About
Rhode Island’s small business community is the bedrock of our economy. With Governor Chafee’s leadership, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) is implementing an economic recovery plan squarely focused on helping small businesses grow and succeed.
A key part of that effort is Every Company Counts (ECC), the RIEDC’s small business initiative aimed at responding to the needs of individual companies.
ECC is a valuable resource for any entrepreneur or existing company seeking to access tools and build partnerships that will lead to sustainable business development.
Experienced ECC staff understands the unique challenges facing small businesses today. We know that time is money and that getting the right information at the right time is critical to growth.
ECC connects start-up and existing small businesses with customized technical assistance and services. ECC ensures that businesses have the partners and resources they need to achieve long-term growth and success. With ECC, small businesses get streamlined access to government agencies, professional associations, college and university resources, non-profit business service organizations and area Chambers of Commerce.
ECC assists entrepreneurs and small businesses by:
- Delivering professional services based on expertise and experience;
- Facilitating educational seminars and one-on-on consultations to assist small businesses in all stages of the business growth cycle;
- Providing access to RIEDC business development services (i.e. financing, site selection, regulatory and permitting matters);
- Delivering resources and information 24/7 via our website and social media networks;
- Facilitating collaboration between RIEDC and external service partners;
- Providing access to external consultants in response to client needs; and
- Making information available in both English and Spanish
Resources and Tools
Every Company Counts offers information online 24/7 via our website www.everycompanycounts.com.
On our website, you will find:
- Online Resource Guide – listing all Federal, State and Municipal agencies that assist in small business development (at the top right hand corner of our website or under the Business Services tab)
- Learning Events calendar – listing all of our free workshops as well as those of our partners can be found under the Learning Events tab.
- Monthly E-Newsletter – sign-up on-line to receive our E-Connect monthly newsletter
- Articles related to small business – Read articles about starting a business, managing a business and financing a business.
- Social Media – Join the small business conversation online via Facebook and Twitter
- Blog – Don’t have Facebook or Twitter? Keep up with small business news by following our blog.
You can also visit ECC’s interactive Spanish website www.everycompanycounts.com/espanol
Download
 | Policies and Procedures for RIEDC-ECC.pdf | 103.54 KB |
Victor Barros, Managing Director of Small Business Services
As the Managing Director of Small Business Services for RIEDC, Victor oversees the Every Company Counts, Urban Development and Export Assistance programs here at RIEDC.
As part of his many duties, Victor assists the Rhode Island Enterprise Zone Council by serving as the point of contact in managing the state's nine Enterprise Zones.
Prior to joining RIEDC in 1996 he worked extensively within the financial industry, holding Community Lending and Branch Management positions. He is a 1987 graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Finance.
Contact Victor at 278-9137 or via email at vbarros@riedc.com