RI Small Business Economic Summit

The Rhode Island Economic Summit provides the venue for state officials and small business owners to engage in a dialogue and exchange ideas about issues of importance to small business in Rhode Island. This is a great opportunity to speak directly to legislative leaders who can facilitate a positive business climate.

More than 175 small business owners, business leaders, and elected officials participated in the 2018 summit. This year’s forum will address business concerns and recommend solutions in seven key business areas: economic development, healthcare, taxes & budget, regulations, emerging markets, main street, and workforce development

Select Your Committee When You Register

When you register, you will be asked to select a committee to participate in at the summit. Below are brief descriptions of each committee.

Economic Development: Covering issues including access to capital, small business assistance programs including counseling and training, developmental and business development issues facing small businesses.

Healthcare: Focus on creating a cost effective, affordable healthcare system to small and medium size business. The committee works on issues to customized options including employee choice and defined contribution to help business owners stabilize their bottom line.

Taxes & Budget: State tax issues with the goal of making the RI tax system more competitive regionally and nationally. We concentrate on improving incentives that would contribute to a more vibrant RI Small Business economy. We also address issues that affect the annual state budget.

Regulations: Identify regulatory changes which could make Rhode Island an easier place to do business while sustaining public safety. State rules impacting labor management, construction/real estate development, energy, education and general cost of doing business are frequent areas of concern.

Emerging Markets: Minority businesses are starting up at unprecedented rates, and we can expect these businesses to play a key role in the health of our economy. Minority business start-ups and increased spending power within minority communities are creating new business opportunities for companies to grow their market. This committee will focus on understanding cultural issues, how to market correctly to this growing demographic and gaining access to capital.

Main Street: Focuses on local initiatives to revitalize Rhode Island’s “main streets” by leveraging local assets and making thoughtful re-development and economy-boosting investments.

Workforce Development: Focuses on the skills gap needed to fulfill workplace requirements and the education and training employees need to become gainfully employed. These necessary skills will eliminate significant barriers to employment.