| Description |
| RI Commerce Corporation seeks proposals from eligible entities, including Rhode Island non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, trade associations, chambers of commerce, institutions of higher education, and/or co-working space operators, to receive funding for an Intermediary-Based Initiative of the Minority Business Accelerator Program(Program).The Program is a collection of initiatives aimed at enhancing the growth of minority business enterprises as defined in the Minority Business Enterprise Act(R.I Gen. Laws 37-14.1-1 et seq.)(MBEs).The funding made available through this RFP is for the Program’s Intermediary-Based Initiative for the Food & Beverage, Child-Care & Construction Industries(Targeted Industries).This initiative will support a range of assistance and programming to MBEs in the Targeted Industries, including(i)technical assistance; (ii)entrepreneurship and business start-up training;(iii)mentorship programming and networking opportunities;(iv)assistance accessing “next stage” manufacturing,R&D facilities and or shared commercial kitchen spaces;(v)assisting small food retail grocers or corner stores in areas with low access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthier food options to bring in more fresh and less processed foods;(vi)assistance and education relating to new market channels and wholesale readiness;(vii)assistance and education relating to access to capital, licensing, and registering a business;(viii)Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion(DEDI) registration preparedness;&(ix)government contracting & translation services.-Addendum 1 |
