RI Commerce and the RI Department of Administration Open Network Matching Grant Applications

Funding available to organizations that provide technical assistance, space on flexible terms, and/or access to capital to small and underserved businesses.
Deadline to apply: Friday, September 18, 2026, by 5:00pm EST

Providence, R.I. – Sept. 8, 2026 – Rhode Island Commerce and the State of Rhode Island’s Department of Administration (DOA) today announced the opening of applications for Commerce’s Network Matching Grant program. This grant cycle is being conducted as a collaboration between RI Commerce and DOA and will provide funding to organizations that provide technical assistance, space on flexible terms, and/or access to capital to small and underserved businesses in Rhode Island, with a targeted focus on supporting firms certified by the state.

The deadline to apply is Friday, September 18, 2026, by 5:00pm EST.

“My administration is committed to ensuring every entrepreneur and small business owner has access to the resources they need to grow, create jobs and succeed,” said Governor McKee. “The Network Matching Grant program supports organizations working directly with our small businesses, helping to increase access to the services, resources, and capital they need to reach their full potential.”

Grants of at least $50,000 are available to eligible organizations, and funded projects typically run for one year. Awards are anticipated to be made in fall 2026, with projects anticipated to begin before the end of the calendar year.

“This program enables us to extend our reach by partnering with organizations that support Rhode Island’s small businesses,” said Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor. “These investments help ensure that more businesses can access the resources and assistance they need to grow and succeed.”

“Based on feedback from the underserved businesses certified by the state, scaling is one of their biggest challenges,” said Keith Stokes, Associate Director of DEDI. “This innovative grant program directly addresses this pain-point by connecting these businesses with experts and resources to help them achieve sustainable growth.”

Eligible nonprofits, for-profits, and institutions of higher education are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be organizations that offer support to small businesses that are in targeted industries and categories including: small and underserved businesses, ocean economy, defense, life sciences, critical technologies, technology commercialization, food/agriculture, and financial empowerment. Applicants that support companies evaluating a transition to employee-ownership are also eligible to apply, regardless of industry.
Since the program began in 2016, Commerce has awarded 62 Network Matching Grants, totaling more than $6.3 million.

Network Matching Grants are part of RI Commerce’s Innovation Initiatives Programming, created to support the growth and scalability of small businesses. Innovation Initiatives Programming increases the potential of small businesses and generates greater economic impact through collaboration, access to resources, and strategic investments in business innovation and operations.

Apply for a Networking Matching Grant

Learn more about the Network Matching Grant program at CommerceRI.com/innovation-network-matching

Rhode Island Media Contact
Giselle Mahoney
Chief of Communications, Executive Office of Commerce
Giselle.Mahoney.CTR@commerce.ri.gov
+1 401 545 0626