
Business & Startup Scene in Providence, United States
1. Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC)
Provides free business consulting and low-cost training to small businesses in Rhode Island.
- Expert Consultation: Offers expert advice from experienced professionals
- Training Programs: Provides various training programs to help businesses succeed
- Resource Network: Connects businesses with resources and funding opportunities
2. Providence Business News (PBN)
Daily business news and information source for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.
- Local Focus: Coverage of local businesses, startups, and economic trends
- Industry Insights: Provides insights into various industries in the region
- Networking Opportunities: Hosts events and forums to connect businesses with potential partners
3. The Venture Café Providence
Weekly gathering spot for the entrepreneurial ecosystem offering connections, resources, and programming.
- Community Building: Facilitates networking among entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators
- Programming: Offers educational workshops and events for personal and professional development
- Resource Access: Provides access to resources, mentors, and funding opportunities
4. Rhode Island Innovation Campus (RIIC)
A hub for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in fields such as robotics, cybersecurity, and advanced materials.
- Research Collaboration: Collaborates with universities and industries to advance research
- Business Incubator: Supports the growth of startups through mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities
- Innovation Labs: Provides state-of-the-art facilities for prototyping and testing new technologies
5. The Providence Journal
One of the oldest daily newspapers in the United States covering news, sports, business, and entertainment in Rhode Island.
- Local Coverage: Provides comprehensive coverage of local businesses and industries
- Business Section: Dedicated section focusing on business news, trends, and analysis
- Digital Access: Offers online access to articles, archives, and breaking news alerts
6. Rhode Island Tech Park (RITechPark)
An innovation hub for technology companies in Rhode Island, providing office and lab space, resources, and programming.
- Technology Focus: Supports tech startups and scale-ups across various industries
- Community Building: Fosters a collaborative environment among tech entrepreneurs
- Resource Access: Offers access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and business resources
7. Providence Chamber of Commerce
Represents the interests of businesses in Providence, providing networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources.
- Advocacy: Lobbies for policies that benefit local businesses
- Networking: Connects businesses with potential customers, partners, and suppliers
- Business Resources: Provides resources for business growth, including training and workshops
8. The Dean Hotel Incubator
A temporary workspace located inside a boutique hotel designed to help entrepreneurs and startups grow their businesses.
- Location Advantage: Offers a centrally-located workspace in the heart of Providence
- Community Building: Fosters a collaborative environment among entrepreneurs and startups
- Business Resources: Provides access to mentors, funding opportunities, and business resources
9. Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA)
A network that supports the growth and development of black-owned businesses in Rhode Island.
- Community Support: Provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and resources for black entrepreneurs
- Advocacy: Lobbies for policies that support the growth of black-owned businesses
- Resource Access: Offers access to funding, training, and business resources
10. The Rhode Island Foundation
A philanthropic organization that invests in the community, supporting education, arts, and economic development.
- Grants and Scholarships: Offers grants and scholarships to individuals and organizations
- Community Impact: Invests in initiatives that positively impact the community
- Resource Network: Connects individuals and organizations with resources for growth and development
11. Rhode Island Computer Recycling Center (RICRC)
A non-profit organization that recycles electronic waste and provides affordable computer equipment to startups and low-income individuals.
- Sustainability: Promotes sustainability by recycling electronic waste
- Affordable Equipment: Offers affordable computer equipment to startups and low-income individuals
- Digital Inclusion: Helps bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology
12. Providence Warwick Regional Airport (PWK)
A general aviation airport that offers businesses quick and easy access to Providence and surrounding areas.
- Convenient Location: Located close to downtown Providence and major highways
- Flexible Access: Offers flexible flying options for businesses and individuals
- Cargo Services: Provides cargo handling services for businesses
13. Rhode Island Women's Business Center (RIWBC)
A resource for women entrepreneurs in Rhode Island, providing training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
- Gender-Specific Resources: Offers resources tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs
- Networking Opportunities: Connects women with other female entrepreneurs and mentors
- Business Training: Provides training in areas such as finance, marketing, and management
14. Providence MakerSpace
A community workshop offering tools, resources, and classes for DIY projects and entrepreneurial endeavors.
- Creativity Hub: Supports creative and innovative thinking
- Resource Access: Provides access to tools, equipment, and resources for projects
- Community Building: Fosters a collaborative environment among makers and entrepreneurs
15. Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Service (RI MEP)
A program that helps manufacturers improve processes, increase efficiency, and innovate.
- Process Improvement: Helps manufacturers optimize their production processes
- Innovation Support: Offers resources for product and process innovation
- Resource Access: Connects manufacturers with resources, mentors, and funding opportunities