Has your Providence-based business been impacted by the closure of the Washington Bridge? The City of Providence, with support from RI Commerce, is accepting grant applications from September 10, 2024 until September 24, 2024 for financial assistance to small businesses affected by the closure.
Eligible small businesses in Providence can now apply for grants that range from $500 to $2500 on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify, businesses must be physically located in Providence, have experienced a revenue loss of at least $500 and 10% due to the bridge closure and meet other criteria, including a maximum of $2 million in gross receipts.
This funding is open to for-profit businesses and non-profit entities established in Rhode Island before June 1, 2023. However, businesses that are franchises, permanently closed, or engaged in certain restricted industries, such as education or real estate, are not eligible. Those eligible can apply here.
The City of Providence remains committed to helping our community thrive despite these challenges. For questions about the application process, please contact Merrie Bautista at the Rhode Island Small Business HUB division of Skills for Rhode Island’s Future at 401-680-5964, or via email at mbautista@skillsforri.com.
Program Criteria
Must be a small business in Providence meeting the following eligibility requirements:
- Experienced negative economic impact (minimum $500 and 10% revenue loss) as a result of Washington Bridge Reconstruction
- Physically located in Providence
- For-profit businesses and non-profits entities
- Rhode Island gross receipts of $2 million or less
- Not owned by a nationally or regionally owned franchise
- Not permanently closed
- Not in or considering federal bankruptcy or state receivership
- Be an established business in the state of Rhode Island prior to June 1, 2023
- Not on federal do not pay list