Governor Dan McKee today announced approximately $4.8 million in rewards that will allow eligible small businesses to expand their ability to do business abroad.
Funded by Governor McKee’s Rhode Island Rebounds initiative, the Take It Outside program will fund 21 intermediary organizations to support outdoor activities for small businesses. Examples of projects include purchasing items such as chairs, tables, heat lamps, and tents, as well as running outdoor small business opportunities.
“The Take It Outside program has been a successful program for small businesses created during the COVID-19 pandemic because it has enabled businesses to continue economic activity while promoting activity-oriented public health guidelines at home. outside to limit the spread of the virus. said Governor McKee. “I am proud to support the Take It Outside initiative to continue to help our local businesses who have faced extraordinary challenges since the start of the pandemic, and I thank the General Assembly for approving this critical funding.”
According to Governor McKee’s office, companies that are ultimate beneficiaries of the program must have less than $1 million in annual gross revenue and demonstrate negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. At least twenty percent of all small business funds will be earmarked for awards to help minority and women-owned businesses.
The project is supported, in whole or in part, by Federal Award Number SLFRFP0136 (State Fiscal Recovery Funds) awarded to the State of Rhode Island by the United States Department of Treasury.
Beneficiaries include:
Center for Southeast Asians (Providence, RI) – up to $643,500
Support businesses (members and non-members) by providing items to increase outdoor operational capabilities and reflect public health measures adopted in response to COVID-19.
Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce (Warwick, RI) – up to $250,000
To purchase goods to support the outdoor activities of small businesses in the Central Rhode Island area.
Town of Cranston (Cranston, RI) – up to $250,000
To help small businesses in Cranston attract shoppers and restaurateurs.
City of East Providence (East Providence, RI) – up to $150,000
To provide funds to small businesses for qualifying outdoor accommodations, increase foot traffic in commercial corridors and retain small businesses.
Town of Pawtucket (Pawtucket, RI) – up to $100,000
Support small businesses with supplies related to Take It Outside.
East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce (East Greenwich, RI) – up to $26,000
To run a series of artist markets that will directly support eligible small businesses as well as purchase igloos for eligible small businesses.
Federal Hill Commerce Association (Providence, RI) – up to $248,500
Pursue and increase the resources needed to run Al Fresco on the Hill. These items include insurance, staff and security, tables/chairs, signage, etc.
NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley (Woonsocket, RI) – up to $250,000
To purchase equipment such as folding chairs, pop-up tents, portable speakers, signboards, mobile stage, etc. to distribute to small businesses and to host a free and varied live music series including an extensive food offering, vendor fair, cultural activities, youth activities and other opportunities to engage small businesses.
North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce (North Kingstown, RI) – up to $345,600
Support small businesses with items to increase outdoor operational capabilities and accommodate public health measures.
Northern RI Chamber of Commerce (Lincoln, RI) – up to $247,500
To help small businesses purchase the items needed to expand outdoor dining and activities in thirteen northern Rhode Island communities.
Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce (West) – up to $10,000
To support small businesses in Westerly in creating an outdoor Starry Lights Christmas light display.
Providence Downtown Improvement District (Providence, RI) – up to $330,000
To fund downtown ambassadors to support the cleanliness and safety of small businesses engaged in outdoor activities.
Providence Revolving Fund (Providence, RI) – up to $450,000
Purchase supplies to support eligible small businesses, specifically focusing on minority and women-owned businesses.
RI Brewers Guild (Wakefield, RI) – up to $208,000
Support small businesses, including breweries in Rhode Island, by providing grants to these small businesses to purchase tables, umbrellas, heaters, and other PPE supplies.
Rhode Island Hospitality Association (Cranston, RI) – up to $637,677
Work with hospitality companies across the state to help them purchase supplies to encourage and increase outdoor activities.
The Pawtucket Foundation (Pawtucket, RI) – up to $101,200
Providing Take It Outside equipment, especially for distilleries, breweries and small businesses in the arts and culture industry in Pawtucket.
City of Cumberland (Cumberland, RI) – up to $100,000
Support small businesses with supplies related to Take It Outside.
City of North Providence (No. Providence, RI) – up to $100,000
Support small businesses with supplies related to Take It Outside.
Town of Smithfield (Smithfield, RI) – up to $100,000
Support small businesses with supplies related to Take It Outside.
Town of Warren (Warren, RI) – up to $100,000
To help small businesses continue to expand outdoor dining and entertainment experiences in Warren.
Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (Providence, RI) – up to $150,000
Create a competitive program of targeted grants for eligible small businesses in cities and towns across the watershed.