Woonsocket’s Main Street is getting a festive transformation! 🎄Commerce Secretary @stefanpryor joined local leaders and partners for a preview of Merry on Main Holiday Shoppes, opening Nov. 27 with 50+ RI small businesses and festive storefronts. MerryOnMainStreet.com @SkillsforRI, @TourBlackstone, @NWBRV, @WoonEdCenter #MerryOnMain

Now accepting Innovation Voucher Applications. Our Innovation Voucher helps Rhode Island small businesses maintain competitiveness through strategic investments in research and development. Application deadline: 5 p.m. EST, November 3, 2025. Learn more and apply here: commerceri.com/innovation-vo…

Rhode Island Commerce is connecting businesses with trade expertise to navigate import costs. Explore Foreign-Trade Zones and potential reduction of customs duties Oct. 30, 8:30-11 a.m. at @BryantUniv Register: forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/…

Rhode Island Commerce is now accepting Innovation Voucher program applications. Innovation Vouchers are grants that fund strategic investments in local businesses to catalyze growth through research and development (R&D). Businesses may apply for up to $75,000 in funding. Applications are being accepted through Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Read the Full Article: shorturl.at/6PJPl

Growing opportunities for RI’s food entrepreneurs! @stefanpryor and the Commerce team were proud to support the opening of @HopeandMain's West End Kitchens — a new shared-use culinary facility projected to help 50 new businesses get started in its first year. Congratulations, Lisa Raiola and the entire Hope & Main team!

Huge congrats to @regentcraft on an amazing Demo Day! 🎉 Celebrating the company's Viceroy & Squire seagliders and the ribbon-cutting of its world-first 255k sq ft manufacturing facility—a major milestone for the future of ocean tech & the ocean economy right here in Rhode Island.

Last week, we held the inaugural Futures forum, bringing together innovators, researchers, investors, and leaders to explore this year’s theme: Ocean. From underwater habitation and wave energy to seagliders, national defense and ocean research, the conversation showcased the ideas and innovation shaping what’s next. Special thanks to @FCousteau Proteus Ocean Group @InnaBraverman @EcoWavePower_ @billythalheimer @regentcraft Vincent Pieribone @OceanX @BillBartholomew

Proud to sponsor SENEDIA's 12th annual #DefenseInnovationDays in Newport. Commerce Secretary @stefanpryor and the Commerce team participated in this 3-day event focused on growing RI's defense sector, advancing innovation and strengthening national security. #DID26

Applications are open for RI Commerce's Network Matching Grant program. Grants of $50K+ support organizations helping small and underserved businesses access technical assistance, flexible space and capital. Apply by Sept. 18: CommerceRI.com/innovation-ne…

Celebrating the RI Small Business Shopping Village, which gave 40+ local entrepreneurs a storefront this summer to showcase products, reach new customers and grow. @stefanpryor explains why. Proud to support @SkillsforRI and @risbhub.

Commerce Secretary @stefanpryor, Commerce Corp. President & CEO Jim Bennett and our team joined two days of #BlueTIDE2026. From investor networking to on-water demos, RI is driving the next generation of ocean tech with Polaris @401TechBridge. 🌊 polaristechbridge.org/blueti…

Rhode Island Commerce is proud to sponsor @BryantUniv’s 40th Annual Global Trade Summit Sept. 24. Leaders in automation, economics, life sciences and executive leadership will discuss what’s next for global business. global-trade-summit.bryant.e… #GlobalTradeSummit #RhodeIsland

Big Ocean Economy win for RI: Ocean Business is bringing its first U.S. event to Newport in 2027. 1,500+ leaders and 75 live demos will put RI companies on a global stage and drive investment, contracts and jobs. oceanbusiness.us

Redeveloping an iconic landmark + creating more good-paying jobs. The RI Commerce Corp. Board approved new support for the Superman Building and $1M in Qualified Jobs Tax Credits for defense tech company SEACORP, supporting at least 53 new jobs with a $100K median salary. @GovDanMcKee @stefanpryor shorturl.at/KVKdD

Congratulations to @ProvBusNews 2026 Leaders & Achievers honorees: Secretary of Commerce @stefanpryor and Commerce Corp. Director of Outreach and Engagement, Doris Blanchard! The Commerce team celebrated the achievements of this year’s award recipients last night at the Aldrich Mansion. Thank you for your work and your commitment to Rhode Island!

Manufacturing’s future rolled into Pawtucket as @Siemens brought its eXplore Mobile Lab to Rhode Island for the first time! This high-tech immersive lab showcased Industrial AI, automation, VR, and workforce training. Hosted by the @mfgri Melissa Travis, and Walco Electric; joined by @GovDanMcKee, @DonGrebien, Commerce Secretary @stefanpryor & state and local leaders #RhodeIsland #Manufacturing #Innovation

Earlier this month, RI Commerce Corp met with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) consul general based in New York and her commercial delegation to discuss potential opportunities around key industries such as medical, life sciences, the ocean economy, defense, and AI. Commerce Corp. President and CEO Jim Bennett joined @GovDanMcKee and business leaders from around the Ocean State to showcase all that makes Rhode Island the ideal place to do business - from our strategic position and industrial strengths to our skilled workforce and celebrated quality of life. We are grateful for these ongoing conversations and are excited for the future.

Welcoming a new addition to the Conant Thread district of Pawtucket! Last week, a ribbon-cutting event was held at the Dexter Street Commons mixed-use complex located within a half mile of the Pawtucket/Central Falls train station. Secretary of Commerce @stefanpryor joined @GovDanMcKee, Mayor @DonGrebien, Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard, and developer Peyser Real Estate Group to celebrate the completion of the project and its opportunity for both the City and our state. Commerce supported this transit-oriented project with more than $9.7 million in incentives, including through the First Wave Closing Fund and Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit programs. The development features 150 units with modern amenities including a fitness center, co-working space, and outdoor deck overlooking the City. Twenty percent of the units are designated for middle-income housing. Additionally, the ground floor of the complex will feature commercial spaces including a restaurant, world emporium marketplace, and a “Windows on Dexter” art gallery. Congratulations to the Peyser Group, and welcome to Dexter Street Commons' newest tenants!

LAST CALL: Wavemaker Applications Due Friday, July 31! Rhode Islanders working in the STEM, design, healthcare, or teaching fields are eligible to apply for up to $6,000 per year for up to four years to help defray the cost of student loans. The deadline is TOMORROW. Learn more and apply today: wavemaker.commerceri.com