PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — On Monday, Gov. Dan McKee and other local leaders announced a new grant program to support small businesses affected by the closure and reconstruction of the Washington Bridge.

The Washington Bridge Small Business Grant Program will offer grants of up to $2,500, funded through federal State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) dollars.

The allocation includes $1.2 million for East Providence businesses, $800,000 for Providence businesses, and $600,000 for businesses in other municipalities.

“This winter was tough for businesses that rely on the Washington Bridge, and even though we were able to get six lanes moving again pretty quickly, and traffic volume is back to where it was, businesses still need help to offset some of the losses they experienced this winter,” McKee said in a press release.

Grant awards will be available in amounts of $500, $1,000, and $2,500, based on applicants’ reported levels of economic impact. Eligible businesses must have experienced at least a $500 revenue loss, representing a minimum of 10% of revenues between December 2023 and February 2024.

The application period opens on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. and closes on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 5 p.m.

To apply

• Providence businesses: Click here
• East Providence businesses: Click here
• All other RI small businesses: Click here

“We know there has been widespread burden and hardship because of the bridge, and we hope that this grant program will soften the blow a little bit to repay some debt or catch up on some bills,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said.

Bridge Demolition

Demolition work on the westbound side of the Washington Bridge is underway, with overnight closures on Gano Street in Providence expected through the week.

Meanwhile, McKee is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to meet with Senior White House Advisor Tom Perez and reinforce Rhode Island’s need for federal aid.

He said the state is asking for more than $200 million to help finance the construction of a new bridge.

“We have a mega grant that we applied for very early on … It’s a competitive grant,” McKee said. “And that mega grant is something that’s going to be decided over the next two months, in that time frame.”

SBA Loans

Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminds impacted small businesses and private nonprofits to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) before the approaching deadline.

September 16 is the final day to submit applications for up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property, equipment, and inventory.

EIDLs are available regardless of property damage and help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

The SBA declared Disaster #RI-20001 four days after the sudden failure of the Washington Bridge. The declaration covers Providence, Kent, and Bristol counties in Rhode Island, as well as Bristol, Norfolk, and Worcester counties in Massachusetts and Windham County in Connecticut.

Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses and 3.25% for nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are based on each applicant’s financial situation.

Disaster loan applications can be submitted through the MYSBA Loan Portal . For questions, contact SBA Outreach and Marketing Specialist Brian Hopkins at brian.hopkins@sba.gov or (401) 528-4575.

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