Rhode Island Commerce

Rhode Island is proud to be home to @FMGlobal, which was just named one of TIME's America's Best Private Companies. This recognition reflects FM's leadership, innovation, and commitment to its employees. It's another example of a world-class RI company making a global impact.

The Commerce team recently celebrated Lloyd Ocean's recognition as a 2026 40 Under Forty honoree during @ProvBusNews's awards celebration at the Aldrich Mansion. Congratulations to all of this year's honorees, and thank you to Lloyd for your hard work and dedication. Commerce is truly appreciative of your contributions to our team and our state.

Deadline Approaching: Wavemaker Applications Rhode Islanders working in the STEM, design, healthcare, or teaching fields are eligible to apply for the Wavemaker program to help defray the cost of student loans. Applicants may receive up to $6,000 per year in refundable tax credits for up to four years. Deadline to apply: Friday, July 31, 2026. Learn more and apply today: wavemaker.commerceri.com

Last week, Secretary @stefanpryor, members of the RI Commerce team, and @mfgri President and CEO Melissa Travis toured the Toray Plastics (America), Inc. headquarters in Quonset. The team saw the advanced film manufacturing facility in action and learned about the company’s current operations, energy sustainability efforts, and future opportunities. They also got to see Toray’s inspection robot, Hachi, reading noise levels, checking temperatures, and monitoring machinery. Thank you to Toray Plastics (America) President, CEO, and COO Chris Roy, and V.P. of Operations and Engineering John Ranieri for leading this engaging tour! @J_Dodier

RI Commerce Corp and the Ocean Tech Hub are proud to be partners of the NSF Seafood Engine in New England. Leveraging $15 million in @NSF funding, Seafood Engine participants will help the region bring critical tools to enhance ocean intelligence, accelerate innovations from research to commercialization, strengthen the regional supply chain, and develop the next generation workforce essential to growing the U.S. seafood industry. We are excited to work with our Rhode Island and New England partners to advance this important initiative. @neracoos @rhodeislandsg @universityofri

Pioneer in genome mapping expands in RI! Earlier today, Commerce Secretary @stefanpryor joined @nabsys Founder and CEO Barrett Bready and @GovDanMcKee in celebrating the announcement of the company’s new 30,000 sq ft headquarters. Located on the 7th floor of 225 Dyer St in the heart of the 195 Innovation District, the expansion will enable Nabsys to advance its leading-edge electronic genome mapping (EGM) technology. EGM enables comprehensive DNA analysis to help researchers better understand and treat complex diseases such as cancer and rare diseases. In April, the RI Commerce Corp board approved a $3 million Qualified Jobs award to support Nabsys’ creation of 243 new jobs over the next ten years. Nabsys has also received $1 million from the RI Life Science Hub to support the design and development of the new space. The company will be going before the @195District for additional funding. Congratulations to Dr. Bready and the Nabsys team on this important milestone!

Check out all Rhode Island has to offer during the Ocean Tech Hub's "Subsea Summer!" Find the latest ocean tech funding, news, and events here: myemail.constantcontact.com/Subsea-Summer-…

Governor Dan McKee, Chair of the Rhode Island Commerce Board, today announced that the Board awarded $8 million in Qualified Jobs Tax Credit and Innovation Voucher program incentives to support business growth, job creation, and innovation, including $6.2 million in tax credits for Raytheon to create 150 new jobs. shorturl.at/kqqlp

Congratulations to URI on this exciting milestone. Rhode Island's Ocean Economy is thriving, and this is another example of how our state is building the foundations, tools, and opportunities for continued growth and leadership.

Rhode Island Commerce congratulates Lloyd Ocean, Senior Advisor, Executive Office of Commerce, on his well-deserved recognition as a 2026 @ProvBusNews 40 Under Forty honoree!

Rhode Island Commerce is now accepting applications for its Innovation Voucher Program. 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, July 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. shorturl.at/iB2er

Don’t miss your chance to visit the Rhode Island Small Business Village! Featuring more than 40 local small businesses in three locations at the Providence Place Mall, the Village shines the spotlight on our state’s artisans, makers, and entrepreneurs. From clothing, jewelry, and handbags to health and beauty to coffee, baked goods, and more – these businesses showcase the creativity, culture, and spirit of Rhode Island. Last week, Secretary @stefanpryor walked through the Village to meet with some of the participating businesses, including M’s Bakery Cafe and Borno Uniforms. Commerce also had the privilege of participating in the Village’s ribbon cutting event with local leaders and organizer, @SkillsforRI. The Rhode Island Small Business Village is open during Mall hours now through August 30th – rismallbusinessvillage.com @PVDMayor @LGSabinaMatos @RITreasury @CentrevilleBank

If your business was impacted by the February blizzard, the SBA team will be on-site to meet with you in person through this Friday at 4:00 pm.

Rhode Island Commerce today announced the start of a new application period for the Wavemaker Fellowship, a competitive student loan reimbursement program for professionals working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), certain design fields, healthcare and education. shorturl.at/Rwb3c

Attention small business owners and nonprofits impacted by the February Blizzard: the SBA has issued an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration for Rhode Island. The SBA has opened an in-person Business Recovery Center (BRC) to help businesses with the EIDL application process and answer questions. The BRC will be open through next Friday, June 26 at 4:00pm. It is located at the East Greenwich Police Department (176 First Avenue, East Greenwich, RI 02818). Hours of Operation are Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. SBA EIDL working capital loans are available to help small businesses meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These low-interest loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. Visit the BRC to learn more, including loan rates, terms, and eligibility, or visit lending.sba.gov/search-disaste…

Last week, members of the Rhode Island Commerce team celebrated its recognition as a Best Place to Work at the @ProvBusNews annual awards event. We are grateful for this achievement and proud of our team and the meaningful work they do to make an impact on the Ocean State!

🚨Deadline for feedback: June 23 🚨 Rhode Island Commerce is seeking input for the next round of Opportunity Zones. This federal program encourages private investment within designated Rhode Island communities. Municipalities, community leaders, investors, developers, trade and building associations, labor representatives, and members of the public are invited to submit input here: commerceri.com/site-selection… 📸: Seth Holme

Was your business affected by the February 2026 Blizzard? Join the @SBAgov. Small Business Administration (SBA) for an informational webinar this Wednesday at 9:00am to learn about eligibility and available recovery assistance. What: The SBA has issued an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration for Rhode Island businesses and nonprofits impacted by the historic blizzard that occurred between February 22–24, 2026. Webinar topics: Eligibility requirements Loan terms and interest rates Application process and deadlines Resources available to support recovery efforts Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM Learn More: lending.sba.gov/search-disaste… Register in advance: lnkd.in/g8fe436s [us06web.zoom.us] @SBA_RhodeIsland

It's GOAL time! The PVD FanZone officially opened yesterday, just ahead of the first game of the World Cup. Secretary @stefanpryor joined @PVDMayor and @GovDanMcKee alongside state and local leaders for celebration. Commerce is excited to support Rhode Island's Summer of Soccer and welcome fans from across the globe to experience all that the Ocean State has to offer as they cheer on their favorite teams.