{"id":7276,"date":"2019-06-20T13:01:24","date_gmt":"2019-06-20T17:01:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/?page_id=7276"},"modified":"2025-06-10T18:30:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T22:30:33","slug":"blog","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Rhode Island Small Business Blog: Tips, Tricks &amp; Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fullwidth\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"display-posts-listing\"><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-rhode-island-small-businesses-can-maximize-the-ri-summer-of-soccer-2026\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Image-RISBDC-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Image-RISBDC-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Image-RISBDC-300x300.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-rhode-island-small-businesses-can-maximize-the-ri-summer-of-soccer-2026\/\">How Rhode Island Small Businesses Can Maximize the RI Summer of Soccer 2026<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Rhode Island is preparing for an unprecedented opportunity. In June and July 2026, the global spotlight will be on New England as international soccer matches take place just 30 minutes away in nearby Foxborough, MA. For Rhode Island businesses, this is more than a busy season\u2014it\u2019s a chance to significantly expand revenue, theirreputation, and long-term&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-rhode-island-small-businesses-can-maximize-the-ri-summer-of-soccer-2026\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/marketing-trends-for-2026-whats-changing-how-established-businesses-can-expand-their-customer-base\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/20260312_1849_Image-Generation_remix_01kkh368mre8hahbk27ba9bprm-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/20260312_1849_Image-Generation_remix_01kkh368mre8hahbk27ba9bprm-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/20260312_1849_Image-Generation_remix_01kkh368mre8hahbk27ba9bprm-300x300.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/marketing-trends-for-2026-whats-changing-how-established-businesses-can-expand-their-customer-base\/\">Marketing Trends for 2026: What\u2019s Changing &amp; How Established Businesses Can Expand Their Customer Base<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Marketing has never been a static discipline. But as we move into 2026, the pace of change is no longer driven by flashy new platforms or viral tactics. Instead, growth is increasingly shaped by how well businesses understand their customers, structure their marketing systems, and connect every tactic back to measurable business outcomes. For established&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/marketing-trends-for-2026-whats-changing-how-established-businesses-can-expand-their-customer-base\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-be-an-ace-networker-turn-every-networking-event-into-opportunity\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-be-an-ace-networker-turn-every-networking-event-into-opportunity\/\">How to Be an Ace Networker: Turn Every Networking Event Into Opportunity<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Networking events aren\u2019t just social gatherings. They\u2019re strategic opportunities to build relationships, grow your business, and expand your influence. But too many professionals stroll into a huge room hoping for magic to happen, only to leave with business cards that go straight into the recycling. To get meaningful results from networking events, whether at a&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-be-an-ace-networker-turn-every-networking-event-into-opportunity\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/patents-trademarks-copyright-everything-a-small-business-need-to-know-in-2026\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-500-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-500-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-500-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/patents-trademarks-copyright-everything-a-small-business-need-to-know-in-2026\/\">Patents, Trademarks &amp; Copyright: Everything a Small Business Need to Know in 2026<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">You pour time, sweat, and creativity into your business idea, whether it\u2019s a new product, a unique process, a brand name, or creative content. But protecting those hard-earned assets isn\u2019t always straightforward. At the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC), we talk to entrepreneurs all the time who are confused, overwhelmed, or stuck when&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/patents-trademarks-copyright-everything-a-small-business-need-to-know-in-2026\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/setting-smart-goals-for-2026-a-practical-guide-for-small-business-owners\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/ronnie-overgoor-EdKCckXXRCI-unsplash-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/ronnie-overgoor-EdKCckXXRCI-unsplash-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/ronnie-overgoor-EdKCckXXRCI-unsplash-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/setting-smart-goals-for-2026-a-practical-guide-for-small-business-owners\/\">Setting SMART Goals for 2026: A Practical Guide for Small Business Owners<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">For many small business owners, goal setting often takes a back seat to the daily demands of running a business. At the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC), we regularly hear from clients who feel stuck in the day-to-day. They're juggling inventory, customer service, payroll, marketing, and everything in between. It\u2019s no surprise that&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/setting-smart-goals-for-2026-a-practical-guide-for-small-business-owners\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/rhode-island-entrepreneur-jessica-mularski-finds-growth-with-help-from-risbdc\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Renova-Lighting-Systems-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Renova-Lighting-Systems-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Renova-Lighting-Systems-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/rhode-island-entrepreneur-jessica-mularski-finds-growth-with-help-from-risbdc\/\">Rhode Island Entrepreneur Jessica Mularski Finds Growth with Help from RISBDC<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">The RISBDC helped Renova Lighting Systems secure better financing, bring a new product to market, and position their Rhode Island business for long-term growth. Renova Lighting Systems Finds Bright New Future With Help From the RISBDC When Jessica Mularski, President of Renova Lighting Systems, set out to strengthen her business\u2019s financial foundation, she knew exactly&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/rhode-island-entrepreneur-jessica-mularski-finds-growth-with-help-from-risbdc\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/securing-funding-with-risbdc-help-created-a-permanent-home-for-zabinski-music-studio\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Zabinski-Music-Sudio-RISBDC-Success-Story-1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Zabinski-Music-Sudio-RISBDC-Success-Story-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Zabinski-Music-Sudio-RISBDC-Success-Story-1-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/securing-funding-with-risbdc-help-created-a-permanent-home-for-zabinski-music-studio\/\">Securing Funding with RISBDC Help Created a Permanent Home for Zabinski Music Studio<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Securing financing was key to Zabinski Music Studio\u2019s success. Learn how securing financing with RISBDC turned their vision into reality. Building a Business\u2014and a Home\u2014forMusic: Zabinski Sisters Find FundingSuccess with the RISBDC When sisters Rebekah and Esther Zabinski lost the space that housed their growing music studio, the future of their business was suddenly uncertain.&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/securing-funding-with-risbdc-help-created-a-permanent-home-for-zabinski-music-studio\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-rhode-island-small-food-businesses-can-handle-rising-inventory-costs-expert-qa-with-maggie-longo\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Sept-Blog-500x500-1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Sept-Blog-500x500-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Sept-Blog-500x500-1-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-rhode-island-small-food-businesses-can-handle-rising-inventory-costs-expert-qa-with-maggie-longo\/\">How Rhode Island Small Food Businesses Can Handle Rising Inventory Costs: Expert Q&amp;A with Maggie Longo<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Running a food business has never been easy, and with today\u2019s rising costs, tariffs, and supply chain challenges, it\u2019s even more demanding. To help Rhode Island\u2019s small food business owners navigate these challenges, we picked the brain of Maggie Longo, our Food Systems, Restaurant + Hospitality Business Counselor at the Rhode Island Small Business Development&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-rhode-island-small-food-businesses-can-handle-rising-inventory-costs-expert-qa-with-maggie-longo\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/improving-operational-efficiency-with-six-sigma-a-small-business-owners-guide\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/jakub-zerdzicki-E9abH9GT-io-unsplash-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/jakub-zerdzicki-E9abH9GT-io-unsplash-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/jakub-zerdzicki-E9abH9GT-io-unsplash-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/improving-operational-efficiency-with-six-sigma-a-small-business-owners-guide\/\">Improving Operational Efficiency with Six Sigma: A Small Business Owner&#8217;s Guide<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Running a small business today means dealing with limited resources, changing customer needs, and tough competition. To succeed, you must run your operations efficiently, and Six Sigma can help you do that. Six Sigma may sound complicated, but at its core, it\u2019s a set of practical tools that any small business can use to improve&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/improving-operational-efficiency-with-six-sigma-a-small-business-owners-guide\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-much-should-my-digital-advertising-budget-be-2\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-July-2025-Blog-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-July-2025-Blog-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-July-2025-Blog-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-much-should-my-digital-advertising-budget-be-2\/\">How much should my digital advertising budget be?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">How Much Should I Allocate Towards Social Media and Google Ads? Digital advertising is one of the most effective tools available to small business owners today\u2014but it can also be one of the most misunderstood. Whether you\u2019re launching a campaign on Google Ads or trying Meta Ads (which include Facebook and Instagram) or YouTube ads,&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-much-should-my-digital-advertising-budget-be-2\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-much-should-my-digital-advertising-budget-be\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/pexels-karolina-grabowska-5632397-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/pexels-karolina-grabowska-5632397-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/pexels-karolina-grabowska-5632397-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-much-should-my-digital-advertising-budget-be\/\">How Much Should My Digital Advertising Budget Be?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">How Much Should I Allocate Towards Social Media and Google Ads Digital advertising is one of the most effective tools available to small business owners today\u2014but it can also be one of the most misunderstood. Whether you\u2019re launching a campaign on Google Ads or trying Meta Ads (which include Facebook and Instagram) or YouTube ads,&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-much-should-my-digital-advertising-budget-be\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/which-social-media-platform-is-right-for-my-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/social-media-RISBDCsm-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/social-media-RISBDCsm-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/social-media-RISBDCsm-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/which-social-media-platform-is-right-for-my-business\/\">Which Social Media Platform Is Right for My Business?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">When marketing your small business, social media can be one of the most powerful tools in your toolkit\u2014but only if you choose the right platform for your goals. With so many platforms available, the question for many Rhode Island small business owners is: Which social media platform will lead to the most visibility, awareness, and&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/which-social-media-platform-is-right-for-my-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/11043-2\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/shipping-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/shipping-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/shipping-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/11043-2\/\">How to Source Supplies and Labor in the Midst of Rising Tariffs<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">How to Source Supplies and Labor in the Midst of Rising Tariffs For small businesses in Rhode Island, staying competitive often means adapting quickly to shifting market conditions. Recently, rising tariffs have emerged as one of the most persistent challenges\u2014affecting everything from material costs to supplier availability. When combined with ongoing labor shortages and inflationary&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/11043-2\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/why-good-financial-records-are-critical-for-small-business-success\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Why-Good-Financial-Records-are-Critical-for-Small-Business-Success-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Why-Good-Financial-Records-are-Critical-for-Small-Business-Success-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Why-Good-Financial-Records-are-Critical-for-Small-Business-Success-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Why-Good-Financial-Records-are-Critical-for-Small-Business-Success-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Why-Good-Financial-Records-are-Critical-for-Small-Business-Success.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/why-good-financial-records-are-critical-for-small-business-success\/\">Why Good Financial Records Are Critical for Small Business Success<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As a small business owner, staying on top of your finances is one of the most important things you can do to stay profitable and grow. Without proper financial records, it\u2019s easy to lose track of your money\u2014and even easier to make decisions that could hurt your business in the long run. Here\u2019s why keeping&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/why-good-financial-records-are-critical-for-small-business-success\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/5-key-metrics-for-small-business-owners-to-track\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Small-Biz-KPIs-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Small-Biz-KPIs-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Small-Biz-KPIs-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Small-Biz-KPIs-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Small-Biz-KPIs-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Small-Biz-KPIs.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/5-key-metrics-for-small-business-owners-to-track\/\">5 Key Metrics for Small Business Owners to Track<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Running a small business means keeping an eye on key metrics for small business success. These metrics show how well your business is doing financially and operationally. Tracking them helps business owners make wise decisions, fix problems, and plan for growth. The right key metrics for small business operations provide insights into profitability, efficiency, and&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/5-key-metrics-for-small-business-owners-to-track\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/preparing-for-a-minimum-wage-increase-tips-for-small-business-owners\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Minimum-Wage-Increase-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Minimum-Wage-Increase-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Minimum-Wage-Increase-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Minimum-Wage-Increase-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Minimum-Wage-Increase-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Blog-Post-Minimum-Wage-Increase.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/preparing-for-a-minimum-wage-increase-tips-for-small-business-owners\/\">Preparing for a Minimum Wage Increase: Tips for Small Business Owners<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As Rhode Islanders ushered in the new year, the state marked a significant milestone with the minimum wage increase to $15.00 an hour. This change is undoubtedly a cause for employee celebration, providing much-needed support for families facing rising living costs nationwide. However, it may also bring some anxiety for small business owners as they&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/preparing-for-a-minimum-wage-increase-tips-for-small-business-owners\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/when-to-hire-your-first-employee-a-guide-for-rhode-island-small-business-owners\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/SBDC-Blog-Join-Our-Team-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/SBDC-Blog-Join-Our-Team-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/SBDC-Blog-Join-Our-Team-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/SBDC-Blog-Join-Our-Team-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/SBDC-Blog-Join-Our-Team.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/when-to-hire-your-first-employee-a-guide-for-rhode-island-small-business-owners\/\">When to Hire Your First Employee: A Guide for Rhode Island Small Business Owners<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Hiring your first employee is an exciting milestone for any small business. It signifies growth, success, and the chance to share the workload. But knowing when to take that step\u2013and how to do it wisely\u2013can feel overwhelming. With thoughtful preparation and a strategic approach, you can confidently decide when to hire your first employee and&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/when-to-hire-your-first-employee-a-guide-for-rhode-island-small-business-owners\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/top-tips-for-rhode-island-small-businesses-to-boost-holiday-season-sales\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/risbdc-nov-2024-blog-square-sm-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/risbdc-nov-2024-blog-square-sm-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/risbdc-nov-2024-blog-square-sm-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/risbdc-nov-2024-blog-square-sm-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/risbdc-nov-2024-blog-square-sm.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/top-tips-for-rhode-island-small-businesses-to-boost-holiday-season-sales\/\">Top Tips for Rhode Island Small Businesses to Boost Holiday Season Sales<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">For many Rhode Island small businesses, the holiday season can drastically impact their fiscal year. Customer demand and spending skyrocket, offering extensive new opportunities to strengthen customer relationships and boost sales. However, this increased demand brings a unique set of challenges. Supply chain disruptions, competition from larger retailers, and the need for creative marketing all&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/top-tips-for-rhode-island-small-businesses-to-boost-holiday-season-sales\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/cybersecurity-for-small-businesses-why-it-matters-and-how-to-protect-yourself\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDCBlog-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/cybersecurity-for-small-businesses-why-it-matters-and-how-to-protect-yourself\/\">Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: Why It Matters and How to Protect Yourself<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Cybersecurity is often associated with major corporations, but small businesses are just as vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybercriminals frequently attack small companies because they assume small business owners invest less in cybersecurity, making them an easier target. This blog will explore the most common cyber threats, how to identify vulnerabilities, and our top cybersecurity tips for&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/cybersecurity-for-small-businesses-why-it-matters-and-how-to-protect-yourself\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/preparing-for-holiday-season-sales-a-guide-for-small-retail-businesses-in-rhode-island\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/pexels-max-fischer-500-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/pexels-max-fischer-500-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/pexels-max-fischer-500-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/preparing-for-holiday-season-sales-a-guide-for-small-retail-businesses-in-rhode-island\/\">Preparing for Holiday Season Sales: A Guide for Small Retail Businesses in Rhode Island<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">The holiday season is fast approaching and can be a small retail business\u2019s busiest and most crucial time of the year. Holiday sales can account for up to 30% of a retailer\u2019s annual revenue, so it\u2019s imperative to take advantage of this opportunity and start preparing for the holiday rush early.&nbsp; In this guide, we\u2019ll&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/preparing-for-holiday-season-sales-a-guide-for-small-retail-businesses-in-rhode-island\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/success-with-international-trade-ri-entrepreneurs-tell-their-stories\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/entrepreneur-international-trade-risbdc-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/success-with-international-trade-ri-entrepreneurs-tell-their-stories\/\">Success with International Trade: RI Entrepreneurs Tell Their Stories<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Expanding into international trade can be a game-changer for businesses, offering new opportunities for growth, diversification, and increased revenue. For many small business owners, the idea of taking their products beyond U.S. borders brings a mix of opportunities and challenges.&nbsp; [Related: 5 Fears that Stop RI Manufacturers From Expanding into International Trade] In this blog,&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/success-with-international-trade-ri-entrepreneurs-tell-their-stories\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/5-fears-that-stop-ri-manufacturers-from-expanding-into-international-trade\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/hispanic-young-woman-working-her-startup-business-putting-shipping-label-package-with-beauty-products-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/hispanic-young-woman-working-her-startup-business-putting-shipping-label-package-with-beauty-products-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/hispanic-young-woman-working-her-startup-business-putting-shipping-label-package-with-beauty-products-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/5-fears-that-stop-ri-manufacturers-from-expanding-into-international-trade\/\">5 Fears That Stop RI Manufacturers From Expanding Into International Trade<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">The United States may be a manufacturing powerhouse, but did you know that a whopping 75% of our manufacturers don\u2019t export their products internationally? That means only 25% are tapping into the massive global market outside our borders, which is 95% of the world\u2019s population. This means 75% of U.S. manufacturers limit themselves to a&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/5-fears-that-stop-ri-manufacturers-from-expanding-into-international-trade\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/understanding-fincen-reporting-guidelines-and-recent-updates\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/small-business-owner-finCEN-paperwork-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/small-business-owner-finCEN-paperwork-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/small-business-owner-finCEN-paperwork-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/understanding-fincen-reporting-guidelines-and-recent-updates\/\">Understanding FinCEN Reporting Guidelines and Recent Updates<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">FinCEN, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, plays a critical role in the fight against financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorist financing. Recently, new reporting guidelines have been introduced under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) to enhance transparency in corporate ownership and combat illicit financial activities. We\u2019ve broken down the major changes into the&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/understanding-fincen-reporting-guidelines-and-recent-updates\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-do-i-start-my-ecommerce-store-for-my-small-business-in-ri\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/front-view-online-shopping-concept-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/front-view-online-shopping-concept-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/front-view-online-shopping-concept-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-do-i-start-my-ecommerce-store-for-my-small-business-in-ri\/\">How do I start my eCommerce Store for my small business in RI?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">With a national trend towards shopping online, it\u2019s natural that Rhode Island entrepreneurs (that\u2019s you!) are opening up ecommerce stores left and right. But is this a smart step for you and your business? How do you evaluate if investing in ecommerce is a growth opportunity--or a huge distraction? What should you first consider before&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-do-i-start-my-ecommerce-store-for-my-small-business-in-ri\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/6-common-branding-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-6-branding-mistakes-to-avoid-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-6-branding-mistakes-to-avoid-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-6-branding-mistakes-to-avoid-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-6-branding-mistakes-to-avoid-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-6-branding-mistakes-to-avoid-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/6-common-branding-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them\/\">6 common branding mistakes and how to avoid them<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Small business owners are determined and passionate, which often results in trying to take on every aspect of running their business. One area where entrepreneurs struggle the most is marketing, especially when it comes to branding. Creating and maintaining a consistent brand identity that represents the core of your business is essential in developing brand&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/6-common-branding-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/is-crowdfunding-right-for-your-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-owners-Is-Crowdfunding-Right-for-your-small-business-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-owners-Is-Crowdfunding-Right-for-your-small-business-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-owners-Is-Crowdfunding-Right-for-your-small-business-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-owners-Is-Crowdfunding-Right-for-your-small-business-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-owners-Is-Crowdfunding-Right-for-your-small-business.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/is-crowdfunding-right-for-your-small-business\/\">Is crowdfunding right for your small business?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">With interest rates on the rise and banks implementing strict underwriting criteria, many small business owners are looking for creative ways to infuse cash into their companies. Whether it\u2019s to start a new venture, hire and train staff, purchase equipment or expand to a new location, you need access to capital at a reasonable cost.&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/is-crowdfunding-right-for-your-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/the-benefits-of-chatgpt-for-small-business-growth\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-business-owners-Using-ChatGPT-For-Small-Business-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-business-owners-Using-ChatGPT-For-Small-Business-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-business-owners-Using-ChatGPT-For-Small-Business-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/the-benefits-of-chatgpt-for-small-business-growth\/\">The benefits of ChatGPT for small business growth<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and in today's digital age, having a solid online presence is essential for success. ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can help small businesses become much more efficient, improve customer engagement, and ultimately increase sales.&nbsp; In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of ChatGPT and why&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/the-benefits-of-chatgpt-for-small-business-growth\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/4-recession-planning-tips-for-small-business-owners\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-owners-Recession-Planning-Tips-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-owners-Recession-Planning-Tips-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-owners-Recession-Planning-Tips-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/4-recession-planning-tips-for-small-business-owners\/\">4 recession planning tips for small business owners\u00a0<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As of 2022, more than 32.5 million small businesses exist in the US. Businesses like yours are vital to the economy and our local Rhode Island communities. With recession talk looming and many small business owners still recovering from the impact of COVID-19, you may be worried about the U.S. heading toward a recession. We&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/4-recession-planning-tips-for-small-business-owners\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/3-simple-small-business-tax-preparation-tips\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-2000x2000.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Tax-Season-Preparation-Tips-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/3-simple-small-business-tax-preparation-tips\/\">3 simple small business tax preparation tips<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">For many small businesses, getting ready for the tax filing season can feel like a scramble to find the right documents, fill out the correct forms, and follow the proper steps. There are ways to make the experience less overwhelming and run more smoothly.&nbsp;&nbsp; Small business tax preparation starts with ensuring your books are in&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/3-simple-small-business-tax-preparation-tips\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/can-rhode-island-restaurants-keep-up-with-the-biggest-food-trend\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Maggie-Longo-RISBDC-Restaurant-and-Hospitality-Consultant-RI-Plant-Based-Food-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Maggie-Longo-RISBDC-Restaurant-and-Hospitality-Consultant-RI-Plant-Based-Food-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Maggie-Longo-RISBDC-Restaurant-and-Hospitality-Consultant-RI-Plant-Based-Food-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Maggie-Longo-RISBDC-Restaurant-and-Hospitality-Consultant-RI-Plant-Based-Food-1024x1019.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Maggie-Longo-RISBDC-Restaurant-and-Hospitality-Consultant-RI-Plant-Based-Food-768x764.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Maggie-Longo-RISBDC-Restaurant-and-Hospitality-Consultant-RI-Plant-Based-Food-364x362.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Maggie-Longo-RISBDC-Restaurant-and-Hospitality-Consultant-RI-Plant-Based-Food-500x498.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Maggie-Longo-RISBDC-Restaurant-and-Hospitality-Consultant-RI-Plant-Based-Food-1000x995.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Maggie-Longo-RISBDC-Restaurant-and-Hospitality-Consultant-RI-Plant-Based-Food.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/can-rhode-island-restaurants-keep-up-with-the-biggest-food-trend\/\">Can Rhode Island restaurants keep up with the biggest food trend?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">There is no shortage of tasty restaurants here in Rhode Island. From our famous calamari and clam cakes to coffee milk and doughboys, we have something for everyone. Well, almost. A blossoming food trend around the world and, budding here in the Ocean State, is the craving for plant-based options. Plant-based foods currently drive $7.4&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/can-rhode-island-restaurants-keep-up-with-the-biggest-food-trend\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/finding-the-american-dream-in-rhode-island\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-2000x2000.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/American-flag-RISBDC-Finding-the-American-Dream-in-Rhode-Island-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/finding-the-american-dream-in-rhode-island\/\">Finding the American Dream in Rhode Island<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">The American dream. It\u2019s an inspiring fixture in our culture tethered to the belief that anyone can achieve what they put their heart and mind to. While it may not always be the easiest path, for some, knowing their idea for a small business or vision for a better life is a possibility is enough&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/finding-the-american-dream-in-rhode-island\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/a-qa-with-paul-harden-2022-rhode-island-state-star-winner\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Paul-Harden-2022-Rhode-Island-State-Star-Winner-RISBDC-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Paul-Harden-2022-Rhode-Island-State-Star-Winner-RISBDC-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Paul-Harden-2022-Rhode-Island-State-Star-Winner-RISBDC-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Paul-Harden-2022-Rhode-Island-State-Star-Winner-RISBDC-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Paul-Harden-2022-Rhode-Island-State-Star-Winner-RISBDC.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/a-qa-with-paul-harden-2022-rhode-island-state-star-winner\/\">A Q&amp;A with Paul Harden, 2022 Rhode Island State Star winner<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">&nbsp; Every year, the more than 60 Small Business Development Centers across the nation come together to choose a State Star. These are the individuals working hard to ensure the prosperity of small businesses in their local communities and are, overall, an example of excellence. This year\u2019s 2022 Rhode Island State Star is a long-time&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/a-qa-with-paul-harden-2022-rhode-island-state-star-winner\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/7-ways-we-can-support-your-rhode-island-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Hair-Salon-Small-Business-Owner-RISBDC--150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Hair-Salon-Small-Business-Owner-RISBDC--150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Hair-Salon-Small-Business-Owner-RISBDC--300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Hair-Salon-Small-Business-Owner-RISBDC-.jpg 342w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/7-ways-we-can-support-your-rhode-island-small-business\/\">7 ways we can support your Rhode Island small business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Small businesses are the beat in the heart of the American economy. They put a spotlight on the creative spirit of local entrepreneurs, make space for meaningful jobs, and truly foster the health of communities by reinvesting their ingenuity. Without small businesses, the diversity of business ideas has a limit. \u201cThe key to helping entrepreneurs&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/7-ways-we-can-support-your-rhode-island-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/help-nominate-a-rhode-island-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Award-Winners-Trophies-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Award-Winners-Trophies-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Award-Winners-Trophies-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Small-Business-Award-Winners-Trophies.jpg 339w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/help-nominate-a-rhode-island-small-business\/\">Help Nominate A Rhode Island Small Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As part of the U.S. Small Business Administration\u2019s National Small Business Week, the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center has announced nominations are open for the 2023 Small Business Week Awards. The award program offers Rhode Island small businesses a platform to celebrate their contributions and achievements with a wider audience. \u201cIf you know an&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/help-nominate-a-rhode-island-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/3-fundamentals-of-starting-a-food-export-business-in-rhode-island\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Food-Exporting-Blog-Photo-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Food-Exporting-Blog-Photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Food-Exporting-Blog-Photo-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Food-Exporting-Blog-Photo-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Food-Exporting-Blog-Photo.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/3-fundamentals-of-starting-a-food-export-business-in-rhode-island\/\">3 Fundamentals of Starting a Food Export Business in Rhode Island<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">For centuries, trading commodities amongst different communities has been a way of life and a profitable way to source new demand for supply. Consider this: 95 percent of the world\u2019s population lives outside of the U.S. and middle-income populations are steadily rising in global markets.&nbsp; As our world becomes increasingly advanced with new technologies, the&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/3-fundamentals-of-starting-a-food-export-business-in-rhode-island\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-a-hybrid-workplace-can-support-your-staffing-needs\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-August-2022-Blog-Image-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"a group of individuals use laptops at a table\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-August-2022-Blog-Image-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-August-2022-Blog-Image-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-August-2022-Blog-Image-364x364.png 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-August-2022-Blog-Image.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-a-hybrid-workplace-can-support-your-staffing-needs\/\">How a Hybrid Workplace Can Support Your Staffing Needs<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">These days, finding and keeping employees is tough. The last few years presented a slew of new hiring challenges, one of which was \u201cThe Great Resignation.\u201d A key challenge driving this shift was the employer-demand for more flexibility in work schedules and environment. That\u2019s where a hybrid workplace model can help support your needs. According&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-a-hybrid-workplace-can-support-your-staffing-needs\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/ocean-state-treasures-top-ten-rhode-island-exports\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-July-Blog-Post-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-July-Blog-Post-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-July-Blog-Post-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-July-Blog-Post-364x364.png 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-July-Blog-Post.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/ocean-state-treasures-top-ten-rhode-island-exports\/\">Ocean State Treasures: Top Ten Rhode Island Exports<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Did you know that Rhode Island sends products all over the world? When you think of international trade, the Ocean State may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But according to Business Roundtable, Rhode Island falls into the top half of state exporters in eight industries. This includes being in the top&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/ocean-state-treasures-top-ten-rhode-island-exports\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-build-a-safety-net-as-a-sole-proprietor\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-How-to-build-a-safety-net-as-a-sole-proprietor-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-How-to-build-a-safety-net-as-a-sole-proprietor-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-How-to-build-a-safety-net-as-a-sole-proprietor-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-How-to-build-a-safety-net-as-a-sole-proprietor-364x364.png 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-How-to-build-a-safety-net-as-a-sole-proprietor.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-build-a-safety-net-as-a-sole-proprietor\/\">How to Build a Safety Net as a Sole Proprietor<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As a sole proprietor, your business relies heavily on you and your decisions. But what happens if you can\u2019t be there because of an unforeseen problem? If you struggle to fulfill orders or meet deadlines, the loss of income you incur could be a critical blow to you and to any workers you employ or&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-build-a-safety-net-as-a-sole-proprietor\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/dont-get-hacked-five-cybersecurity-tips-to-protect-your-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-May-2022-blog-post-Dont-Get-Hacked-Five-Cybersecurity-Tips-to-Protect-Your-Business-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-May-2022-blog-post-Dont-Get-Hacked-Five-Cybersecurity-Tips-to-Protect-Your-Business-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-May-2022-blog-post-Dont-Get-Hacked-Five-Cybersecurity-Tips-to-Protect-Your-Business-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-May-2022-blog-post-Dont-Get-Hacked-Five-Cybersecurity-Tips-to-Protect-Your-Business-364x364.png 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-May-2022-blog-post-Dont-Get-Hacked-Five-Cybersecurity-Tips-to-Protect-Your-Business.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/dont-get-hacked-five-cybersecurity-tips-to-protect-your-business\/\">Don\u2019t Get Hacked: Five Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Cybersecurity has become more important than ever as the number of cyber attacks increases each year. Amidst the many other responsibilities of launching and growing a small business, many owners put cybersecurity on the back burner. But if you neglect cybersecurity, you could lose business records and revenue, and potentially could even reach bankruptcy. Why&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/dont-get-hacked-five-cybersecurity-tips-to-protect-your-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/basics-of-financial-literacy-that-every-small-business-owner-needs\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-April-Blog-Image-2022-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-April-Blog-Image-2022-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-April-Blog-Image-2022-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-April-Blog-Image-2022-364x364.png 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-April-Blog-Image-2022.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/basics-of-financial-literacy-that-every-small-business-owner-needs\/\">Basics of Financial Literacy that Every Small Business Owner Needs<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As a small business owner, you\u2019ll wear many hats. And while you can\u2019t wear them all, there are some topics in which it\u2019s crucial you have a basic foundation. While you\u2019ll surely bring in support for deeper aspects of your financial dealings, every small business owner needs to have basic financial literacy to successfully plan,&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/basics-of-financial-literacy-that-every-small-business-owner-needs\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/overcoming-technical-barriers-to-starting-a-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Overcoming-Technical-Barriers-to-Starting-a-Small-Business-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Overcoming-Technical-Barriers-to-Starting-a-Small-Business-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Overcoming-Technical-Barriers-to-Starting-a-Small-Business-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Overcoming-Technical-Barriers-to-Starting-a-Small-Business-364x364.png 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Overcoming-Technical-Barriers-to-Starting-a-Small-Business.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/overcoming-technical-barriers-to-starting-a-small-business\/\">Overcoming technical barriers to starting a small business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">With a long list of tasks queued up to start a business, we know your \u201cto-do\u201d list can feel daunting. Where do you start? How can you be sure that you check off all the necessary steps to set your business up for success? Many small business owners want to jump right in, but you\u2019ll&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/overcoming-technical-barriers-to-starting-a-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/overcoming-mental-barriers-to-starting-a-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Overcoming-Mental-Barriers-to-Starting-a-Small-Business-February-2022-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Overcoming-Mental-Barriers-to-Starting-a-Small-Business-February-2022-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Overcoming-Mental-Barriers-to-Starting-a-Small-Business-February-2022-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Overcoming-Mental-Barriers-to-Starting-a-Small-Business-February-2022-364x364.png 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Overcoming-Mental-Barriers-to-Starting-a-Small-Business-February-2022.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/overcoming-mental-barriers-to-starting-a-small-business\/\">Overcoming Mental Barriers to Starting a Small Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">When it comes to starting a business, the psychological barriers you face are often far more daunting than the physical and logistical ones. While it\u2019s critical to assess your true readiness for taking an entrepreneurial leap, overcoming mental barriers to starting a small business may be your first\u2014and most challenging\u2014task. If any of these three&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/overcoming-mental-barriers-to-starting-a-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/four-reasons-why-your-business-needs-video-marketing\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-January-Blog-100-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-January-Blog-100-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-January-Blog-100-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-January-Blog-100-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-January-Blog-100.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/four-reasons-why-your-business-needs-video-marketing\/\">Four Reasons Why Your Business Needs Video Marketing<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">A quick peek on social media reveals that more and more businesses are using videos in their marketing strategy. The personal, memorable connections that videos make are able to drive sales\u2014giving this small tactic a big impact. But just how powerful is video? One RISBDC client increased their number of followers by 20% after posting&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/four-reasons-why-your-business-needs-video-marketing\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-make-workplace-training-more-effective-in-the-new-year\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/December-2021-RISBDC-blog-image-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/December-2021-RISBDC-blog-image-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/December-2021-RISBDC-blog-image-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/December-2021-RISBDC-blog-image-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/December-2021-RISBDC-blog-image.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-make-workplace-training-more-effective-in-the-new-year\/\">How to Make Workplace Training More Effective in the New Year<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">The face of training is changing. With an increase in virtual meeting options, it\u2019s a challenge to achieve full attendance and participation\u2014which makes training more difficult than it should be. How can you make sure that you are establishing an effective training system that your business and employees will benefit from? For insight into this&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-make-workplace-training-more-effective-in-the-new-year\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/when-should-you-hire-outside-hr-help\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/November-RISBDC-Blog-Post-Image-JPG-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/November-RISBDC-Blog-Post-Image-JPG-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/November-RISBDC-Blog-Post-Image-JPG-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/November-RISBDC-Blog-Post-Image-JPG-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/November-RISBDC-Blog-Post-Image-JPG.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/when-should-you-hire-outside-hr-help\/\">When should you hire outside HR help?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Do you feel you\u2019re juggling too many things at once? When you\u2019re managing every aspect of running a business, it\u2019s challenging to ensure that your human resources-related work is given the attention it needs. When is the point you should seek outside help? For insight into this topic, we conducted a Q&amp;A with Allison Ebner,&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/when-should-you-hire-outside-hr-help\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/hiring-a-bookkeeper-a-smart-move-for-your-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Hiring-a-Bookkeeper-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Entrepreneurship-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Hiring-a-Bookkeeper-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Entrepreneurship-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Hiring-a-Bookkeeper-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Entrepreneurship-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Hiring-a-Bookkeeper-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Entrepreneurship-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Hiring-a-Bookkeeper-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Entrepreneurship.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/hiring-a-bookkeeper-a-smart-move-for-your-small-business\/\">Hiring a Bookkeeper: A Smart Move for Your Small Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As a small business owner, your secret talent is juggling. You keep multiple projects going, oversee team members, and seek out new clients and ways to grow your business all while completing your own work and keeping an eye on the business\u2019s bottom line. While hiring a bookkeeper is something you\u2019d like to do, it&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/hiring-a-bookkeeper-a-smart-move-for-your-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/zoom-fatigue-are-you-electronically-exhausted\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Zoom-Fatigue-RISBDC-entrepreneurship-rhode-island-small-business-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Zoom-Fatigue-RISBDC-entrepreneurship-rhode-island-small-business-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Zoom-Fatigue-RISBDC-entrepreneurship-rhode-island-small-business-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Zoom-Fatigue-RISBDC-entrepreneurship-rhode-island-small-business-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Zoom-Fatigue-RISBDC-entrepreneurship-rhode-island-small-business.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/zoom-fatigue-are-you-electronically-exhausted\/\">Zoom Fatigue: Are You Electronically Exhausted?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Feeling forlorn as you navigate your way through yet another virtual meeting? You\u2019re not alone. While Zoom was an undeniable lifesaver in the early days of the pandemic, overuse of the digital platform has come with an unforeseen side effect: Zoom fatigue. An all-too-common 2021 condition, Zoom fatigue is an unintended consequence of our \u201cnew&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/zoom-fatigue-are-you-electronically-exhausted\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/8-benefits-of-getting-started-with-facebook-ads\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/8-Benefits-of-Getting-Started-with-Facebook-Ads-RISBDC-entrepreneurship-rhode-island-small-business-square-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/8-Benefits-of-Getting-Started-with-Facebook-Ads-RISBDC-entrepreneurship-rhode-island-small-business-square-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/8-Benefits-of-Getting-Started-with-Facebook-Ads-RISBDC-entrepreneurship-rhode-island-small-business-square-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/8-Benefits-of-Getting-Started-with-Facebook-Ads-RISBDC-entrepreneurship-rhode-island-small-business-square-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/8-Benefits-of-Getting-Started-with-Facebook-Ads-RISBDC-entrepreneurship-rhode-island-small-business-square.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/8-benefits-of-getting-started-with-facebook-ads\/\">8 Benefits of Getting Started With Facebook Ads<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As a small business owner, you know that you need to market your brand. At the RISBDC we understand that it can be challenging to figure out where to start, and choose where to put your marketing energy (and dollars!) for the highest ROI. This post will give you a sense of what social media&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/8-benefits-of-getting-started-with-facebook-ads\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/conquering-financial-literacy-with-financial-qbits\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Financial-Literacy-Financial-Qbits-Entrepreneurship-small-business-rhode-island-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Financial-Literacy-Financial-Qbits-Entrepreneurship-small-business-rhode-island-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Financial-Literacy-Financial-Qbits-Entrepreneurship-small-business-rhode-island-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/conquering-financial-literacy-with-financial-qbits\/\">Conquering Financial Literacy with Financial Qbits<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Are you afraid of what you don\u2019t know when it comes to your company\u2019s finances?&nbsp; If so, you\u2019re not alone: a whopping 67 percent of adults worldwide are considered \u201cfinancially illiterate.\u201d Achieving financial literacy is a new frontier\u2014and a great goal\u2014 for many small business owners and entrepreneurs.&nbsp; What does it mean to be financially&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/conquering-financial-literacy-with-financial-qbits\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-find-employees-in-a-tough-hiring-environment\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-entrepreneurship-small-business-hiring-after-the-pandemic-rhode-island-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-entrepreneurship-small-business-hiring-after-the-pandemic-rhode-island-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-entrepreneurship-small-business-hiring-after-the-pandemic-rhode-island-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-find-employees-in-a-tough-hiring-environment\/\">How to Find Employees in a Tough Hiring Environment<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Finding the right employees for your company is a challenge in the best of times. Now it\u2019s more difficult than ever. Employers\u2014from the restaurant industry to the hospitality sector and everywhere in between\u2014are scrambling to staff their long-vacant establishments that have been impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns. For insight into this topic, we conducted a Q&amp;A&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-find-employees-in-a-tough-hiring-environment\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/succession-planning-for-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Rhode-Island-entrepreneur-succession-planning-for-small-business-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Rhode-Island-entrepreneur-succession-planning-for-small-business-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Rhode-Island-entrepreneur-succession-planning-for-small-business-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/succession-planning-for-small-business\/\">Succession Planning for Small Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Planning for the future is key in all aspects of running a business. Planning your exit is no exception. The Small Business Administration estimates that approximately 70 percent of private companies will change hands in the next decade or so\u2014chances are your business is one of them. How do you invest in your company\u2019s potential&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/succession-planning-for-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/growing-your-business-8-steps-to-working-on-your-business-instead-of-in-it\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-growing-your-business-8-steps-rhode-island-entrepreneurship-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-growing-your-business-8-steps-rhode-island-entrepreneurship-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-growing-your-business-8-steps-rhode-island-entrepreneurship-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/growing-your-business-8-steps-to-working-on-your-business-instead-of-in-it\/\">Growing Your Business: 8 Steps to Working On Your Business Instead of In It\u00a0<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Almost every small business owner knows how easy it is to spend time putting out fires and tackling the \u201curgent\u201d tasks that come up. But your business can\u2019t grow until you move past the urgent and focus on what is truly important.&nbsp; You may have heard the phrase \u201cworking on your business instead of in&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/growing-your-business-8-steps-to-working-on-your-business-instead-of-in-it\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/starting-a-business-critical-questions-to-ask\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Starting-a-business-advice-rhode-island-entrepreneurship-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Starting-a-business-advice-rhode-island-entrepreneurship-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Starting-a-business-advice-rhode-island-entrepreneurship-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/starting-a-business-critical-questions-to-ask\/\">Starting a Business: Critical Questions to Ask<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">There are many paths to entrepreneurship. Perhaps you\u2019ve always known that you wanted to start a business. Or maybe there was an \u201caha\u201d moment along the way, an event that triggered a desire to leave the W-2 life behind.&nbsp; Whether you find yourself starting at square one, looking for a business idea, or have a&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/starting-a-business-critical-questions-to-ask\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-grow-your-email-marketing-list\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/How-to-Grow-Your-Email-Marketing-List-RISBDC-RI-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/How-to-Grow-Your-Email-Marketing-List-RISBDC-RI-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/How-to-Grow-Your-Email-Marketing-List-RISBDC-RI-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/How-to-Grow-Your-Email-Marketing-List-RISBDC-RI-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/How-to-Grow-Your-Email-Marketing-List-RISBDC-RI-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-grow-your-email-marketing-list\/\">How to Grow Your Email Marketing List<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As new methods and channels for advertising rise and fall, email marketing stays the course. With an ROI of $42 for every dollar spent, this lean and powerful tactic for digital advertising is likely worth your time and energy when best practices are followed. But to land those numbers, you need an audience. Investing effort&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-grow-your-email-marketing-list\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/network-it-the-importance-of-networking-to-grow-your-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/JanBlogImageSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/JanBlogImageSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/JanBlogImageSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/JanBlogImageSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/JanBlogImageSquare.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/network-it-the-importance-of-networking-to-grow-your-small-business\/\">(Net)Work it: The importance of networking to grow your small business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Networking has always played a critical role in creating and supporting the relationships at the heart of every small business. In a global pandemic, when the natural flow of connecting with colleagues and industry peers is missing, intentional networking remains equally\u2014if not more\u2014important to nurture your business and keep it growing. Below, we\u2019ll touch upon&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/network-it-the-importance-of-networking-to-grow-your-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/minimizing-2020-small-business-taxes\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/money-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/money-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/money-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/minimizing-2020-small-business-taxes\/\">Minimizing 2020 Small Business Taxes<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As 2021 rolls in, small businesses will look to the annual ritual of beginning to prepare for filing taxes. In this post, we focus on relevant tax changes and ways that small business owners can reduce their 2020 tax burden. We reached out to Joe Orlando, CPA, CGMA, and Business Development Director at Markum LLP,&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/minimizing-2020-small-business-taxes\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/evolving-brick-and-mortar-five-steps-to-start-an-online-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Evolving-Brick-Mortar-Five-Steps-Start-Online-Business-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Evolving-Brick-Mortar-Five-Steps-Start-Online-Business-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Evolving-Brick-Mortar-Five-Steps-Start-Online-Business-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Evolving-Brick-Mortar-Five-Steps-Start-Online-Business-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Evolving-Brick-Mortar-Five-Steps-Start-Online-Business-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/evolving-brick-and-mortar-five-steps-to-start-an-online-business\/\">Evolving Brick and Mortar: Five Steps to Start an Online Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Evolving Brick and Mortar: Five Steps to Start an Online Business Amidst continuing waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditionally brick and mortar stores have been called on to establish a robust and functional online presence. As brick and mortar traffic remains low for the foreseeable future, moving to an ecommerce model\u2014where possible\u2014is critical for many&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/evolving-brick-and-mortar-five-steps-to-start-an-online-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/tips-to-prepare-your-small-business-for-a-pandemic-winter\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Tips-to-prepare-your-small-business-for-a-pandemic-winterSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Tips-to-prepare-your-small-business-for-a-pandemic-winterSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Tips-to-prepare-your-small-business-for-a-pandemic-winterSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Tips-to-prepare-your-small-business-for-a-pandemic-winterSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Tips-to-prepare-your-small-business-for-a-pandemic-winterSquare.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/tips-to-prepare-your-small-business-for-a-pandemic-winter\/\">Tips to Prepare Your Small Business for a Pandemic Winter<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Rhode Island small businesses have worked so hard to endure the challenges thrust upon them in the COVID-19 pandemic. Quick changes and our can-do attitude\u2014and for some, a dose of luck\u2014were needed to bring us through the last six months. But now, temperatures are dropping, daylight waning, and the virus is still a threat to&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/tips-to-prepare-your-small-business-for-a-pandemic-winter\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/introducing-our-restaurant-consultants\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/nemo-217-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/nemo-217-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/nemo-217-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/introducing-our-restaurant-consultants\/\">Introducing Our Restaurant Consultants<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Please join us in extending a warm welcome to the RISBDC\u2019s new restaurant consultants! Restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and others in the food industry continue to face unique challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. To support these businesses, the RISBDC is adding two new specialized business consultants to our team. Each with decades of experience&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/introducing-our-restaurant-consultants\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/four-reasons-to-establish-a-relationship-with-a-small-business-attorney-before-you-need-one\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Four-Reasons-Square-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Four-Reasons-Square-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Four-Reasons-Square-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Four-Reasons-Square-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Four-Reasons-Square.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/four-reasons-to-establish-a-relationship-with-a-small-business-attorney-before-you-need-one\/\">Four Reasons to Establish a Relationship with a Small Business Attorney Before You Need One<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">From time to time, every small business is likely to have questions that an attorney familiar with business law will need to answer. From setting up your business, to responding to legal concerns, to defending yourself from a lawsuit, attorneys answer queries and provide specialized support that you cannot reliably get elsewhere. At the RISBDC,&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/four-reasons-to-establish-a-relationship-with-a-small-business-attorney-before-you-need-one\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/five-questions-with-the-risbdcs-new-part-time-small-business-consultants\/\">Five Questions with the RISBDC\u2019s New Part-Time Small Business Consultants<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">The RISBDC welcomes three new part-time business advisors to our team of dedicated consultants who support entrepreneurs and small business owners in every stage of development, from start-up to maturity. We\u2019re proud to introduce them here and share a little about their backgrounds and passions. Amanda Basse Marketing Counselor What in your background led you&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/five-questions-with-the-risbdcs-new-part-time-small-business-consultants\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/small-business-financial-planning-for-a-crisis\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Small-Business-Financial-Planning-For-Crisis-RISBDC-Square-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Small-Business-Financial-Planning-For-Crisis-RISBDC-Square-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Small-Business-Financial-Planning-For-Crisis-RISBDC-Square-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Small-Business-Financial-Planning-For-Crisis-RISBDC-Square-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Small-Business-Financial-Planning-For-Crisis-RISBDC-Square.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/small-business-financial-planning-for-a-crisis\/\">Small Business Financial Planning for a Crisis<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Owning a small business is like sailing. Sometimes the waters are smooth, sometimes they\u2019re rough\u2014to say the least. The better constructed and equipped your boat is, the better you\u2019ll weather the storms. The recent COVID-19 crisis and wave of stay-at-home orders moved through like a hurricane that sank some businesses and threatened others\u2014even seaworthy ones&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/small-business-financial-planning-for-a-crisis\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/pandemic-times-how-to-reopen-your-tourism-hospitality-or-retail-business-in-rhode-island\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Pandemic-Times-How-to-Reopen-Your-Tourism-Hospitality-Retail-Business-in-RI-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Square-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Pandemic-Times-How-to-Reopen-Your-Tourism-Hospitality-Retail-Business-in-RI-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Square-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Pandemic-Times-How-to-Reopen-Your-Tourism-Hospitality-Retail-Business-in-RI-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Square-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Pandemic-Times-How-to-Reopen-Your-Tourism-Hospitality-Retail-Business-in-RI-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Square-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Pandemic-Times-How-to-Reopen-Your-Tourism-Hospitality-Retail-Business-in-RI-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Square.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/pandemic-times-how-to-reopen-your-tourism-hospitality-or-retail-business-in-rhode-island\/\">Pandemic Times: How to Reopen Your Tourism, Hospitality, or Retail Business in Rhode Island<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Throughout the state\u2019s response to COVID-19, the RISBDC has been working closely with Rhode Island entrepreneurs to understand and implement the many changes and requirements placed on small businesses. As the Ocean State moves through phases of reopening, we\u2019re here to smooth your path through recovery. Here we outline the state requirements for reopening your&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/pandemic-times-how-to-reopen-your-tourism-hospitality-or-retail-business-in-rhode-island\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/remote-work-tools-for-small-businesses\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Remote-Work-Tools-Small-Businesses-Rhode-Island-RI-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Remote-Work-Tools-Small-Businesses-Rhode-Island-RI-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Remote-Work-Tools-Small-Businesses-Rhode-Island-RI-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Remote-Work-Tools-Small-Businesses-Rhode-Island-RI-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Remote-Work-Tools-Small-Businesses-Rhode-Island-RI-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/remote-work-tools-for-small-businesses\/\">Remote Work Tools for Small Businesses<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">For many small business owners, the abrupt switch to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a hard transition because we haven\u2019t before needed the tools to enable remote work. As we quickly discovered, there were no shortage of tools for operating a business remotely--but which ones to use? In this blog post&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/remote-work-tools-for-small-businesses\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/10-ways-to-finance-a-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Coin-photo-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Coin-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Coin-photo-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Coin-photo-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Coin-photo.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/10-ways-to-finance-a-small-business\/\">10 Ways to Finance a Small Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">You may have a fantastic idea for a small business, but without funding, it\u2019s stuck in the hangar. Bootstrapping\u2014financing your business using cash flow\u2014can get those wheels moving but at some point you\u2019re likely to need an infusion of cash to launch, keep the doors open, or grow. Luckily, there are many options to acquire&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/10-ways-to-finance-a-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/financing-your-business-frequently-asked-questions-about-alternative-lenders\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDCFinance-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDCFinance-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDCFinance-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDCFinance-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDCFinance.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/financing-your-business-frequently-asked-questions-about-alternative-lenders\/\">Financing Your Business: Frequently Asked Questions About Alternative Lenders<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">While \u201ctraditional\u201d lenders are often the first choice for businesses as they lock in financing, there are many reasons why traditional lenders are off the table as an option for some. Past credit history, limited personal or business cash flow, or weakness in any of the 5 C\u2019s of credit are some of the reasons&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/financing-your-business-frequently-asked-questions-about-alternative-lenders\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seasonal-business-turning-slow-months-into-opportunity\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Seasonal-Business-Turning-Slow-Months-Into-Opportunity-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Seasonal-Business-Turning-Slow-Months-Into-Opportunity-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Seasonal-Business-Turning-Slow-Months-Into-Opportunity-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Seasonal-Business-Turning-Slow-Months-Into-Opportunity-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Seasonal-Business-Turning-Slow-Months-Into-Opportunity-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-CenterSquare.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seasonal-business-turning-slow-months-into-opportunity\/\">Seasonal Business: Turning Slow Months Into Opportunity<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Making the Most of Your Business\u2019s Slow Months While some businesses operate with steady sales year-round, many businesses don\u2019t have the luxury of full-time \u201chigh seasons.\u201d Restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses frequently see business drop off considerably in the winter, while manufacturers of gift items may plunge when the holiday season ends. Financial businesses&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seasonal-business-turning-slow-months-into-opportunity\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/twitter-for-small-business-making-the-case-and-getting-started\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/sara-kurfess-cJDwJ4X2IrQ-unsplash-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/sara-kurfess-cJDwJ4X2IrQ-unsplash-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/sara-kurfess-cJDwJ4X2IrQ-unsplash-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/twitter-for-small-business-making-the-case-and-getting-started\/\">Twitter for small business: Making the case and getting started<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Since Twitter\u2019s launch in 2006, what was once a small service designed to facilitate communication between small groups has become one of the most visited websites in the world. That makes Twitter the place to be for many small business owners who want to take advantage of a strong marketing opportunity to reach more customers,&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/twitter-for-small-business-making-the-case-and-getting-started\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/from-startup-to-second-stage-is-your-business-ready-to-expand\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-startup-to-second-stage-growthSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-startup-to-second-stage-growthSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-startup-to-second-stage-growthSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-startup-to-second-stage-growthSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-startup-to-second-stage-growthSquare.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/from-startup-to-second-stage-is-your-business-ready-to-expand\/\">From Startup to Second Stage: Is Your Business Ready to Expand?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">At the RISBDC, we frequently get questions from businesses contemplating growth. A very common question is: Is my business ready to grow? RISBDC small business consultants Peter Conopask and Sandra McNamara weigh in. While there are many different types of small businesses, each with different goals, there are a common set of qualities that each&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/from-startup-to-second-stage-is-your-business-ready-to-expand\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/employee-or-contractor-what-small-businesses-need-to-know\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-employee-vs-contractorSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-employee-vs-contractorSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-employee-vs-contractorSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-employee-vs-contractorSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-employee-vs-contractorSquare.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/employee-or-contractor-what-small-businesses-need-to-know\/\">Employee or Contractor? What Small Businesses Need to Know<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">If you are a small business owner who pays other people to work for your business, it\u2019s critical to have them correctly designated as an employee or a contractor. Here is help determining which category applies. While paying someone as a contractor can be far simpler for the business owner, the government has an interest&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/employee-or-contractor-what-small-businesses-need-to-know\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/10-things-to-do-before-creating-your-business-website\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/AnalyticsSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/AnalyticsSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/AnalyticsSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/AnalyticsSquare-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/AnalyticsSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/AnalyticsSquare-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/AnalyticsSquare.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/10-things-to-do-before-creating-your-business-website\/\">10 Things to Do Before Creating Your Business Website<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">In this digital age, creating a web presence for your small business is a given. Before you start, here are 10 critical steps to build a website that will hit the ground running and immediately begin converting visitors into clients and customers. 1. Set appropriate expectations If you\u2019re planning to knock out a quality website&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/10-things-to-do-before-creating-your-business-website\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-sbdcs-meet-the-needs-of-millennial-entrepreneurs\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Education-Model-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Education-Model-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Education-Model-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-sbdcs-meet-the-needs-of-millennial-entrepreneurs\/\">How SBDCs Meet the Needs of Millennial Entrepreneurs<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">If you\u2019re a Millennial who\u2019s ever thought about starting your own business, you\u2019re in good company. America\u2019s SBDC recently teamed up with the Center for Generational Kinesthetics to learn more about how different generations approach and perceive entrepreneurship. Recent data from their collaboration, the America\u2019s Voice on Small Business study, reports that a whopping 62%&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-sbdcs-meet-the-needs-of-millennial-entrepreneurs\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/is-your-personal-credit-stopping-your-business-dreams-9-steps-towards-launch\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/shutterstock_57675169-300x200-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/is-your-personal-credit-stopping-your-business-dreams-9-steps-towards-launch\/\">Is Your Personal Credit Stopping Your Business Dreams? 9 Steps Towards Launch<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Have you been dreaming of starting a small business? Before you start a business plan, it\u2019s time to check closer to home: how are your personal finances? Wait! Isn\u2019t that a totally separate issue? I\u2019ve got a brilliant idea that\u2019s going to change the world! Well hold your horses, because if your personal credit is&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/is-your-personal-credit-stopping-your-business-dreams-9-steps-towards-launch\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/social-media-marketing-which-platform-is-right-for-your-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/URI-Social-Media-Working--e1533062905758-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/URI-Social-Media-Working--e1533062905758-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/URI-Social-Media-Working--e1533062905758-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/social-media-marketing-which-platform-is-right-for-your-small-business\/\">Social Media Marketing: Which Platform Is Right for Your Small Business?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Largely absent from our lives just 10 years ago, social media is now ubiquitous. And for small businesses, social media marketing offers opportunities unheard of merely a decade ago. Where previous marketing efforts involved one-way communication of your brand\u2019s message to a broad audience, social media marketing leverages the power of sharing and \u201cvirality\u201d to&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/social-media-marketing-which-platform-is-right-for-your-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/go-global-how-to-expand-into-international-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare-1280x1279.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare-2000x1999.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/GlobalShareSquare.jpg 2382w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/go-global-how-to-expand-into-international-business\/\">Go Global: How to Expand into International Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Are you ready to go global? If you\u2019re the owner of an established small business that is generally successful and profitable, you may have heard that expanding into international business markets is an easy way to grow. Well, we wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s easy, but if you\u2019re willing to invest your time and resources into learning&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/go-global-how-to-expand-into-international-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seven-tips-for-developing-a-small-business-intern-program\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-2000x2000.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/InternSquare-2560x2560.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seven-tips-for-developing-a-small-business-intern-program\/\">Seven Tips for Developing a Small Business Intern Program<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Spring is just around the bend. If thoughts of summer interns are dancing in your head, you\u2019re not alone. A good intern program can increase your company\u2019s visibility in the field, position you for positive PR, build mentoring skills in your employees, and promote work in your field, among many other things. Now is the&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seven-tips-for-developing-a-small-business-intern-program\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/finding-the-right-small-business-employees-eight-tips-for-the-hiring-process\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-2000x2001.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/HiringSquare-2560x2561.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/finding-the-right-small-business-employees-eight-tips-for-the-hiring-process\/\">Finding the Right Small Business Employees: Eight Tips for the Hiring Process<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Hiring employees for your small business can be an exciting, but overwhelming, endeavor. It signifies your business is growing, but it\u2019s no time to rest. Connecting with the right employees, and putting your best foot forward as an employer, take times and care. Get off on the right foot with these eight tips for the&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/finding-the-right-small-business-employees-eight-tips-for-the-hiring-process\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/crowdfunding-11-elements-of-a-successful-crowdfunding-campaign\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/CrowdFundingSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/CrowdFundingSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/CrowdFundingSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/CrowdFundingSquare-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/CrowdFundingSquare-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/CrowdFundingSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/CrowdFundingSquare-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/CrowdFundingSquare-1000x999.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/CrowdFundingSquare-1280x1279.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/CrowdFundingSquare.jpg 1851w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/crowdfunding-11-elements-of-a-successful-crowdfunding-campaign\/\">Crowdfunding: 11 Elements of a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">With crowdfunding on the rise, what used to be a novel way to raise money is now a normal, often necessary, part of starting a business. In 2015, crowdfunding supplied more than $34 million to businesses, according to a Massolution Crowdfunding Industry 2015 report. The reality is that, when comparing the amount of capital raised,&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/crowdfunding-11-elements-of-a-successful-crowdfunding-campaign\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/1-reasons-to-start-a-food-business-in-ri\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/foodie-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/foodie-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/foodie-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/foodie-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/foodie-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/foodie-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/foodie.jpg 793w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/1-reasons-to-start-a-food-business-in-ri\/\">11 Reasons to Start a Food Business in RI<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Starting a food business (or any small business) is a challenging endeavor, and never without risk. But there\u2019s never been a better time to start a food business in Rhode Island. With great food, great culture, and industry-specific support and resources, the Ocean State is committed to -- and primed for -- innovation and expansion&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/1-reasons-to-start-a-food-business-in-ri\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seven-common-business-plan-mistakes\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MistakesSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MistakesSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MistakesSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MistakesSquare-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MistakesSquare-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MistakesSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MistakesSquare-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MistakesSquare-1000x999.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MistakesSquare-1280x1279.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MistakesSquare.jpg 1946w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seven-common-business-plan-mistakes\/\">Seven Common Business Plan Mistakes<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Though every small business is unique, many successful ones start with a common foundation: a business plan. Researching and writing a business plan is an important step in laying out the road map your business will travel, and an indispensable step in securing funding for startup costs or growth. Save time and energy by avoiding&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seven-common-business-plan-mistakes\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/8-steps-to-landing-a-small-business-loan\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-2000x2001.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MoneySquare1-2560x2561.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/8-steps-to-landing-a-small-business-loan\/\">8 Steps to Landing a Small Business Loan<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Whether you\u2019re applying for your first small business loan, or your 10th, you\u2019ve got to bring proof of your \u201cbankability.\u201d Convincing a bank you\u2019re worth the risk, and dependable enough to pay them back, is a combination of cold, hard, numbers, and \u201csoft stuff,\u201d like your character, level of organization, and how you present yourself.&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/8-steps-to-landing-a-small-business-loan\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/best-practices-for-employee-on-boarding\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Onboarding-Blog-Post-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Onboarding-Blog-Post-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Onboarding-Blog-Post-300x300.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/best-practices-for-employee-on-boarding\/\">Best practices for employee on-boarding<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Great employees are made from day one. Their first impression of your company, the imprint of how those first few days felt, will stick with them throughout their tenure there. It\u2019s in the best interests of both parties to start that relationship off on the right foot. A structured, well-planned and executed employee on-boarding program&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/best-practices-for-employee-on-boarding\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/six-ways-to-expand-a-successful-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Ways-to-expand-your-business-risbdc-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-ri-providenceSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Ways-to-expand-your-business-risbdc-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-ri-providenceSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Ways-to-expand-your-business-risbdc-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-ri-providenceSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Ways-to-expand-your-business-risbdc-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-ri-providenceSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Ways-to-expand-your-business-risbdc-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-ri-providenceSquare.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/six-ways-to-expand-a-successful-business\/\">Six Ways to Expand a Successful Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">When you\u2019ve achieved a first round of \u201csuccess\u201d as a small business\u2014smooth day-to-day operations, sufficient cash flow to be self-sustaining, and a solid foundation to build on\u2014it\u2019s cause for celebration. But then perhaps your sales stall. Maybe you\u2019ve found your niche, but new customers are no longer knocking down your door. Or perhaps you\u2019re just&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/six-ways-to-expand-a-successful-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/steps-to-starting-an-adult-day-care-an-overview-of-ri-regulations\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/adult-aging-close-up-1305302-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/adult-aging-close-up-1305302-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/adult-aging-close-up-1305302-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/steps-to-starting-an-adult-day-care-an-overview-of-ri-regulations\/\">Steps to Starting an Adult Day Care: An Overview of RI Regulations<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">At the RISBDC, we regularly get inquiries from clients who want to open an adult day care business. And as Baby Boomers age into the demographic this business serves, the need will continue to grow. But we\u2019ve learned from many conversations that this is a complex type of business to open, and is subject to&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/steps-to-starting-an-adult-day-care-an-overview-of-ri-regulations\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/when-mom-is-the-boss-8-tips-for-success-at-a-family-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Family-Business-tips-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Family-Business-tips-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Family-Business-tips-rhode-island-small-business-development-center-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/when-mom-is-the-boss-8-tips-for-success-at-a-family-business\/\">When Mom is the Boss: 8 Tips for Success at a Family Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Family businesses start with the highest of hopes and the best of intentions. But family can be a little complicated, to say the least. It takes planning and preparation to make sure that no business destroys the family at its heart. Family businesses form a significant number of American businesses, of all sizes, and tend&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/when-mom-is-the-boss-8-tips-for-success-at-a-family-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/three-compelling-reasons-to-have-a-company-blog\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Company-Blog-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Company-Blog-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Company-Blog-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/three-compelling-reasons-to-have-a-company-blog\/\">Three Compelling Reasons to Have a Company Blog<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">You\u2019ve put so much time and care into getting your business off the ground. But it can\u2019t fly unless you reach your target audience and convert them to paying customers. A company blog can go a long way toward putting wind beneath your wings. If you haven\u2019t considered having a company blog, we\u2019re here to&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/three-compelling-reasons-to-have-a-company-blog\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/composting-in-ri-a-ripe-business-opportunity\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/composting-business-opportunities-rhode-island-risbdc-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/composting-business-opportunities-rhode-island-risbdc-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/composting-business-opportunities-rhode-island-risbdc-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/composting-in-ri-a-ripe-business-opportunity\/\">Composting in RI: A Ripe Business Opportunity<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">An alluring new Ocean State business opportunity is on the horizon, in which one man\u2019s trash is decidedly another man\u2019s treasure. Our literal trash is estimated to fill Rhode Island\u2019s landfill by the early 2030s. The Food Waste Legislation passed in 2014 required businesses that generate more than 104 tons per year of food waste&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/composting-in-ri-a-ripe-business-opportunity\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/disasters-happen-three-tips-to-prepare-and-protect-your-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DisasterBlogSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DisasterBlogSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DisasterBlogSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DisasterBlogSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DisasterBlogSquare.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/disasters-happen-three-tips-to-prepare-and-protect-your-small-business\/\">Disasters Happen: Three Tips to Prepare and Protect Your Small Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Some come with warning, and some strike out of nowhere. But disasters are a fact of life, and an important consideration for all small businesses. Depending on the type and severity, being unprepared could lead to anything from lost revenue, to wiping out your business entirely. We reached out to a few insurance professionals for&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/disasters-happen-three-tips-to-prepare-and-protect-your-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seven-reasons-to-start-a-business-later-in-life\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetirementBusinessSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetirementBusinessSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetirementBusinessSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetirementBusinessSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetirementBusinessSquare.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seven-reasons-to-start-a-business-later-in-life\/\">Seven Reasons to Start a Business Later in Life<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">At the RISBDC, we believe entrepreneurship can be for everyone. There\u2019s no one \u201ctype\u201d of entrepreneur destined for success while all the others lag behind. There\u2019s no prototype or blueprint. If you want to put in the work and you have the drive, skills, and resources, then you\u2019ve got what it takes. Age is just&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/seven-reasons-to-start-a-business-later-in-life\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/risbdc-receives-asbdc-accreditation\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDCStaffPhoto-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDCStaffPhoto-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDCStaffPhoto-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/risbdc-receives-asbdc-accreditation\/\">RISBDC Receives ASBDC Accreditation<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">What it Means and How it Helps us Serve Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Extra! Extra! Read all about it! In September of 2018, the RISBDC met all the conditions for unconditional accreditation by the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC)! We\u2019re thrilled to have received this honor relating to our work with the small&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/risbdc-receives-asbdc-accreditation\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-linkedin-is-useful-for-business-how-to-get-started\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/LinkedIn-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/LinkedIn-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/LinkedIn-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/LinkedIn-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/LinkedIn.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-linkedin-is-useful-for-business-how-to-get-started\/\">How LinkedIn is Useful for Business &amp; How to get Started<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Being a small business owner comes with an endless number of questions about what you should and shouldn\u2019t be doing. If those questions include: \u201cShould I be on LinkedIn?\u201d and \u201cShould my business be on LinkedIn?\u201d then you\u2019re asking great questions. And we would answer: YES!&nbsp; Before diving into why you and your small business&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-linkedin-is-useful-for-business-how-to-get-started\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/eight-barriers-to-small-business-growth\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/ri-business-growth-strategy-risbdc-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/ri-business-growth-strategy-risbdc-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/ri-business-growth-strategy-risbdc-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/ri-business-growth-strategy-risbdc-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/ri-business-growth-strategy-risbdc.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/eight-barriers-to-small-business-growth\/\">Eight Barriers to Small Business Growth<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Feeling Squeezed? Push Past These Eight Barriers to Small Business Growth&nbsp; While launching a small business comes with a long list of tasks you\u2019ve mastered, growing a business can also dish up a unique set of challenges to surmount. Are you an established business owner, experiencing some of these pain points that are holding your&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/eight-barriers-to-small-business-growth\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/rhode-island-small-business-health-insurance-101\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/September-Blog-Post-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Healthcare-Health-Plans-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/September-Blog-Post-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Healthcare-Health-Plans-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/September-Blog-Post-RISBDC-Rhode-Island-Small-Business-Development-Center-Healthcare-Health-Plans-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/rhode-island-small-business-health-insurance-101\/\">Rhode Island Small Business Health Insurance 101<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Are you considering providing small business health insurance? You\u2019re in good company! Did you know that health insurance is still the number one benefit that employees look for when considering taking or remaining at a job? Here are a few things to know or to consider as you make this decision. In this post, we\u2019ll&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/rhode-island-small-business-health-insurance-101\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/bilingual-small-business-consultants\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-primer-paso-singles-2-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-primer-paso-singles-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RISBDC-primer-paso-singles-2-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/bilingual-small-business-consultants\/\">Our Bilingual Small Business Consultants<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">At the RISBDC, we believe small business is for everyone. Our economy--and our community--is richer when more people achieve their small business dreams here. This month, we\u2019re focusing on letting everyone know about our three bilingual business consultants, available to help our Spanish-speaking Ocean State entrepreneurs launch or expand a small business. &nbsp; Sandra McNamara&nbsp;&nbsp;&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/bilingual-small-business-consultants\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/is-franchise-ownership-right-for-you-we-can-help\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Ashley-Buchanan-v04-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Ashley-Buchanan-v04-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Ashley-Buchanan-v04-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/is-franchise-ownership-right-for-you-we-can-help\/\">Is Franchise Ownership Right for You? We Can Help!<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Are you looking to start a small business in Rhode Island, and considering whether franchise ownership is right for you? Many of our expert business counselors recently completed the FrantFit training through FranNet to assist Ocean State entrepreneurs in evaluating whether franchise ownership is a viable option, and which franchise might be a great fit&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/is-franchise-ownership-right-for-you-we-can-help\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/crush-these-six-barriers-to-starting-a-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlan-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlan-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlan-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/crush-these-six-barriers-to-starting-a-small-business\/\">Crush These Six Barriers to Starting a Small Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">At our small business startup workshop, The Right Foot, we have the privilege of chatting with budding business owners--entrepreneurs with a big idea, a big dream, and a big future. Many of them go on to launch. But some of them choose to hold off from starting a new business, feeling the time isn\u2019t quite&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/crush-these-six-barriers-to-starting-a-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/what-is-pr-and-why-do-i-need-it-for-my-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-2000x2000.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/DesignBooksSquare-2560x2559.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/what-is-pr-and-why-do-i-need-it-for-my-small-business\/\">What is PR and Why do I Need it for my Small Business?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Our clients come to us for a wide range of support, but help with marketing is the second most popular request we get - perhaps because it is often overlooked. As experienced business consultants, we see public relations (PR) as a critical component of a well-developed marketing strategy. Set your business apart by incorporating PR&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/what-is-pr-and-why-do-i-need-it-for-my-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/why-branding-is-key-to-success-7-elements-of-a-strong-brand\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-2000x2001.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/PRSquare-2560x2561.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/why-branding-is-key-to-success-7-elements-of-a-strong-brand\/\">Why Branding is Key to Success: 7 Elements of a Strong Brand<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">In a competitive small business environment, it\u2019s not enough just to have a phenomenal product or service. Your widgets may be the best widgets east of the Continental Divide, but without a compelling and consistent brand, longstanding success will be hard to come by. Yet \u201chaving a strong brand\u201d is one of those concepts that,&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/why-branding-is-key-to-success-7-elements-of-a-strong-brand\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/neglecting-cybersecurity\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"136\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Export-controls-size-1980-900-300x136-150x136.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/neglecting-cybersecurity\/\">Why Neglecting Cybersecurity Can Destroy Your Small Business and 7 Steps to Get Started<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Cybersecurity is a hot topic, and it\u2019s one you shouldn\u2019t put off acting on any longer. Many small business owners tend to put it on the back burner, but if there is an incident, your business, your reputation, private financial data for your company and your customers, and potentially your entire infrastructure can be destroyed&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/neglecting-cybersecurity\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/five-business-planning-tools-available-through-an-risbdc-partnership\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-2000x2001.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/BusinessPlanningSquare2-2560x2561.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/five-business-planning-tools-available-through-an-risbdc-partnership\/\">Five Business Planning Tools Available Through an RISBDC Partnership<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">As part of our mission to support and partner with entrepreneurs, we hold licenses and have access to a number of helpful small business tools that we offer to our clients. Here\u2019s a preview of five great tools integral to planning a new business, conducting marketing research before launch, and forming a business plan. Our&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/five-business-planning-tools-available-through-an-risbdc-partnership\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/preparing-to-meet-with-a-retail-buyer\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetailSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetailSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetailSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetailSquare-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetailSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetailSquare-500x499.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/RetailSquare.jpg 798w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/preparing-to-meet-with-a-retail-buyer\/\">Preparing to Meet with a Retail Buyer<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Your business is launched, your product is ready! Don\u2019t let lack of preparation stop you from getting it on the shelf. Here are a few steps to make sure you\u2019re ready to sell your wholesale product when you walk in the door to meet with a retail buyer. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1. Be&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/preparing-to-meet-with-a-retail-buyer\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/nine-ways-to-refresh-and-organize-your-small-business-in-the-new-year\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-2000x2001.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/YearSquare-2560x2561.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/nine-ways-to-refresh-and-organize-your-small-business-in-the-new-year\/\">Nine Ways to Refresh and Organize Your Small Business in the New Year<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">When the calendar flips ahead to January, there\u2019s no better time to set aside a day or two in your small business to take stock, update, and prepare to make the coming year even more streamlined and successful than the last. Consider it an opportunity to both build excitement and buckle up for a year&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/nine-ways-to-refresh-and-organize-your-small-business-in-the-new-year\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/the-right-foot-startup-workshop-whats-covered-and-why-should-i-come\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MannyWorkshopSquare-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MannyWorkshopSquare-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MannyWorkshopSquare-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MannyWorkshopSquare-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MannyWorkshopSquare-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MannyWorkshopSquare-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MannyWorkshopSquare.jpg 799w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/the-right-foot-startup-workshop-whats-covered-and-why-should-i-come\/\">The Right Foot Startup Workshop: What\u2019s Covered and Why Should I Come?<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">\u201cHow do I start my business plan?\u201d \u201cShould I be an LLC?\u201d \u201cWhat does the state of Rhode Island require to do business?\u201d \u201cIs my idea even worth trying?\u201d In the RISBDC\u2019s goal of helping small businesses, we\u2019re available to begin with just a seed -- and there are no silly questions. If you\u2019ve got&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/the-right-foot-startup-workshop-whats-covered-and-why-should-i-come\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-meeting-with-an-risbdc-business-counselor\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MeetBusinessCouncelor2-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MeetBusinessCouncelor2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/MeetBusinessCouncelor2-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-meeting-with-an-risbdc-business-counselor\/\">How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with an RISBDC Business Counselor<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">At the heart of the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center is our one-to-one, confidential business counseling. From pre-launch, to problem solving, to expansion, we have four expert, full-time counselors and five part-time specialists around the state available to meet with you and help your business grow and thrive. We value your time and want&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-meeting-with-an-risbdc-business-counselor\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/eight-graphic-design-tips-for-your-small-business-logo\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Marketing1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Marketing1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Marketing1-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/eight-graphic-design-tips-for-your-small-business-logo\/\">Eight Graphic Design Tips for Your Small Business Logo<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Eight Graphic Design Tips for Your Small Business Logo Business idea? Check. Business plan? Check. Business license? Check. Business...logo? Yes, you\u2019re going to need one of those too, before you launch. While it may feel like a small detail in the big list of tasks to complete as a small business owner, your logo will&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/eight-graphic-design-tips-for-your-small-business-logo\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/top-10-growth-tips-for-small-business\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Atlas-v03-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Atlas-v03-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/987\/Atlas-v03-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/top-10-growth-tips-for-small-business\/\">Top 10 Growth Tips for Small Business<\/a> <span class=\"excerpt-dash\">-<\/span> <span class=\"excerpt\">Small business owners are not alone in their quests for success. More than 1,000 SBDCs across the country are proud to fuel small business growth every day through our partnerships and one-on-one relationships. In honor of the economic development and good jobs small businesses create, we are sharing our top 10 growth tips for small&hellip; <a class=\"excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/top-10-growth-tips-for-small-business\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rhode Island Small Business Blog: Tips, Tricks &amp; Resources<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":701,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-7276","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7276","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/701"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7276"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7276\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11042,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7276\/revisions\/11042"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}