RI Department of State

10/23/2026

Our Business Services Division is joining the new Lincoln Learning Center at their free four-part business programming series! Join us for more info on topics like creating a business plan, financial literacy, marketing, and more!

The Lincoln Learning Center (98 Old River Rd) is excited to offer a FREE 4-part Business Programming Series for individuals interested in starting a business! This series will walk you through the essential steps of launching your business from validating your idea and developing a marketing strategy to understanding local licensing, registration, insurance, and taxes.
Class #1: FREE Validating Your Business Ideas
https://buytickets.at/townoflincoln/2458827
Class #2: FREE Marketing 101
https://buytickets.at/townoflincoln/2458837
Class #3: FREE Lincoln Zoning and Licensing and Sec. of State Business Services
https://buytickets.at/townoflincoln/2458844
Class #4: FREE Division of Taxation Start- Up 101
https://buytickets.at/townoflincoln/2458850

Starting October 20th through November 17th. These sessions are stand alone, however if you wish to attend all you must register for each course individually. Register is required, by either using the links provided or QR codes on the flyer!

10/23/2026

It’s once again time to vote and early voting makes it simple. Find your early voting location online at vote.ri.gov.

10/22/2026

Trade names in Rhode Island are now required to renew annually with the RI Department of State Business Services Division - even if you filed the trade name with a municipality. Filing an annual renewal is free and can be completed online at ridos.my.site.com.

10/21/2026

How will you be voting in the General Election? Rhode Island makes voting simple with three convenient options! You can vote early in-person, on Election Day, or by mail. Learn more at vote.ri.gov.

¿Cómo vas a votar en las elecciones generales? ¡Rhode Island te facilita el voto con tres opciones muy cómodas! Puedes votar por adelantado en persona, el día de las elecciones, o por correo. Más información en vota.ri.gov.

10/20/2026

Thank you to Steph Machado - Reporter, Brian Crandall, and Bianca Beltran for participating in our media panel for the RI Civic Leadership Program. Students from across Rhode Island had the chance to ask reporters about the relationship between press and government.

Globe Rhode Island
NBC 10 WJAR
NBC10 Boston

10/20/2026

10/19/2026

We’ve heard US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse read his Gaspee poem on the Senate floor - and now he has seen the Gaspee documents up close. The Gaspee Affair is just one piece of Rhode Island history that we could display in a permanent exhibit space.
Thank you Senator Whitehouse for visiting the State Archives!

10/16/2026

Kids of all ages are welcome at Spooky State House 2026! Join us on October 29 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. for trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, and more.
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EXtcDVCr7/

10/15/2026

Join us at the State Archives tonight for this special event!

Join the Rhode Island State Archives for History in the Recipe. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste a bit of Rhode Island history and judge these historic recipes. Sign up to help us determine which recipe most deserves its place in the archives: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/history-in-the-recipe-ri-state-archives-tickets-2001615575067

10/14/2026

Have a business idea, but not sure what it really takes to get started?

Join RISBDC for Startup Foundations: How to Start a Business, a no-cost, in-person workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs who want a clear and realistic look at launching a business.

This session will cover startup basics, including time commitment, legal and financial considerations, market validation, common early mistakes, and the mindset needed to move from idea to action.

Attendees will also hear from the RI Department of State on business registration, regulatory requirements, and helpful tips for starting and maintaining a business in Rhode Island.

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Central RI Chamber of Commerce

Register through the link here: https://www.risbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=30460020