessie Ernster, individuals can email jernster@providenceri.gov or call 401-316-7690, in addition to calling 3-1-1.
This new assistance program is being funded by the City of Providence’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding. Information on all ARPA programs and projects for the City of Providence can be found at https://pvdrescueplan.com/. To learn more about this program and apply to participate, visit pvdrescueplan.com/apply. Spots are limited, so interested businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
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