| The Newport County Chamber of Commerce is
organized to advance the civic and economic vitality of Newport County,
Rhode Island. The Chamber's primary mission is to promote a healthy economic
climate of good jobs, capital creation and honest, responsible government.
The Newport Chamber programs offer a wide range of services to assist
businesses as they strive for economic competitiveness and prosperity. The
many programs of the Chamber fall within the following areas:
Financing Programs - The Chamber provides direct access to capital
assistance by acting as a funding consultant on behalf of businesses in
need. Direct referrals and follow up to private bank, state and SBA lending
programs are provided by a professional staff and Chamber business
development consultants.
Government Affairs - The Chamber provides local and state
legislative advocacy on behalf of member businesses. Ordinances, legislation
and regulations affecting businesses and the regional economic climate are
addressed by the Chamber's Community Development staff. The Chamber also
reviews and submits legislation that promotes business development and
competitiveness.
Business Information Seminars - The Chamber sponsors seminars that
provide topical information on the issues, people and events that influence
business decision making and planning. The Chamber also publishes a
quarterly newsletter keeping area businesses in direct touch with local and
state business issues.
Site Selection & Relocation Assistance - The Chamber directly
assists businesses looking to expand or relocate within Newport County. The
Chamber works closely with the local real estate community and the Economic
Development Corporation. A comprehensive package including site
identification, financing assistance, and employee training and skill
enhancement programs are available
Tourism Information Services - Newport County is internationally
recognized as a major tourism center and resort. The Chamber provides direct
referral and information services to the several thousand telephone contacts
it receives during the tourism season. Information packages in the areas of
overnight accommodations, summer rentals, weddings, and tourist attractions
are available for all interested parties.
Staff Member: John Riendeau Business Development Telephone:
(401) 222-2601
Resource Expertise: Provides direct access to state economic and
business resources including finance, export trade, federal procurement and
marketing. Calls on local businesses to facilitate better business/ state
communications.
Christine Greico Telephone: (401) 462-8724
Resource Expertise: Provides employers and small businesses with
counseling and direct access to federal and state training, labor market,
recruitment and skills enhancement programs and grants. Coordinate services
with the Greater Rhode Island Employment & Training Board.
Staff Member: Diane C. Fournaris Program Manager Telephone: (401)
263-5127
Resource Expertise: Provides businesses (under 500 employees)
services including presenting training seminars and workshops in business
planning, marketing, financing, and other business subjects. Free consulting
is provided to clients by professional consultants in all aspects of
business.
Staff Member: Peter Dorsey, Executive Director Telephone: (401) 351-3036
Resource Expertise: The BDCRI is
a private financing company that provides affordable financing to RI
businesses. Financing programs include real estate, fixed asset, working
capital and lines of credit. Business development counseling is also
provided to businesses in need.
www.bdcri.com
Rhode Island Government Contract Procurement Office
Staff Member: Richard Farro Telephone: (401) 278-9100 x.175
Government Contract Counselor is a office of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
that provides small business direct access to government business, procurement and bidding resources.
Newport office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Newport County Chamber of
Commerce
Service Corp of Retired
Executives (SCORE)
Staff Member: John P. Collins Telephone: (401) 528-4561
Resource Expertise: SCORE is a program of the Small Business
Administration that matches small businesses with the experience and
expertise of a retired executive volunteer. The SCORE volunteers will work
closely with the Small Business Development Center in providing the customer
with the very best business consultation. Call for an appointment.
Women in Business Brownbag
Discussion Forums
Staff Member: Carol Mutty, Facilitator Telephone: (401)
847-1608
Resource - Women: These forums are created by small business women,
...(the rest can stay the same). Discussions are held the third Thursday of
each month at 12:00 at the Newport County Chamber of Commerce (locations
will sometimes vary).
South Eastern Economic Development Corporation (SEED)
Staff Member: Maria Gooch-Smith, Executive Director Telephone: (508) 822-1020
Resource Expertise: As a regional nonprofit economic development corporation, South
Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation focuses on job creation by financing all
types of small businesses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. SEED makes loans ranging from
a $1,000 Micro Loan to a $4 million SBA 504 Loan and also administers a small business technical
assistance program. |
