PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The R.I. Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) and Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis invite you to talk face-to-face with Rhode Island's federal, state and local government agencies at the free “We Mean Business Expo" on Thurs., Sept. 10, at the Hotel Renaissance in Providence.
“Government is opening its doors to you. In just one day in one place you can meet with the agencies that regulate your business, provide advice and offer financing,” said Mollis.
The two organizations vow to make it easier for businesses to obtain forms, make contacts and get quick answers from government at all levels.
“We recognize that small business is the backbone of the Rhode Island economy and We Mean Business shows the commitment of RIEDC and Secretary of State Mollis to work together to make Rhode Island a great place to start and grow a business,” said Michael Saul, RIEDC interim executive director. We are proud to partner with Secretary of State Mollis to bring such a great resource to the small business community.”
Among the more than 50 organizations planning to set up shop are the Providence Economic Development Partnership, the state Department of Labor and Training and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The expo hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to the opportunity to meet with government officials about registering a business, financing, taxes, licensing and permitting, the expo will offer free workshops on How to Start and Run a Successful Small Business, Image Impact: Set Yourself Apart from the Competition and Introduction to Facebook for Small Business.
“Go to one of the free seminars. Get free business advice from a team of consultants put together especially with small businesses in mind,” said Mollis.
Immediately following the expo at 4:30 p.m., ECC invites the public to attend an appearance by New York Times best-selling author and TV business analyst Bill Rancic at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Rancic will share his insights and take questions from the audience on business topics.
This year’s expo sponsors include 790AM, RIMES, RIPTAC, Washington Trust, Beacon Mutual Insurance Company, Telemundo, America News, Computopia, B2B CFO, Lucier CPA, the City of Providence, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, The Tech Collective, Bella Consulting & Events, Xzito Creative Services, Rhode Island Blueprint, JobsinRI.com, the Eclub, Premier Cleaning Services, Shanix, Brave River Solutions and 3StepsNetwork.
This is the third straight year that Mollis and RIEDC have collaborated on the event. Past expos have drawn hundreds of exhibitors and business people.
Mollis and RIEDC created We Mean Business to connect business owners with local, state and federal officials as well as to non-profit resources that impact business. The 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.
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 EDC. 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 mission of Every Company Counts is to mobilize the economic development professionals in Rhode Island to promote small business success. Created in 2004, the ECC network has grown to over 170 partners and reaches out to approximately 1500 small business owners a year. Visit www.everycompanycounts.com for information on the services that ECC provides.
The Secretary of State Mollis’ office works with every company registered to do business in Rhode Island – more than 67,000 in all. The office oversees recording commercial liens, protecting corporate trademarks and providing advice to small and start-up businesses. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.
For information about participating or attending the Expo, call (888) 384-9704 or visit www.WeMeanBusinessRI.com.
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