Providence, RI – Today Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea announced the launch of the Rhode Island Department of State's new Business Services website at http://sos.ri.gov/. The new website streamlines content to be more relevant and user-friendly, making it easier to start, maintain and grow a business or non-profit in Rhode Island.
"When local businesses and entrepreneurs thrive, all of Rhode Island thrives with them," said Secretary Gorbea. "My team is helping small businesses succeed every day by making government resources simpler and more accessible. Our new Business Services website is the next evolution in that mission."
Business owners can conduct many common transactions online, such as registering their business, filing annual reports, and updating business information. The new Business Services website was developed through collaboration between the Rhode Island Department of State, private and non-profit sector businesses, and constituents.
"Secretary Gorbea's new website will make it much easier for clients to access information and move ahead with their business plans more confidently," said Rochelle Blease, Co-Chair of Rhode Island SCORE, a volunteer organization that provides free counseling to small businesses. "This website upgrade strengthens a great resource that our SCORE mentors refer to every week," added Blease.
"Rhode Island's new website is super clear and really easy to use," said Alan Stachura, Senior Manager of Government Relations for CT Corporation, which helps small-to-mid-sized business owners determine the appropriate structure to incorporate and secure appropriate licenses and permits. "This will absolutely help businesses streamline their interactions with the Business Services Division, so they can focus their time and energy on actually doing business!"
Under Secretary Gorbea, the Business Services Division maintains Rhode Island's state business registry, recording new business formations and ongoing business registration activity. Business Services staff also provide thoughtful guidance and comprehensive services to anyone looking to start and maintain a business or non-profit in Rhode Island.
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