Aid to Small Business and Impacted Industries

These projects fall into one of two categories: those that provided short-term relief and support to help businesses navigate the pandemic's challenges and those aimed at creating a stronger and more resilient economy in the long term by investing in key infrastructure and the workforce.

UI Trust Fund Contribution ($100M)

The State partially replenished its unemployment insurance trust fund, which moved down the UI tax rate schedule.

Enhanced Real Jobs ($30M)

The Department of Labor and Training is providing targeted workforce development, job training, and supportive services to individuals who are unemployed or are underemployed.

DOC Personnel and Operating Support ($20M)

The funds addressed the increase in the Department of Corrections' personnel and operating expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minority Business Accelerator ($5.2M)

Organizations are providing access to capital and technical assistance to minority-owned businesses.

RI Rebounds Administration ($1.5M)

The General Assembly provided administrative support to the Executive Office of Commerce to carry out the Small Business and Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Supports.

Minority Business Accelerator: RWU Start-Up Clinic ($0.3M)

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

Small Business Bridge Support ($2.6M)

The General Assembly provided $2.6 million to assist small businesses impacted by the closure and reconstruction of the northern span of the Washington Bridge. Funds shall be used to provide direct grants or any such other forms of assistance as deemed appropriate. Of the $2.6 million, $1.2 million is for the City of East Providence, $0.8 million is for the City of Commerce, and $0.6 million is for the Commerce Corporation.

Bioscience Investments ($45M)

The project is investing in the biosciences industry in conjunction with the creation of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, which includes the development of wet lab incubator spaces; wrap-around services to commercialize technology and business development; and the growth of a talent pipeline.

Small Business Supports ($27.2M)

The Small Business Supports are comprised of:

$12.2M in Direct Grants to offset lost revenue
$8.7M in Technical Assistance for long-term capacity building
$5.9M in Public Health Capital Improvements. The Take It Outside payments in the table represent the dollar value of services provided to beneficiaries. The payments were made to vendors who completed the work.
$0.4M in Energy Efficiency enhancements

Aid to the Convention Center ($10M)

The Rhode Island Convention Center Authority financed projects to accelerate revenues and improve operations.

Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Supports ($15M)

The Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Supports are comprised of:

$8M in Direct Grants to help offset lost revenue
$5M in Placemaking activities to support outdoor and public space capital improvements and event programming
$2M in Marketing initiatives in coordination with the regional tourism councils and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation

Destination Marketing ($3M)

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, in cooperation with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation and partner airlines, is implementing a marketing campaign at gateway cities to encourage tourism to Rhode Island.

Minority Business Accelerator: RIBBA ($0.5M)

The Rhode Island Black Business Association built out a co-working space and enhanced its minority business program.