The State partially replenished its UI trust fund. An infusion of at least $78,625,000 was needed to move down the UI tax rate schedule from schedule H to schedule G.

The Executive Office of Commerce is managing the following Small Business Supports:

• $12.5 million in small business direct grants to help offset lost revenue
• $10.5 million in small business technical assistance for long-term business capacity building
• $7.5 million for small business public health capital improvements
• $1.5 million for the administration of these programs

The Department of Labor and Training is providing targeted workforce development, jobs training, and supportive services to individuals who are unemployed or are underemployed. By focusing efforts on communities that bore the worst effects of the pandemic, Enhanced Real Jobs seeks to address immediate and long-standing inequitable impacts.

Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Marketing Final Report

The Executive Office of Commerce is managing the following Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Supports:

• $8 million in hospitality, tourism, and events direct grants to help offset lost revenue
• $3 million to support outdoor and public space capital improvements and event programming
• $2 million for tourism marketing in coordination with Rhode Island state tourism regional councils and the Airport Corporation

Final Report for Completed Project

The pandemic forced the cancellation of events at the venues operated by the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, which is financing projects to accelerate revenues and improve operations.

Organizations are assisting minority-owned businesses by increasing their access to capital and technical assistance.

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, in cooperation with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, and partner airlines, is targeting key gateway cities with a campaign focused on driving leisure travel to Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Black Business Association is building out a co-working space and increasing the capacity of its minority business program.

The Roger Williams University School of Law is working with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to grow minority business enterprises.