East Providence In Line For Money To Boost Small Business

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI—East Providence is in line collect close to $70,000 to help small businesses along Bullocks Point Avenue and the East Bay Bike Path, the governor's office said this week. The money is a grant from the Main Street Improvement Fund. Nine cities and towns are expected to receive the "streetscape grants," according to the press release. The others are Barrington, New Shoreham, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Warren, Westerly, and Woonsocket.

The money is given "on a competitive basis for improvements to the state's commercial districts, and projects can receive up to $300,000 in funding," the governor's office said. But applicants have to match 30 percent of the award.

"Rhode Island's 'Main Streets' are vitally important corridors of commerce for our state's cities and towns," said Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor. "These projects were identified by municipalities as priorities for revitalization, and we are pleased to support them via these investments."

A final vote on the projects is expected at the Commerce Corporation's upcoming meeting.

If successful, East Providence will "receive $69,969 to place flags, banners, wayfinding signs, landscaping, and public art and design elements along the four block portion of Bullocks Point Avenue and the East Bay Bike Path to increase traffic and business to small businesses located in the area," according to the press release.

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