After 23 years of providing excellent service to the small business community, the US Small Business Administration has transferred the leadership and management of Rhode Island’s Small Business Development Center from Bryant University to Johnson and Wales University operational July, 2006.

The RISBDC also partners with the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and RI Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC).

We promote entrepreneurship and strengthen small business in Rhode Island by:

• Serving as a focal point for the coordination of federal, state, municipal, academic, banking, and other resources to aid small business and to promote economic development.
• Providing broad-based and high-quality, "No Cost" one-on-on counseling and low-cost group educational services.

The primary recipients of Small Business Development Center services are existing businesses. Certain specific services, notably educational programs, are offered to start-up businesses.