Rhode Island District Office 

“Mondays With Mark”
Features Jennie Murphy, Director of the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England, 

Join SBA District Director Mark S. Hayward, as he helps kick off National Veteran’s Small Business Week by welcoming Jennie Murphy, Director of the Veteran’s Business Outreach Center (VBOC) of New England. Jennie will address how her office aids veteran-owned small businesses, and her plans to further the opportunities for them in Rhode Island.

About Our Guest: Jennie Murphy holds a M.S. in Nonprofit Business Management from Capella University, has 20 years of experience as a workforce development professional, and has a passion for helping people make their dreams of owning a business become a reality.  She is the daughter of a career active-duty Army Officer and is thrilled to be supporting past and present military personnel and their spouses in their quest to become entrepreneurs. Jennie brings her leadership skills, integrity, and focus on mission to the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England. Veterans Business Outreach Center If you have any questions, please send them to RhodeIsland_DO@sba.gov.

National Veterans Small Business Week

During National Veterans Small Business Week, November 1-5, 2021, join the SBA and its extensive partner network for a series of virtual events hosted across the country. The events will feature information to help you start, grow, or expand your veteran-owned small business.

Register for all or some of the free webinars during National Veterans Small Business Week:

Thursday, November 4^th | 4:30PM – 5:30PM
The Importance of Knowing What your Business is Worth

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SBA Export Loan Programs

Did you know that the SBA has loan programs designed specifically for exporters?

Meet Joe Raycraft, the SBA’s Export Finance Manager for the New England region. The SBA offers three export loan options to support international trade that are available for both existing exporters and small businesses interested in breaking into global markets. Reach out to Mr. Raycraft to set up a one-on-one virtual meeting to discuss your company’s specific export financing needs. Email joseph.raycraft@sba.gov or reach him by phone at 860-573-9150.

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Providence City Council Members and Mayor Elorza Launch COVID-19 Small Business Relief Program

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Providence City Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7), Council Finance Chair Jo-Ann Ryan (Qard 5), and the Providence City Council recently launched the City of Providence’s online COVID-19 Small Business Grant Application, designed to provide microgrants to businesses throughout the City of Providence and support economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program will offer grants of $2,500 to over 2,700 qualified businesses using nearly $7 million of federal American Rescue Plan relief dollars.

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Session1:
 Business Fundamentals with BankNewport
Tuesday, November 16 | 10:00AM – 12:00PM

In this free, virtual workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of owning a business. Topics will include putting together a business plan, getting business financing, and marketing. The workshop will also provide information on the many business assistance resources that are available to entrepreneurs locally and regionally. 

Register Here

Session II: 

Understanding Business Financials with BankNewport

Thursday, November 18 | 10:00AM – 12:00PM

In this free, virtual workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of owning a business. Topics will include putting together a business plan, getting business financing, and marketing. The workshop will also provide information on the many business assistance resources that are available to entrepreneurs locally and regionally. 

Register Here

Surety Bonding for Contractors
Fianzas para los Contratistas

Are you a contractor looking to take your business to the next level? When the call comes to sub-contract on that big job, will you be ready? Join Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and the Rhode Island Builders Association for a FREE series on surety bonds for contractors!

Over the course of three virtual sessions, you’ll learn best practices for creating the perfect surety bond application, including accounting tips and building an impressive portfolio of work. We’ll also explore free resources to help your business grow and provide expert guidance on RI MBE certification and bidding on state contracts.

Session 1: Wednesday, November 3, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
The Perfect Bond Application – How to Look Good on Paper

Primer Taller: miércoles, 3 de noviembre, 6-8 pm
La Solicitud de Fianza Perfecta –
Cómo Presentarse de Forma Adecuada por Escrito

Session 2: Wednesday, November 10, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Bond Guarantees for Small Business and Small Business Support

Segundo taller: miércoles, 10 de noviembre, 6-8:30 pm
Garantías de Fianzas y Apoyo para los Pequeños Negocios

Session 3: Wednesday, November 17, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Working with the State of RI and Surety Health Check

Tercer taller: miércoles, 17 de noviembre, 6-8 pm
Trabajar con el Estado de RI y la Evaluación de la Fianza

All sessions will be offered in English and Spanish. Register once for live and recorded access to all three sessions! Questions? Contact us at biztraining@sos.ri.gov.

Register Here

The Essentials is a great toolkit for small and medium businesses as well as leaders of small and local government agencies to develop an actionable understanding of where to start implementing organizational cybersecurity practices. READ MORE ON CYBER-ESSENTIALS

Learn the basics for protecting your business from cyber-attacks. The business cybersecurity resources in this section were developed in partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security. READ MORE ON CYBERSECUIRTY FOR SMALL BUSINESS

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