RISBDC Service to Food/Hospitality Industry
About the Program
Restaurant owners, caterers, food truck owners and others involved in food-related businesses who are trying to meet the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to take advantage of the specialized services now being offered by the RI Small Business Development Center (RISBDC).
The RISBDC, part of a national network of SBDCs that offer no-cost, confidential, one-on-one business counseling and topical training to existing and potential business owners, recently hired two experienced restaurant consultants to work with Rhode Island-based food businesses. Maggie Longo and Nemo Bolin are now available to work one-on-one with RI food entrepreneurs as they navigate the obstacles presented by COVID-19. They can help business owners address a number of issues, including menu development or redevelopment; budget and project management; exploration of new business models, physical space layout, costing, beverage operations, and employee development. These, coupled with the RISBDC staff's expertise in business planning and access to capital, enables the Center to offer a full range of services to the restaurant industry.
Interested business owners should register for business counseling through the RISBDC’s website
RISBDC Request for CounselingThey will then be assigned to an RISBDC counselor who will conduct a needs assessment and bring on one of the restaurant consultants to address industry-specific issues. There is no cost for any of these services and no time limit on engagements.