Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce

06/17/2026

***LAST CALL for Business During Hours -tomorrow, Thursday, June 18th. Registration is required to secure your spot at this casual networking lunch -All are welcome!

We will be enjoying something new for lunch... any guesses??

https://business.newportchamber.com/event-calendar/Details/business-during-hours-june-1735556?sourceTypeId=Hub

06/16/2026

🇺🇸 Learn about how to run for office! 🗳️

If you're thinking about running for office this November, then be sure to join the Newport Canvassing Department TONIGHT📆 Tuesday, June 16th at 6:00 p.m. for our final and free "How to Run for Office" information session at Newport City Hall (43 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room).

Topics include:
✅ Declaring your candidacy
✅ Nomination papers and certification
✅ District committees and endorsements
✅ Primary elections
✅ Voter lists, maps, and outreach
✅ Ballot placement lottery
✅ AI & synthetic media in campaigns
✅ And more!

Questions? Contact Hugh Moren at [email protected] or 401-845-5384.
Additional candidate information is also available at vote.sos.ri.gov.

06/16/2026

🚨Deadline for feedback: June 23 🚨

Rhode Island Commerce is seeking input for the next round of Opportunity Zones. This federal program encourages private investment within designated Rhode Island communities.

Municipalities, community leaders, investors, developers, trade and building associations, labor representatives, and members of the public are invited to submit input here: https://commerceri.com/site-selection/opportunity-zones/

📸: Holme

06/16/2026

☀️🥂🌟We can't wait to get together at The Helmway at The Pell Hotel for Business After Hours next Thursday, June 25th!

Join us for a fun evening networking and enjoy complimentary hors d' oeuvres and a cash bar as we celebrate summer at this chic and modern Middletown venue!

https://business.newportchamber.com/event-calendar/Details/business-after-hours-at-the-helmway-at-the-pell-hotel-1660077?sourceTypeId=Hub

06/16/2026

Summer in Newport is HERE! But if you’re an entrepreneur, you know the work doesn’t stop. Innovate Newport is here to be your summer life saver - so you have time for work, then beach 🛟🏖️

Catch us and at the Follow Starting Line Festival this Friday! ⛵️

06/15/2026

This Wednesday, 6/17, the SBA Rhode Island District Office will be hosting an informational webinar alongside Rhode Island Commerce for businesses impacted by the February 2026 blizzard.

Any small business, non-profit, or agricultural cooperative that suffered economic injury as a direct result of the storm should tune in to learn more about Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) available through the SBA as well as other programs available to assist.

This session will cover what’s included in the disaster declaration, program eligibility criteria, how to apply, information about the Business Recovery Center open to the public in East Greenwich, and more.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration related to the February 22–24, 2026 Historic Snowstorm. Eligible Rhode Island counties: Kent County Providence County Contiguous RI counties: Bristol, Newport, Washington (Additional contiguous...

06/15/2026

Join us for this unique opportunity to connect directly with lenders and business support organizations at our upcoming Lender Matchmaking Expo, hosted in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration RI District Office.

During this informal, drop-in networking event, you can meet one-on-one with loan officers from SBA-participating banks, credit unions, and community development corporations. You’ll also have the chance to connect with SBA Resource Partners who free counseling and mentoring, as well as representatives from Rhode Island Commerce.

Whether you stay for 30 minutes or the full 90, this is your chance to explore financing options, ask questions, and find a lending partner who understands your business goals.

Confirmed lenders include:
Baycoast Bank
Bay Colony Development Corp.
BDCRI
Citizens
Greenwood Credit Union
Rhode Island Commerce
SEED Corp.

Space is limited, so be sure to register early.
🗓️: Thursday, June 18, 2026
📍: Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, Newport RI 02840
⏰: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
🔗: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-and-connections-meet-local-business-lenders-tickets-1989850119272

06/14/2026

We're honored to be named one of Providence Business News Best Places to Work for 2026. 🎉 This recognition belongs to our employees and the culture we have built together. Thank you for bringing our fundamentals to life, supporting one another, and helping us make progress on purpose for our customers and communities each and every day.

06/13/2026

We’re honored to be recognized as one of Rhode Island’s Best Places to Work for the third consecutive year. 🏆

This award reflects the culture our team has built together over the past 20 years. One rooted in collaboration, respect, growth, and a shared commitment to doing great work.

Thank you to every member of the JPS team for making this recognition possible. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s ahead!

Providence Business News