As I reflect on the We Mean Business event held on November 5 at Kirkbrae Country Club and review the many emails from small businesses that attended the event I realize that small business only want one thing- attention. It is my goal as Manager of Small Business Services/Every Company Counts to give every small business in the State of Rhode Island the attention they deserve.

Over 400 small business owners walked through We Mean Business and they all thanked us for putting on the event. I was humbled. Something so simple meant so much.

Every Company Counts along with the Secretary of State’s First Stop Business Center have a mission of connecting business owners with the answers and agencies they need to make their businesses thrive. Fortunately, for us, Rhode Island is small enough that we were able to gather almost 90 federal, state and municipal agencies in one room but we know that is not enough and that our work has only begun.

We Mean Business will continue throughout the year and bring to you the small business owners, programs and workshops that you want and need. Every Company Counts and the First Stop Business Information Center want your input and are here to listen. Use this blog to let us know what is on your mind. Working together we can make Rhode Island a great place to start and grow a business.

I look forward to hearing from you- Sherri Lynn Carrera (scarrera@riedc.com)