News Summary
East Providence has announced a second round of grants to support small businesses impacted by the Washington Bridge closure. City officials aim to assist those who may have missed the initial application opportunity. With a total funding of $519,526, eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $2,500. While some business owners see this as a necessary lifeline, there are concerns that it may not be enough to cover their losses. Applications are due by September 24, and additional relief initiatives are also in place.
East Providence has officially launched a second round of grants aimed at supporting small businesses affected by the recent closure of the Washington Bridge. This initiative follows an earlier round in which over $700,000 was distributed to 92 local businesses, but city officials are aware that many more may require assistance.
Mayor Bob DaSilva highlighted that numerous business owners may have missed the opportunity to apply during the first round due to a lack of awareness or understanding of the application process. In response to this, the city aims to reach out more effectively and make the application process clearer for business owners in need.
The second round of grants offers a total funding amount of $519,526. This funding consists of $486,526 left over from the first round and an additional $33,000 sourced from Rhode Island Commerce. Eligible businesses experiencing a minimum loss of $500 or a 10% reduction in revenue because of the bridge’s closure can apply for grants. The funding can provide assistance of up to $2,500 per business, targeting entities such as restaurants, boutiques, and retail shops.
According to officials, this grant program is part of a larger effort, with the city allocating a total of $2.6 million to the Washington Bridge Small Business Grant Program. Breakdown of the funding includes $1.2 million designated for East Providence, $800,000 for Providence, and $600,000 earmarked for other municipalities impacted by the closure.
The application process will require interested businesses to answer questions to assess their interest in the grants. City officials are also preparing to assist applicants in filling out the necessary forms to ensure that the process runs smoothly. Business owners have until September 24 to submit their applications.
Despite the availability of grant assistance, some local business owners have expressed concerns regarding the adequacy of the financial support. For instance, business owner Florence Voccola indicated the $2,500 grant would not significantly alleviate her financial struggles given her high rent costs. Many local establishments have already seen a sharp drop in sales since the bridge’s closure, with some even shutting down permanently.
Governor Dan McKee acknowledged the strain that the bridge closure has placed on local businesses but mentioned that traffic conditions have slightly improved since the opening of eastbound lanes. Meanwhile, the state is actively pursuing federal aid for reconstruction efforts, seeking more than $200 million in funding from the federal government.
In addition to the grant program, other relief initiatives include the Placemaking Initiative and the Main Street R.I. Streetscape Improvement Fund, which aim to foster community growth and encourage economic development. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is also urging affected business owners to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) before the September 16 deadline, offering another layer of support for those navigating financial hardships caused by the bridge closure.
The reopening of the Washington Bridge is anticipated to significantly improve traffic flow and business prospects in the area, but until then, local businesses continue to seek assistance to offset their losses and regain stability.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- Providence Journal
- Brown Daily Herald
- WPRI News
- Providence Business News
- Wikipedia: Washington Bridge (Rhode Island)
- Google Search: Washington Bridge closure news
- Google Scholar: Washington Bridge closure impact on businesses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Impact
- Google News: Washington Bridge Grants
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
