U.S. Economic Development Administration - Providence Business News

BUILDING STRENGTH: Michelle LaSata, right, owner of MPOWER Training & Fitness LLC, works out with Susan Dansereau, a personal trainer, at MPOWER in Woonsocket. LaSata, who took ownership of the fitness center in 2024 recently participated in a free 10-week program called LocalBiz Resilience Program targeting entrepreneurs in Woonsocket and Central Falls.  PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

In two disadvantaged R.I. cities, a pilot business program focuses on...

Entrepreneurship 01/17/2025

Olga Saucedo made her lifelong dream of owning a restaurant come true, opening Cultura Mixta Family Restaurant in Central Falls last spring. In May 2024,...

R.I. COMMERCE CORP. has applied for more than $5 million in federal grants that would be used to develop the state's effort to create a technology hub centered around the blue economy.

R.I. Commerce seeking more federal Ocean Tech Hub dollars

Economy 10/28/2024

PROVIDENCE – Maybe a third time will be the charm for the R.I. Commerce Corp. when it comes to the state's effort to get...

R.I. Commerce Corp. announces $2.7M for tourism events and attractions

Economy 05/14/2024

PROVIDENCE – R.I. Commerce Corp. on Tuesday announced that 24 local organizations will share in $2.7 million in federal funding to create new attraction...

Ocean Tech Hub seeking project concept proposals

Government 12/14/2023

PROVIDENCE – A federally designated blue tech hub encompassing Rhode Island and Massachusetts has issued its first call for ocean technology projects. The Ocean Tech...

Elizabeth M. Tanner / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Five Questions With: Elizabeth M. Tanner

5Q 09/02/2022

Elizabeth M. Tanner | Secretary of commerce, Rhode Island 1. How will you use your experience at the R.I. Department of Business Regulation in this new...

LIFTOFF: Jaia Robotics LLC owner Ian Estaphan Owen launches one of his company’s aquatic robots in Narragansett Bay. Newport-based Jaia could be a benefactor if the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation’s proposal to boost the blue economy is named a winner in the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge. / PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

EYES ON THE PRIZE: 2 key R.I. sectors could get $100M...

Cover Story 04/15/2022

Ian Estaphan Owen launched a marine robotics company less than two years ago with the aim of helping combat the effects of climate change. But...

RHODE ISLAND has launched its own podcast about the Blue Economy that will feature experts and public figures on developments and innovations in the ocean-related sectors in Rhode Island. / COURTESY R.I. COMMERCE CORP.

URI Research Foundation’s blue economy proposal a federal Build Back Better...

Economic Activity 12/13/2021

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The University of Rhode Island Research Foundation's proposal to develop a regional blue economy technology hub is among 60 finalists selected...

VALUABLE PARTNER: From left, Lee Silvestre, Northeast Tech Bridge coordinator, meets with 401 Tech Bridge staffers Miguel Crisostomo-Vargas, marketing coordinator; Linda Larsen, programs and partnership manager; Christian Cowan, executive director; Susan Daly, strategic adviser; and Mary Johnson, manager, at the economic development nonprofit’s facility in Portsmouth. / PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

Connecting tech fields for a stronger R.I. economy

Health Services 10/01/2021

PBN 2021 Innovative Companies Awards Innovative Collaboration: 401 Tech Bridge When it comes to discussing the reasons for recent revenue growth at economic development nonprofit 401...

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Christian Cowan, executive director of 401 Tech Bridge in Portsmouth, and Mary Johnson, manager, outside the location of what will become the organization’s Advanced Materials and Technology Center, a 17,000-square-foot research and development facility slated to be completed by the end of the year. / PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

R.I. tech ‘super connector’ gaining momentum

Business Services 06/11/2021

Christian Cowan experienced a lot of sleepless nights last year. Cowan is in charge of 401 Tech Bridge, an economic development initiative launched in 2019...