Innovation Network Matching Grants
Forecasted
Innovation Network Matching Grants support organizations offering Rhode Island small businesses technical assistance, flexible space, or access to capital to advance innovation and competitiveness.
Funder: Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Minimum request $50,000; typical awards $75,000–$125,000; no maximum; cash or in-kind match required
Summary: Supports organizations providing Rhode Island small businesses with technical assistance, flexible space, or access to capital to advance innovation and competitiveness.
Key Information: Funds small-business support organizations rather than individual research projects.
Description
The Innovation Network Matching Grant Program is administered by Rhode Island Commerce Corporation as part of its Innovation Initiatives Portfolio. It supports organizations that help small businesses innovate and strengthen their competitiveness in national and global economies. Funded projects provide technical assistance, space on flexible terms, access to capital, or a combination of these services.
The program supports work serving targeted industries and underserved businesses, including research-related sectors such as life sciences, the ocean economy, defense, and critical technologies. It also supports assistance to small businesses evaluating a transition to employee ownership, regardless of industry. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, universities, and co-working space operators.
