To the editor:

On behalf of the Barrington Economic Development Commission, we continue to encourage Barrington’s local businesses to take advantage of the resources available to help during these challenging economic times. Many local businesses can take these five steps at zero cost:

• Apply for a Restore RI grant if your business suffered a major drop in revenue because of COVID-19 and meets other eligibility requirements. The state has simplified the process to apply, and a lot of money is available. Eligible businesses now include child-care centers and non-profits. The deadline to apply is Dec. 31, or else the unspent money will go back to the federal government.

• Apply for a “Take It Outside” grant from the Town of Barrington for assistance with safely operating outdoor service, seating, and sales. Eligible businesses could receive outdoor equipment such as heat lamps, lighting, and sanitization equipment and materials. The deadline to apply through the town is TBD, but please act fast before the grants are no longer available.    

• Apply for a Business Adaptation grant from Rhode Island commerce if your business has adapted or plans to adapt its business model and/or operations in substantial ways because your products or services have been dramatically constrained and significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply is Nov. 9. 

• Watch the recording of the Barrington Business Resource Virtual Event and contact any of the panelists for assistance, including the Lt. Governor’s office, U.S. Small Business Administration, Rhode Island Small Business Coalition, Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, Rhode Island Commerce, and Rhode Island Hospitality Association. You can access the virtual event at https://www.facebook.com/barringtonri/videos/383470232812526/. 

• Contact Debra Page-Trim, Barrington’s Economic Development Officer, at dpagetrim@barrington.ri.gov for help with any of the above and more. Please be on the lookout for Debra’s regular email communications with additional information about helpful resources.   

As always, we also encourage Barrington residents to continue to support your local businesses.

Rob Humm, Dick Wilbur, Matt Amaral, Frank Capizzo, Dan Horowitz, Carl Kustell

Barrington Economic Development Commission