Governor Chafee to Host Business Forum in East Providence

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 in April to hear from local small businesses and discuss ways to help them succeed, grow the economy, and create jobs for Rhode Islanders, according to a press release.

It will be held on Tuesday, April 10 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at located at 145 Taunton Ave.

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.

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, reads the press release.

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.

Make sure to RSVP by calling 435-7534 or e-mailing jmoran@cityofeastprov.com.