Mayor Baldelli-Hunt Announces Availability of $10K in Technical Assistance Support for Woonsocket Small Businesses From “RI Rebounds” Program
WOONSOCKET, R.I.: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt today provided details of the state’s launching of “RI Rebounds”, a new program that offers up to $10,000 in technical assistance services to support eligible small businesses who were negatively impacted by the pandemic. This program is funded through the state’s Fiscal Recovery Fund, managed by RI Commerce Corporation, and administered by Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI). Services are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and the application period is currently open and ends on June 15th, 2023.
Eligibility for the RI Rebounds Program includes 1) having experienced a negative impact from the pandemic; 2) being established as a Rhode Island business prior to October 1, 2021; and 3) having gross sales receipts of less than $1.0 million in either 2020 or 2021. The program provides up to $10,000 in technical services, at no cost to the small business owner, in areas such as bookkeeping, legal, marketing, human resources, grant writing, business plan development, website development, and more. Once needs for specific services are determined, SkillsRI will match small businesses with an appropriate vendor, and will pay the vendor when the services are completed.
Mayor Baldelli-Hunt stated, “Running a successful small business is challenging and often requires specialized, outside assistance to navigate through complex business processes like setting up a website, creating a business plan, or applying for a government grant. I encourage all Woonsocket small businesses to immediately apply for the up to $10,000 of technical assistance that the RI Rebound Program offers.”
The Mayor added, “I want to thank Governor McKee, the RI Commerce Corporation, Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner, and the RI Business Hub for developing this innovative program and making it readily available to small business owners in Woonsocket, and across the state. These technical services will positively impact small business by giving them tools and guidance to strengthen and grow their operations.” All applications for the RI Rebounds Program are online at https://bit.ly/SmallBizAppEng. Further information about the program can be obtained from the Rhode Island Small Business Hub at risbHUB@skillsforri.com or call 401-249-2222. HUB staff speak English, Spanish, Haitian, Creole, and other languages.