Innovation Network Matching Grants
Forecasted
Innovation Network Matching Grants support organizations providing Rhode Island small businesses with technical assistance, flexible space, and access to capital to foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness.
Funder: Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Minimum $50,000; no maximum; typically $50,000–$125,000 in the September 2026 cycle; projects typically run one year
Summary: Supports organizations providing Rhode Island small businesses with technical assistance, flexible space, or access to capital to foster innovation and competitiveness.
Key Information: Applicants must provide a cash or in-kind match, directly or through a third-party partner.
Description
Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Innovation Network Matching Grant Program is part of its Innovation Initiatives Portfolio. It funds organizations that support small businesses, rather than funding businesses directly, to foster innovation, growth, scalability, and competitiveness in national and global economies. Supported services include technical assistance, space on flexible terms, and access to capital.
The program serves businesses in targeted industries and businesses evaluating a transition to employee ownership, regardless of industry. Priorities include small and underserved businesses, life sciences, the ocean economy, defense, food and agriculture, critical technologies, financial empowerment, and technology commercialization. The September 2026 cycle, conducted with the Rhode Island Department of Administration, focused on supporting state-certified firms and required applicants to demonstrate deliberate support for small and underserved businesses.
