Rhode Island business news: March 2022

“This is transformational philanthropy that further validates both the need and the desire in our state to realize an organization that exists to broadly support our nonprofits,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO.

United Way announced plans to establish the center in late January and placed a call for applicants to serve on a design team that will help guide the center’s creation.

McKee announces direct grants for hospitality, tourism, events industries

Governor Dan McKee and Rhode island Commerce announced Wednesday an $8 million grant program to assist businesses and organizations in the event, tourism, and hospitality industries. The program is part of the governor’s “Rhode Island Rebounds” initiative.

Business owners will have to demonstrate that they lost at least 35 percent of the business’ revenue comparing 2021 to 2019. The program was designed using tax and industry data. Eligible restaurants and event professionals will receive a flat grant of $12,500, minus any Rhode Island Rebounds Small Business Grant funds they may have received.

Hotels, tour guides, travel agents, and arts and culture organizations will receive grants of up to a maximum of $250,000, which will be based on the size of the program.

“Rhode Island’s tourism, hospitality and arts and culture are a big reason why Rhode Island draws so many visitors from near and far,” said Lt. Governor Sabina Matos. “Unfortunately, these same businesses have experienced some of our local economy’s biggest losses due to the pandemic.”

The program is funded by Rhode Island’s $1.13 billion slice of the American Rescue Plan Act funds.

R.I. begins accepting applications for safe injection sites

The state health department began accepting applications for safe injection sites. Governor Dan McKee signed legislation that allowed for a two-year pilot program in early July 2021, which made Rhode Island the first state in the country to authorize “harm reduction centers.”

At these sites, Rhode Islanders struggling with addiction can safely consume pre-obtained controlled substances under the supervision of health care workers.

Some cities, such as Somerville, Mass.; New York, and Philadelphia have moved toward opening these sites.

March 1, 2022

Brown is nation’s top Fulbright-producing university

Brown University’s students and recent graduates earned more Fulbright scholarships than those from any other college or university in the U.S. during the 2021-22 academic year.

Twenty-nine Brown undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni were offered Fulbright awards this year, and 27 accepted them, according to newly released data by the U.S. State Department.

Brown earned the highest spot on the Fulbright list in 2016, 2017, and 2019. The university ranked No. 2 in 2019 and 2020.

Feb. 24, 2022

City of Providence will offer direct assistance with Rent Relief R.I. program to residents

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza joined Rhode Island Housing Thursday to announce a new partnership to support city residents in applying for rental and utility assistance funds through the agency’s federally-funded Rent Relief R.I. program.

Through the Rhode Island Housing grant, the city hired two staff members who specialize in the Rent Relief R.I. application process. They will be stationed at the Mayor’s Center for City Services and will coordinate efforts to promote the program as well as provide direct assistance to Providence constituents that call 3-1-1 or visit City Hall.

“COVID-19 has created financial hardships for many families in Providence, and that can lead to trouble paying rent or maintaining housing,” said Elorza. “We’re committed to reducing barriers to accessing the Rent Relief R.I. program, and my office is looking forward to providing direct support to those who need help submitting their application.”

Feb. 23, 2022

R.I. Commerce, URI looking for proposals to build life sciences innovation campus

Rhode Island Commerce and the University of Rhode Island issued a request for proposal, or RFP, for local and out-of-state developers to create Innovation Campuses to that would be dedicated to the state’s biotechnology and life sciences industries.

The RFP, which was posted Monday, said the state is looking to create a shared laboratory site that can advance biotech innovation and small-scale manufacturing, conduct early demonstrations, conduct translational research, and develop commercialization programming. The RFP is part of BioConnect’s New England’s application to the US EDA’s Build Back Regional Challenge, which was selected as a finalist. Their application focuses on the I-195 Innovation & Design District as one possibility.

House of Hope to distribute gas cards to Rhode Islanders living in their cars

The New England Convenience Store & Energy Markets Association donated 120 gas cards to House of Hope Community Development Corporation, which will distribute the cards to Rhode Islanders living in their cars to provide mobility and heat for the rest of the winter.

“Upon being made aware of this dire reality, it quickly became apparent NECSEMA was in a unique position to help,” said Jonathan Shaer, Executive Director of the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association. “Staying warm in winter is something many of us take for granted and this is one way to help those in need.”

Since March 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people living on the streets has increased by nearly 52 percent.

Alexa Gagosz can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.