Commerce Secretary Pryor Joins GoLocal LIVE Thursday at 2 PM to Discuss Small Business Grant Program

Commerce Secretary Pryor Joins GoLocal LIVE Thursday at 2 PM to Discuss Small Business Grant Program

On Tuesday, Rhode Island Commerce announced that over 1,000 Rhode Island small businesses have received Restore Rhode Island grants totaling nearly $9 million. Over $1.5 million of the money already dispersed has gone directly to minority-owned enterprises, says the agency.

Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor joins GoLocal LIVE on Thursday, October 1 at 2:00 PM to discuss the program.

Pryor will discuss the successes and challenges for the program and will give an overview of the difficult challenges that face the RI and the nation’s economy as the number of coronavirus cases begins to increase in the region and nationally.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

“We’re pleased that over 1,000 businesses have already received funding through the Restore R.I. grant program,” said Pryor. “We hope that these grants will provide a bit of relief to our small businesses, which have been hit so hard by the pandemic. With plenty of funding still available, the Commerce team is encouraging all small businesses that might be eligible to apply.”

The $50 million grant program was launched last month.

The Restore Rhode Island grant program aims to provide direct support through grants of up to $15,000 to the state’s small businesses for reopening, adaptation, and fixed costs incurred by businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week the Restore Rhode Island grant program re-opened with expanded eligibility and a streamlined application process, including sole proprietors with zero employees as well as businesses up to 50 employees.

To help small businesses complete the application, Rhode Island Commerce will be holding the following Zoom office hours this week:

Thursday, October 1, 4:00 PM  Registration Here

Friday, October 2, 12:00 PM  Registration Here

Additionally, businesses can contact the Small Business Hotline at (401) 521-HELP at any time for assistance. Commerce has also partnered with several community organizations that can assist businesses with the application process. More information can be found on the Restore Rhode Island webpage here.