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Rhode Island is ready to compete.
Ready to innovate.
Ready to build.

 

An initiative to strengthen our state and bring Rhode Island together

Originally launched to support Rhode Island in leveraging funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Compete RI  has worked collaboratively with local and state stakeholders to help secure millions of dollars for Rhode Island.  

In 2023, Compete RI was recognized by the White House as a best practice for how states can support state agencies, municipalities, Tribal governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and private entities in accessing and deploying federal infrastructure funding.

We have since expanded our focus to pursue a  broader range of funding and technical assistance opportunities. 

Examples of Recent Activities: 

 * Coordinating with municipalities to develop strong federal funding applications. 

* Supporting statewide grant applications for projects that will support key industries. 

* Helping the state's federally recognized Tribe apply for funding for key projects. 

* Providing pro bono support to projects that benefit RI communities.

* Co-hosting a philanthropy and funders  convening 

* Partnering with Grow Smart to support municipal teams attending a national economic development conference.

* Connecting with regional and national economic and community development stakeholders to stay informed on best practices, build relationships, and identify opportunities relevant to Rhode Island

and more to come....

June 2026 Note: Please excuse us as we are updating the site.  Feel free to email us.

 

Mt. Hope Bridge footage thanks to Tolppa Media

Explore Data That Strengthens Economic Resilience

 

In 2026, Compete RI—in collaboration with partners—will encourage the use of the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE), a powerful and underutilized resource for communities, planners, and practitioners working on economic development and resilience.

NERDE brings together data from a wide range of federal agencies into one convenient, interactive platform, making it easier to understand economic distress, opportunity gaps, and resilience indicators at the state, county, and neighborhood level.

Upcoming Event: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 2:00pm to 3:00pm

RI Commerce, Compete RI and Polaris invite you to a special presentation on two powerful — and free — online data tools for economic development planning and grant writing. This event is in collaboration with our federal partners at the U.S. Department of Commerce / Economic Development Administration. Our featured guest will guide participants through the available data tools and walk through how to use these resources for planning in your communities.  

Interested in joining? Contact us for more information: info@competeri.org

Use this event to understand how best to use this data to make your funding applications and planning efforts stronger:
Visit the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer at https://nerde.anl.gov

 

Our vision

Compete

  • Grantwriting support
  • Strategic coordination between agencies, municipalities, and institutions
  • Best practices

Innovate

  • Transformative infrastructure
  • Resilient infrastructure
  • Job creation

Build

  • Vision for execution
  • Scaled coordination and collaboration
  • Generational infrastructure improvements and modernization