Q&A with COmmerce: Growing business, federal contracts

Liz Tanner
​Executive Vice President- Client Services
Rhode Island Commerce Corporatio

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is starting a new series called “Q&A with the RI Commerce Corporation.” We are hoping to hear from you, the businesses in RI, to answer questions that you may have about programs, services or resources that exist for your business. We will also address any concerns you may have regarding the process of “doing business in RI” and inform you of any news you may find useful.

Q. Whom can I call for questions about starting or growing my business?
A. The Business Navigation Center, supported by the Client Services team at RI Commerce, serves as a single point of contact for all business needs in Rhode Island. Whether you are looking to start or grow and/or diversify, the Business Navigation Center plays a vital role by providing professional and coordinated assistance and informing you of the many programs and services available to business in the areas of technical assistance, financial resources and workforce development. The Center’s team is tasked with providing exemplary customer service to a business in need by responding to all inquiries in 24 hours or less. By building relationships and aligning resources, the Business Navigation Center has tapped into a statewide network of resources for every growth stage of a business. For more information, visit www.commerceri.com or call 401-278-9100 to speak to a Client Services advisor today.

Q. I am interested in doing business with the government. Where do I start?
A. Located at the RI Commerce Corporation, the Rhode Island Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (RI PTAC) is a member of a nationwide network of 97 federally funded PTAC centers providing a variety of services to Rhode Island–based businesses of all sizes, to help them navigate the complexities of contracting with federal agencies, state purchasing departments and local government. The RI PTAC is a Partner Program of the RI Commerce Corporation. RI PTAC services are free to all Rhode Island businesses. The RI PTAC will help businesses with government registrations, bid match profiles, market research, capture management and contract requirements. They will guide you through all facets of contracting including acquisition planning, subcontracting, solicitation analysis, proposal development, dispute mitigation, cost/price analysis and postaward administration. The RI PTAC team has significant, hands-on industry and government experience in business development, contracts management and administration. For more information, visit www.riptac.org or call 401-278-9100 and asked to be connected to a representative from PTAC.

Have a question you would like answered? Email Liz Tanner at elizabeth.tanner@commerceri.com.

Ongoing Events & Deadlines:
P-TECH Community Partnership applications for the 2017-2018 school year are being accepted
STAC Internship Grants and SBIR/STTR Phase 0 Grant applications are being accepted
Renewable Energy Fund grant applications for Commercial and Small-Scale projects are now available. Get the application >>

Click here for the complete calendar of events.

---