PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 31, 2007) – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation invite Rhode Island business owners to talk face-to-face with the government officials who regulate their business, provide advice and offer financing at the free “We Mean Business” expo Mon., Nov. 5, from noon to 7 p.m. at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln.
“Government is opening its doors to you. For the first time ever, federal, state and local government agencies will come together in one place for just one day,” said Secretary Mollis.
Among the nearly 90 organizations planning to set up shop at “We Mean Business” are the City of Cranston, the town of Portsmouth, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state Department of Environmental Management and the state Department of Business Regulation.
In addition to the opportunity to talk with government officials, “We Mean Business” will offer a host of other activities for business owners.
“Get free business advice from a team of experts put together especially with small businesses in mind. Go to one of the free workshops on topics ranging from customer service to marketing. Pick up business tips and participate in give-aways all day long,” said Mollis.
The “We Mean Business” expo presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to discuss issues that impact their business and to acquire information that they will need to start, grow or improve their business.
The sponsors include Citizens Bank, Fidelity Investments, IKON Business Solutions, RIMES, Babcock & Helliwell, PODER, WPRI-TV, Fox Providence, Providence en Espanol, America News, Providence Business News, Latino Public Radio, Xzito, Business Link International, Open Box Technologies and ri.gov.
“We Mean Business” is a joint venture between the Secretary of State's First Stop Business Information Center and Every Company Counts, an initiative of RIEDC. The mission of We Mean Business is to connect Rhode Island business owners with local, state and federal regulators as well as to non-profit resources that impact business.
The Secretary of State’s office works with every company registered to do business in Rhode Island. The office oversees recording commercial liens, protecting corporate trademarks and providing advice to small and start-up businesses.