In his continuing effort to address the fiscal challenges of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee will host a community forum with the Town of Coventry to hear from local small businesses and discuss ways to help them succeed, grow the economy, and create jobs for Rhode Islanders.
The forum will take place on Thursday, March 7 from 8:30-10 a.m. at Coventry Town Hall Council Chambers (1670 Flat River Rd.).
Joining Gov. Chafee at the forum will be Town Manager Thomas Hoover, as well as representatives from the R.I. Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), R.I. Department of Labor and Training, Office of Regulatory Reform, U.S. Small Business Administration, R.I. 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," said a release from RIEDC.
Forum discussions will review state programs and initiatives developed for: providing greater access to financing and credit for small businesses; making it easier to do business by creating clear, predictable, and reliable regulatory and permitting processes; and energy efficiency programs to help businesses operate more cost effectively.
All area businesses are invited to attend. Representatives from the Governor’s Office and participating agencies and municipalities will answer questions and be on-hand after the forum to meet one-on-one with participants and/or schedule follow-up appointments.
RSVP: Jennifer Howard, jhoward@riedc.com, 278-9187