Below is a list of some of the resources and connections available for businesses. If you need additional assistance please email.
Frequently Used Sections
State Departments & Agencies
RI Dept. of Business Regulation
RI Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC)
RI Contractors Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB)
401-921-1590 The CRLB is a unit within the State Building Office and is charged with registering and regulating contractors, as well as licensing Commercial Roofers, Home Inspectors, Underground Utility, Water Filtration, Well Drilling, and Pump Installers in the State of Rhode Island. Additionally, the CRLB receives and investigates complaints from Rhode Island homeowners against contractors. Includes a link to the State of Rhode Island Building Codes – 2021. Thinking of Hiring a Contractor?
RI Dept of Environmental Management
Staffing & Recruiting
Forms
RI DLT Employer Assistance
Rhode Island boasts some of the most aggressive employment and training tax credit programs in the nation
- RI Dept of Labor & Training – For Employers
- RI DLT OJT – Need skilled workers? On-the-Job Training (OJT), a federal program funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), lets you hire and train skilled workers and get reimbursed for your efforts.
- H-2A and H-2B Workers – For information on the hiring of H-2A or H-2B workers, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Rhode Island Tax Credits – Rhode Island boasts some of the most aggressive employment and training tax credit programs in the nation.
- Workplace Accessibility Grants – The Workplace Accessibility Grant Program promotes employment and economic opportunity for individuals with disabilities through investment in accessible workplaces.
- Required Posters For The Workplace – DLT posters are available to download and print free of charge to employers. Also included: Links to Other State Department/Agency and Federal Required Posters
- Labor Market Information For Business – Labor Market Information aims to make the latest information readily available to Rhode Island residents, businesses, and organizations so they can make informed decisions about their economic futures.
- Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages
- Current Minimum Wage
- WorkShare – An Alternative To Layoff
Introduction FAQ’s Sample Application
Are you experiencing tough times but want to keep your skilled workers? WorkShare may be your solution.
Looking for a good employee? Visit the “Business Directory” and contact one of our “Staffing” specialists.
I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
- Instructions
- Filing Guidance
- Download Form – English
- Download Form – Spanish
- Bajar archivos forma en español
- Current Legislative Session Information
General Legislative Information, General/Public Laws & New Session Laws - Elected Officials – Senators
Listing of all state of Rhode Island elected officials in the Senate. Includes political affiliation and suggested mailing addresses. - Elected Officials – House of Representatives
Listing of all state of Rhode Island elected officials in the House of Representatives. Includes political affiliation and suggested mailing addresses.
RI Health Insurance Commissioner
- Jury Commissioner’s Office 401-222-5879
RI Dept. of Business Regulation
RI Contractor’s Registration Board includes forms 401-222-1268
RI Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC)
Publications
RI Dept. of Environmental Management
- Current Legislative Session Information
General Legislative Information, General/Public Laws & New Session Laws - Elected Officials – Senators
Listing of all state Rhode Island elected officials in the Senate. Includes political affiliation and suggested mailing addresses. - Elected Officials – Representatives
Listing of all state Rhode Island elected officials in the House of Representatives. Includes political affiliation and suggested mailing addresses.
RI Health Insurance Commissioner
- Jury Commissioner’s Office 401-222-3245
- Choosing Your Business Name and Legal Structure (includes name availability)
- Corporations: Forms Library; NAICS Codes; General Laws; Notary Public, Trademark/Service Mark, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC); Games of Chance
- Corporations Database – Information listed includes name, purpose of business, address, when filed, by whom and more…
- Start A New Business in Rhode Island Site Includes: the Business forms required (by business type) to start a business and how to obtain them
- RI Elections and Voting
- RI Notaries Public
- State Tax Forms – download forms
- Sales & Use Tax Information
- Tax Services Available Online
Business Safety
RI Fire Safety Code
There are a number of steps that businesses can take to minimize the loss of life and property. Below are a few simple steps that could truly make a difference in an emergency.
provided by Warwick Fire
111 Veterans Memorial Dr | Warwick, RI 02886 | (401) 468-4000
Hold a fire drill and evacuation drill at least once a year. Contact the Fire Department with any questions or to help you plan your drill.
Complete an Emergency Contact Sheet
Complete a Pre-Plan Worksheet – Upon request the Fire Department Training Department will tour your facility and assist with completing the worksheet and noting areas of importance so that they are aware of them ahead of time.
Install an Easy Access Key Box (RI company) or a Knox Box so in the case of an emergency the Fire Department will not have to break your windows or doors. The Fire Department has a master key so your property damage is minimized.(There may be additional resources available) You label the keys, attach the box to your building as specified and call to have the keys locked inside. Locks are keyed by the manufacturer according to the city/town where the box will be installed.
Register For Free with The City of Warwick has a rapid emergency notification service called CodeRED®. The new system will distribute important or critical emergency messages via telephone to targeted areas or the entire city. CodeRED® employs a one-of-a-kind Internet mapping capability for geographic targeting of calls, coupled with a high speed telephone calling system capable of delivering customized pre-recorded emergency messages directly to homes and businesses, live individuals and answering machines.
We encourage all residents and businesses to go to register for a free “managed account” with CodeRED®, enter your contact information, including additional phone numbers, text and email addresses, to ensure all of the data in the system is accurate and current.
You may also call the City of Warwick’s EMA office at 401-468-4000.
In an Emergency Dial 911
Export/Import Assistance
Offices
- Office of International Trade: Rhode Island
Through trade missions, trade shows, in-country market assistance programs, and trainings in export opportunities, Rhode Island expects to reach target markets and support trade with China and other countries across several sectors. The program hopes to achieve an estimated $15 million in potential business from new Rhode Island exports. - SBA Export Assistant Centers
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities and challenges of exporting, U.S. Export Assistance Centers provide the help you need. These centers are located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States. - World Trade Center of Rhode Island
The Center serves the regional business community, as well as offering hands on opportunities for students to learn about global business and Pharmacy Research. - Food Export Association Northeast
- Food Export USA – Northeast is a non-profit organization that promotes the export of food and agricultural products from the northeast region of the United States.
- Contact a Trade Specialist Near You
The Commercial Service has a network of export and industry specialists located in more than 100 U.S. cities and over 80 countries worldwide. These trade professionals provide counseling and a variety of products and services to assist small and midsized U.S. businesses export their products and services.
Programs
- John H. Chafee Center for International Business Educational Programs
The John H. Chafee Center for International Business provides comprehensive international trade services for businesses to expand into international markets. - RI Commerce: Export Promotional Grant Program
The John H. Chafee Center at Bryant University provides comprehensive international trade services to help your business expand into international markets. - State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
A funding opportunities for entities that support small business exporting - SBA Export Express Loan Program
SBA Export Express offers financing up to $500,000. It is the simplest export loan product offered by the SBA and allows participating lenders to use their own forms and procedures. The SBA determines eligibility and provides a loan approval in 36 hours or less. - SBA Export Working Capital Program
The Export Working Capital (EWCP) loan provides advances for up to $5 million to fund export transactions from purchase order to collections. This loan has a low guaranty fee and quick processing time. - SBA International Trade Loan Program
The International Trade Loan offers loans up to $5 million for fixed assets and working capital for businesses that plan to start or continue exporting.
Planning & Training
- Export Business Planner
The Export Business Planner is a free, customizable tool for small business owners who are exploring exporting. Using the planner, you can work through the critical processes of export readiness and planning via a ready-made, easily accessible document that can be updated and referenced time and again as your export business grows. - SBA Taking Your Business Global Training
These training programs are about international markets and exporting. It is a practical, self-paced course packed with business information as well as real-world examples and helpful tips. You will find that this course is easy to follow and the subject matter indexed for quick reference and easy access. It will take about 30 minutes to complete. After the program, you will have the option of receiving a printed certificate of completion from the SBA.
Articles, Facts & Tips
- Customs and Border Protection Basic Importing and Exporting
- Multiple Links and notices for importing and exporting today.
- Steps & Key Factors To Exporting Efficiently
Small businesses looking to increase sales and profit, reduce dependence on the domestic market and stabilize seasonal fluctuations should consider exporting. Consider these facts:- Nearly 96 percent of consumers live outside the U.S
- Two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is in foreign countries.
- The link above provides six steps to begin your exporting business transactions.
- Basic Guide to Exporting
An in depth Basic Guide to Exporting has been the resource that businesses have turned to for answers to their questions about how to establish and grow overseas markets for their products and services. Whether your firm is new to exporting or in need of a refresher on the latest ideas and techniques, this comprehensive guide, now completely revised and updated for 2012, provides the nuts-and-bolts information you need to meet the challenges of the world economy. - Rhode Island Facts & Figures U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
Rhode Island’s manufacturing exports play a key role in local production and job growth. Rhode Island exports to over 200 foreign destinations each year. Over 130,000 Rhode Island jobs depend on trade, and that number continues to grow. - Tips for New Importers & Exporters From Custom & Border Protection (CBP)
In order to avoid potential problems in the clearance of your merchandise, U. S. Customs and Broder Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that you familiarize yourself with CBP policies and procedures prior to actually importing/exporting your goods. - The Law of International Trade: A Business Overview
U.S. companies engaged in international trade should be alert to the legal issues unique to the international context. This article is intended to raise your awareness of some of the legal issues encountered in international trade.
Imports, Trade Laws & Agreements
- Importing Into the United States
This edition of Importing Into the United States contains material pursuant to the Trade Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization Act (Title VI of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act), commonly referred to as the Mod Act. - RI Commerce: Forgein Trade Zone 105
- A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a specially-designated area in or adjacent to a U.S. Customs Port of Entry, but which is considered to be outside the Customs territory of the United States. FTZ # 105, originally designated in 1984 and expanded in 1997, consists of three different geographic locations in the state of Rhode Island. Duty, Tariff Rates
- Priority Trade Issues
- Trade Agreements
- Free Trade Agreements
- State Exports Statistics For Rhode Island
- State Imports Statistics For Rhode Island
- RI Commerce: International Trade
Certificate of Origin
- U.S. Customs FTA Certification Template
- CBP Form 434A – North American Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin Continuation
- CBP Form 434 – North American Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin
- Sheet
- CBP Form 3229 – Certificate of Origin
- NAFTA Certificate of Origin Please review CBP Legal Notices for more information.
- Generic Certificate of Origin Not Country Specific, instructions included
Federal
- CENSUS Data – 2020
- Copyright Office – Library of Congress
- Department of Labor’s Business Operations Center
- Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act Advisor – Employment laws assistance for workers and small business
- Environmental Protection Agency
- IRS – Internal Revenue Service
- Forms & Publications
- Frequently Asked Tax Questions & Answers
- Hiring a household employee – including housekeepers, maids, baby-sitters, gardeners, and others who work in or around your private residence as your employees.
- The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Information
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- U.S. House of Representatives
- U.S. Senate
- U.S. Small Business Administration
Prepare for the Unexpected
Resource Centers
- Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – To be certified as a Minority or Women Business Enterprise
- Polaris – Manufacturing Forward We’re a non-profit, on a mission to help RI’s manufacturers (and economy) grow.
- RI District Office – U.S. Small Business Administration
- SCORE – Counselor’s to America’s Small Business
- RI Small Business Development Centers
- Center for Women & Enterprise
- Work Safer RI – Health & Safety Consultation Program 401-222-7745
To provide a free and confidential health & safety consultation service to assist small business owners throughout Rhode Island promote a culture of safety within the workplace. Each visit is performed by a RIDOH safety and health Industrial Hygienist at the request of any Rhode Island employer. The results of this free service remain 100% confidential and result in no monetary fines, citations, or penalties! Fact Sheet
Local Cities/Towns
Our Core Service Areas
Coventry
Western Coventry Fire Department
Cranston
Cranston City Council & Agendas | Committees, Rules, Members
East Greenwich
Minutes & Agendas
Warwick
Move To Warwick RI
Warwick City Council includes the upcoming Council agenda.
The Period for Public comment begins at 5:00 p.m. and concludes prior to the City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Check the agenda to see which committee will be discussing your item of interest then check the Committee Schedule to see what time they will be inviting public comment.
West Warwick Town Council includes the Council Agenda.
Click For A Full List of Cities / Towns in RI
CRICC Member Suggested Links
- Nasdaq – AMEX Companies
- NYSE MKT – New York Stock Exchange
- Better Business Bureau
- Business 2.0
- Bloomberg Business Week
- CNN Financial Network
- Entrepreneur Magazine
- Fast Company
- 1to1 Media
- INC Magazine
- Monday Morning Memo – (Marketing Thoughts) from Roy H. Williams, The Wizard of Ads
- Wizard of Ads Articles and Advice (bi) Weekly – Turning Words Into Magic And Dreamers Into Millionaires
NEACCE – New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
Official site of Chamber Executives from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and New York working together to foster excellence in Chamber leadership, community development and business success. These are New England’s premier business associations, offering relocation and visitor information, real estate and technical assistance.
NEACCE c/o Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce | 49 South Main Street, Suite 104 | Concord, NH 03301 | 603-224-2508 Fax: 603-224-8128 | [email protected]
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