Governor Chafee to Host Community
Business Outreach Forum in East Providence

In his continuing effort to address the fiscal challenges of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, Governor Lincoln Chafee, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, City of East Providence, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and other agencies will host a community forum to hear from local small businesses and discuss ways to help them succeed, grow the economy, and create jobs for Rhode Islanders.

As part of Governor Chafee's focus for FY 2013 as the "Year of the Cities and Towns", he will be joined at the forum by East Providence Mayor Bruce Rogers as well as representatives of the RIEDC, SBA, Department of Labor and Training, Small Business Development Center and Ocean State Business Development Authority.

Governor Chafee believes that small businesses are the backbone of Rhode Island communities and that their success will be a key factor in the revitalization of the state’s cities and towns.

Forum discussions will review state programs and initiatives developed for: a) providing greater access to financing and credit for small businesses; b) making it easier to do business by creating clear, predictable and reliable regulatory and permitting processes; c) revitalizing urban communities and business; and d) energy efficiency programs to help businesses operate more cost effectively.

All area businesses are invited to attend! Representatives from the Governor’s Office, RIEDC, municipalities, SBA, SBDC, DLT and the OSBDA will be on-hand to answer questions or schedule follow-up one-on-one appointments.

Business Forum Date:
Tuesday - April 10, 2012
Time: 8:30 -10:00 a.m.
Location: City Council Chamber, 1st Floor, 145 Taunton Ave., East Providence
RSVP: 435-7534, jmoran@cityofeastprov.com