The Rhode Island Small Business HUB (risbHUB) is a team of specialists who can provide small businesses with consulting and technical services, training, assistance with Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification, mentoring, and access to capital and educational resources. We strive to help small businesses in Rhode Island obtain the resources they need to thrive.   

risbHUB is designed specifically to connect small business owners with professional, qualified business services to help start, grow, and scale their businesses. risbHUB and our network of partners provide access and consultative services to assist your business with legal, bookkeeping, marketing, technology, human resources, and other critical services. By strengthening business operations, small businesses become more competitive for funding opportunities and additional revenue creation models.  

There is no cost. Services are FREE to all qualified Rhode Island small businesses.   

Absolutely. Our staff and resources are available to get you started. We will be able to assist you with registering your business, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), writing a business plan, and other important steps required to launch your business. 

The risbHUB values and respects all small businesses. For risbHUB services, however, the definition of a small business may vary based on our funding requirements or current programs offered. Therefore, we encourage you to call us at 401-BIZ-2222 (401-249-2222) to inquire about services available for your small business.  

Yes, small business Rhode Island nonprofit organizations provide critical employment and economic opportunities for our local communities.   

Yes, risbHUB has team members who are multi-lingual, and our services support various languages. All materials and resources for risbHUB services and programs are available in English and Spanish, and other languages upon request. The risbHUB may use third party translation services for languages other than English and Spanish.   

Yes, we provide accommodation for business owners with disabilities. We encourage you to contact an intake specialist by calling 401-BIZ-2222 (401-249-2222) to discuss your needs.   

Yes, the risbHUB provides capital readiness services and once you are prepared, we can connect you with trusted lenders. Currently, our capital funding partners manage loans that may be used for a variety of business operations.    

The risbHUB also operates different programs including grant funding opportunities. Grants are not always available, and funding may not be guaranteed. To learn more about current grant funding opportunities, please contact a member of our risbHUB team by calling 401-BIZ-2222 (401-249-2222). 

The intake process is essentially the start of our conversation so we can learn more about your small business, ideas, and needs so we can better service you. You can complete an intake form online or simply by giving us a call at 401-BIZ-2222 (401-249-2222).    

Once you complete the intake form, a risbHUB team member will contact you to schedule a time to discuss your needs. During this meeting, we will complete a more detailed questionnaire to make sure we have a full understanding of your business and the services you may need.  Your risbHUB team member will develop a work plan for your business and discuss next steps. 

If you need other services not noted here, we encourage you to contact us. Our risbHUB team will work with you to see if there may be services available to you with one of our program partners or other agencies in Rhode Island supporting small businesses.     

Additional questions?  

Connect with a risbHUB team member!  

Call 401-BIZ-2222 (401.249.2222)   

Email risbHUb@skillsforri.com.  

We look forward to learning about your small business and helping you achieve your dreams!