Business Bits: SK Sees Modest Growth In New Businesses In 2011

At least 80 new businesses from South Kingstown started up in 2011, based on new data from the Secretary of State’s office, which tracks yearly corporate filings. They included contractors, consultants and restaurants.

"The economy has had a traumatic few years so let’s be careful about reading too much into this data," said Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis. "The pain isn’t over, but there are signs that things may be turning around."

Statewide, it appears that Rhode Island's entrepreneurs may be getting more optimistic about the economy’s recovery. For the first time since 2007, the number of new business starts actually increased year-over-year.

But, overall the growth was modest. Last year, 6,846 new businesses filed with the Secretary of State’s office compared to 6,778 in 2010. As a basis for comparison, there were 7,837 in 2007.

“Based on our work with start-ups all year long, we were pretty sure 2011 would be more hopeful," said Mollis. "But, we were surprised to see such an improvement."

Also for the first time since 2007, there have been three straight years of growth in any business classification.  The number of newly formed limited liability companies (LLCs) rose to 4,202, up 4.8 percent compared to 2010 and 5.5 percent since the streak began in 2009.

LLCs are a type of business entity that has the liability-shield advantages of a corporation and the flexibility and tax pass-through advantages of a partnership. For the past several years, they have been growing in popularity compared to the for-profit corporate structure.

There are signs that the economic shake-out is not over, though. In 2011, 6,627 corporate entities disappeared, about 7 percent more than 2010 when 6,183 shut their doors. Still, Rhode Island did better than in 2008, when a record 7,071 companies went out of existence.

“The state’s economic troubles have taken a terrible toll on Rhode Islanders. We can only hope the worst is behind us,” said Mollis.

The secretary of state's office is often the first place Rhode Islanders stop when considering starting a business. The First Stop Business Information Center provides custom packages that make it easier to apply for financing, obtain permits and make contacts at every level government.

“We cut red tape, offer free consulting services and created e-commerce tools to reduce paperwork. We’re focused on making it easier to start a business in Rhode Island,” Mollis explained.

State law designates the Secretary of State’s office as the place for most types of corporate entities to register. In addition, the office oversees recording commercial liens, protecting corporate trademarks and maintains the records of notaries public.

Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, making it easier to do business in Rhode Island  and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit sos.ri.gov.

Reports based on information provided in a press release from the Office of the Secretary of State. Story by Chris Barnett, communications director.