The City of East Providence is launching a second round of grant funding for those businesses that did not have the opportunity to apply the first time around.

A press release on the new funding stated that the city “learned from our first experience that many businesses although they may qualify, did not have the opportunity to apply,” the release reads. “We also learned from the first round that there were a lot of fraudulent applications and bad actors who were trying to manipulate the system.”

As a means to prevent fraudulent applications from coming through this time around, the city will launch a “simple form” that will ask applicants to answer a few questions to gauge their interest in receiving a grant.

Based on that information, applicants will be contacted by either the city’s Planning Department or Skills for Rhode Island’s Future to set up an in-person meeting and have them fill out the application and provide the necessary documentation needed to see if they qualify for a grant.

On Dec. 23, 2024, East Providence distributed over $713,000 in grants to 92 businesses, making 40 businesses impacted by the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge whole.

The first round of funding left the city with $486,526 for a second round of distribution for the area's small business community. Additionally, Rhode Island Commerce has awarded East Providence $33,000 in funding, bringing the total to $519,526 in financial relief available for small businesses.

East Providence business owners interested in filling out the “interest form” can do so clicking here. There, applicants will find any information they may need in order to apply. 

The City of East Providence’s Planning Department will again be collaborating with Skills for Rhode Island’s Future to assist with the distribution process of leftover grant funding.