Skip to content

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 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.

* Supporting an economic development peer network 

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

 

Mt. Hope Bridge footage thanks to Tolppa Media

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

 

RECENT EVENT: Meeting with Argonne Staff - Explore Data That Strengthens Economic Resilience

In May 2026, Compete RI — in collaboration with RI Commerce and Polaris — hosted a workshop to demonstrate 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.

This event was held in collaboration with our federal partners at the U.S. Department of Commerce / Economic Development Administration. Our featured guest, Alison Peoples of Argonne National Laboratory, guided participants through the available data tools and walked through how to use these resources for planning in your communities.

Missed the event or want to view the recording? Email us at info@competeri.org to receive a link to the video recording and a written summary of what was covered.

Explore the tools covered in this workshop: Visit the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer at https://nerde.anl.gov

 

IMG_6248


 

Our vision

Compete

  • Grant identification, strategy and support
  • Strategic coordination between agencies, municipalities, and institutions
  • Best practices

Innovate

  • Resilient infrastructure
  • Job creation
  • Thriving communities 

Build

  • Vision for execution
  • Scaled coordination and collaboration
  • A supportive network for action-oriented economic development