New website helps local business owners find answers fast

RIBizBuilder.com is a new online directory that will help local businesses and entrepreneurs find low-and no-cost support services in Rhode Island. The directory features dozens of Rhode Island-focused organizations offering services that help start and grow businesses in the Ocean State.

The directory was created by the Rhode Island Foundation in partnership with the Center for Women & Enterprise, Rhode Island CommerceCorporation, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center and many other partners with funding from the Foundation. The initiative supports the Foundation's Economic Security strategic initiative.

"Whether you are an established business, or a startup, or if you just have an idea, the point of RI BizBuilder is to quickly connect you with the people and entities that can help you with whatever you need, so you can move on, quickly," said Jessica David, the Foundation's executive vice president for strategy and community investments.

The site provides access to information about low- and no-cost help with borrowing, marketing to potential customers, local regulations and taxes, finding employees and more.

"RI BizBuilder is easy to use; just answer four questions about the stage of your business, the type of assistance you're looking for, your industry and whether you have any special circumstances. The site will find the most relevant information for you. You choose who you want to connect with, and RI BizBuilder will contact the provider on your behalf," said David.

"Starting and running a business is no easy task. Small business owners are among the most resilient, hard-working, determined and creative people I know. But even they can't do it alone all the time. And finding time to find the assistance and information that can help – about capital, marketing, regulations, talent, and more – has not been as easy as it should be," said David.

The site contains more than 100 listings of resources and services that are available for startups and small businesses in Rhode Island. Visitors can narrow their search using a variety of filters including the type of assistance they are looking for, their industry and special factors such gender or military veteran status.

"RI BizBuilder is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the landscape of business supports in the state. This is a resource to find low-and no-cost support services in Rhode Island. We are excited for you to try it out, and to send us feedback," said Carmen Diaz-Jusino, the Foundation's strategic program officer for economic security.

The Foundation plans a series of main street strolls and informational sessions across Rhode Island to introduce business owners and entrepreneurs to ribizbuilder.com face-to-face. Events are being planned for Cranston, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $38 million and awarded $43 million in grants to organizations addressing the state's most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities in 2017.Through leadership, fundraising and grant making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.