Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Directory

Comprehensive guide to Rhode Island's chambers of commerce, regional business organizations, and economic development resources across the Ocean State. Connect with local chambers serving Providence, Newport, Warwick, and communities throughout Rhode Island's five counties.

15+

Active Chambers

5

Counties Served

7,500+

Coalition Members

1.1M

State Population

Table of Contents

Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition

Coalition Member Chambers

  • Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce - Lincoln
  • Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce - Warwick
  • East Bay Chamber of Commerce - Warren
  • East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce - East Greenwich
  • East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce - East Providence
  • Newport County Chamber of Commerce - Newport
  • North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce - North Kingstown
  • Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce - Wakefield
  • Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce - Westerly
  • Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce - Westerly
  • North Central Rhode Island Chamber

Coalition Mission & Advocacy

The Chamber Coalition provides unified advocacy on local, state, and federal issues affecting Rhode Island businesses. Member chambers share a lobbyist to represent business interests at the Rhode Island Statehouse, working on critical issues including regulatory relief, tax incentives, workforce development, and economic policy.

Rhode Island's Statewide Chamber

Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (GPCC)

Location: 30 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI 02903

Phone: (401) 521-5000

Fax: (401) 621-6109

Email: [email protected]

Website: providencechamber.com

About GPCC

The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce is Rhode Island's only statewide chamber of commerce and the most influential business organization in the state. With more than 1,100 member companies representing businesses of all sizes, industries, and sectors, GPCC serves as the hub of connections for the Rhode Island business community.

Key Services

  • Statewide business advocacy and policy leadership
  • Access to key influencers and decision-makers
  • Exclusive networking events and critical business opportunities
  • Expert problem-solving resources for member businesses
  • Legislative advocacy at local, state, and federal levels
  • Professional development programs and educational workshops
  • Business-to-business connections and referrals

Major Regional Chambers of Commerce

Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce

Location: 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Suite 402, Lincoln, RI 02865

Phone: (401) 334-1000

Website: nrichamber.com

Service Area

Founded in 1991, the Northern Rhode Island Chamber serves 13 communities: Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, Foster, Glocester, Johnston, Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Scituate, Smithfield, and Woonsocket.

Mission

Rhode Island's leading business advocacy and professional networking organization, strengthening the economic climate through business leadership that fosters member and community prosperity.

Signature Programs

  • Career Academy workforce development program
  • 21st century development initiatives
  • Frequent professional networking events
  • Collaborative sessions with Rhode Island College
  • Partnership with RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner

Newport County Chamber of Commerce

Location: 35 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842

Mailing: 513 Broadway, Suite 218, Newport, RI 02840

Phone: (401) 847-1600

Website: newportchamber.com

About

One of Rhode Island's largest business advocacy organizations with over 1,100 member companies employing more than 50,000 workers throughout Newport County and greater Rhode Island. A trusted institution for over 100 years.

Focus Areas

  • Quality jobs and economic growth
  • Quality of life initiatives
  • Regional asset development
  • Business and civic vitality enhancement

Programs & Events

  • Over 100 annual events and programs
  • Speaker series and professional development
  • Networking hours and membership groups
  • Connect Greater Newport economic development division (est. 2018)

Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce

Location: 3288 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886

Phone: (401) 732-1100

Website: centralrichamber.com

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Core Service Areas

Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry, West Greenwich, and Cranston. Founded in 1980, serving businesses located in or doing business in Central Rhode Island.

About Warwick

Founded in 1642, Warwick is Rhode Island's second-largest city with a population of 82,823. Kent County enjoys a centralized location, with Warwick serving as the undisputed hub of retail activity, commerce, and industry.

Services

  • Business assistance and advocacy
  • Community growth initiatives
  • Networking opportunities
  • Continual learning programs
  • Marketing support
  • Cranston ambassador program (Keith Traversie: [email protected])

East Bay Chamber of Commerce

Location: 16 Cutler Street, Warren, RI 02885

Phone: (401) 245-0750

Fax: (401) 245-0110

Email: [email protected]

Website: eastbaychamberri.org

Service Area

The towns of Barrington, Bristol, and Warren collectively create the East Bay region of Rhode Island. Situated on a peninsula, the East Bay is rich in nautical history and embodies quintessential New England coastal living.

Member Benefits

  • Resources for current businesses in Warren, Barrington, and Bristol
  • Support for new business startups
  • Member of RI Chamber of Commerce Coalition
  • Networking and business development opportunities

Coastal & Southern Rhode Island Chambers

Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce

Location: 230 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879

Phone: (401) 783-2801

Website: srichamber.com

Mission

Supports and enhances the business community of Southern Rhode Island and creates opportunities for the growth and development of member businesses.

Service Area

Washington County (South County), including Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, and Westerly.

Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce

Location: Westerly, RI

Website: oceanchamber.org

Unique Two-State Service

The Ocean Community Chamber serves the Westerly, RI and Pawcatuck, CT border communities. The chamber has a decades-long connection with Pawcatuck dating back to the 1956 incorporation of the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce.

United Chambers Partnership

Part of the United Chambers of Southern Rhode Island, a partnership of 5 independent chambers working together for regional betterment. Members with active membership in any partner chamber receive 3 free Business After Hours attendances per year at each of the other 4 partner chambers.

Narragansett Chamber of Commerce

Visitor Center: The Towers, 36 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI

Website: narragansettcoc.com

Focus

Official website for information about Narragansett and South County, RI. Provides comprehensive resources for lodging, hotels, restaurants, rentals, beaches, festivals, calendar of events, and business support.

North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce

Location: 8045 Post Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852

Website: northkingstown.com

Status: U.S. Chamber Member

Coalition Member

Active member of the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition, representing North Kingstown business interests at the state level.

Local & Community Chambers

East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce

Location: 1011 Waterman Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914

Phone: (401) 438-1212

Website: eastprovidenceareachamber.com

History

Second oldest chamber in Rhode Island, founded in 1897. A membership-based, non-profit organization serving East Providence, Barrington (RI), Seekonk, and Rehoboth (MA).

Services

Provides valuable resources, connections, and advocacy to help businesses thrive in the East Providence area and surrounding communities.

East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce

Location: East Greenwich, RI

Website: eastgreenwichchamber.com

Coalition Member

Member of the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition, representing East Greenwich business community interests at the state legislature.

Member Benefits

  • Networking and professional development
  • Business advocacy
  • Marketing and visibility opportunities
  • Access to member-to-member discounts

Charlestown Chamber of Commerce

Mailing: P.O. Box 633, Charlestown, RI 02813

Website: charlestownrichamber.com

Service Area

Serves the town of Charlestown in southern Rhode Island's Washington County (South County).

Pawtuxet Valley Chamber of Commerce

Location: 1192 Main Street, West Warwick, RI 02893

Service Area

Serves businesses in the Pawtuxet Valley region, including West Warwick and surrounding communities.

Chamber Membership Benefits

🤝 Networking Opportunities

  • First Friday Coffee events
  • Business After Hours networking
  • Young Professionals groups
  • Network @ Noon sessions
  • Annual meetings and galas
  • Legislative luncheons
  • Small-group roundtables
  • Exclusive signature events

📢 Advocacy & Representation

  • Voice at Rhode Island State House
  • Coalition of 7,500+ businesses
  • Shared lobbyist representation
  • Regulatory relief advocacy
  • Tax incentive campaigns
  • Workforce development initiatives
  • Local, state, and federal advocacy
  • Business-friendly policy promotion

💼 Business Resources

  • Member directory listings
  • Member-to-member discounts
  • Health insurance options
  • Free bulk mail permits
  • Marketing and visibility
  • Advertising opportunities
  • Educational workshops
  • Business referrals

Membership Investment

Chamber membership fees vary by organization and are typically calculated based on business size and number of employees. Membership fees are tax-deductible business expenses. Many chambers offer tiered membership levels with enhanced benefits for premier members, including advertising opportunities and additional visibility.

Typical Membership Benefits Include:

  • Directory Listing: Profile in searchable online chamber directory
  • Discount Programs: Access to member-to-member exclusive discounts
  • Advocacy Updates: Regular updates on legislative and policy issues
  • Networking Events: Access to 100+ annual programs and events
  • Professional Development: Educational workshops, seminars, and webinars
  • Marketing Support: Promotional opportunities and sponsorship options
  • Business Assistance: Expert problem-solving and connections
  • Coalition Representation: Unified voice at state legislature through coalition membership

Small Business Resources in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Commerce Corporation

Website: commerceri.com

Services

  • Business Assistance: Tailored support for startups to corporations
  • Access to Funding: Grants, loans, and tax incentives
  • Workforce Development: Skills training and talent recruitment
  • Regulatory Streamlining: Red tape reduction initiatives
  • Innovation Support: Up to $5,000 for patent filing expenses
  • International Trade: Export assistance through Bryant University partnership

Rebounds Technical Assistance Program

Skills for Rhode Island's Future (SkillsRI) administers this program funded by RI Commerce, providing up to $10,000 in technical assistance services to help small businesses stabilize, recover, and thrive.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Location: 380 Westminster Street, Providence, RI

Website: sba.gov/district/rhode-island

Services

  • Small business loans and financing
  • Entrepreneurship seminars and training
  • Business counseling and mentoring
  • Government contracting assistance
  • Disaster relief loans
  • Export assistance

Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC)

Services

  • Resources and key connections at state and national level
  • Workshops and training programs
  • Online and in-person support
  • Help Ocean State entrepreneurs reach next level of growth
  • Business planning assistance
  • Financial analysis and projections

Additional State Resources

Tax Credit Programs

Rhode Island offers some of the most aggressive employment and training tax credit programs in the nation.

Workplace Accessibility Grant Program

Promotes employment and economic opportunity for individuals with disabilities through investment in accessible workplaces.

SupplyRI

Connects local suppliers to the needs of larger Rhode Island institutions by facilitating partnerships, networking events, and other opportunities.

Economic Development Organizations

Connect Greater Newport

Established in 2018 as the economic development division of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce. Provides business outreach, concierge services, and economic planning for the Newport region.

LISC Rhode Island

Strategically supports businesses and entrepreneurs with resources, technical assistance, and networking. Working with local partners to form a collaborative of Business Development Organizations to share best practices and resources.

Partnership for Rhode Island

Location: One Union Station, Providence, RI 02902

Website: partnershipforrhodeisland.com

Statewide business organization focused on economic development and policy initiatives.

South County Tourism Council

Non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Washington County towns (Charlestown, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, West Greenwich, and Westerly) as a leisure travel destination.

Networking Opportunities Throughout Rhode Island

Rhode Island chambers of commerce are recognized as the state's leading professional networking organizations, providing frequent and effective opportunities for professionals to make lasting connections that can lead to new business opportunities and collaborations.

Regular Networking Events

  • First Friday Coffee: Monthly morning networking
  • Business After Hours: Evening social networking events
  • Network @ Noon: Midday professional connections
  • Young Professionals Groups: Career development for emerging leaders
  • Beyond the Business Card: Monthly meet-ups (Central RI Chamber)
  • LEADS Lunch: Leadership networking sessions

Signature Annual Events

  • Annual Meetings: Year-in-review and leadership recognition
  • Legislative Luncheons: Updates on policy and advocacy
  • Business Expos: Ocean State Business Expo (12th annual)
  • Awards Programs: Chamber Choice Awards
  • Community Events: Taste of Southern Rhode Island
  • Ribbon Cuttings: Celebrate new businesses and expansions
  • Business Resource Fairs: Connect with service providers

United Chambers Partnership Benefits

Members of the United Chambers of Southern Rhode Island (partnership of 5 chambers) enjoy reciprocal benefits. With active membership in any 1 partner chamber, members receive 3 free Business After Hours attendances per year at each of the other 4 partner chambers, significantly expanding networking reach across southern Rhode Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition is a lobbying partnership representing 11 chambers of commerce and more than 7,500 member businesses throughout Rhode Island. The coalition serves as the unified voice of the business community at the Rhode Island State House. Member chambers share a lobbyist who advocates on critical issues including regulatory relief, tax incentives, workforce development, and economic policy. This collaborative approach ensures Rhode Island businesses have strong representation at the state legislature while maintaining the local focus of individual chambers.

The best chamber for your business depends on your location and business goals. For statewide reach and influence, consider the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (GPCC), which serves as Rhode Island's only statewide chamber. For regional focus, join the chamber serving your area: Northern Rhode Island Chamber (Lincoln, Pawtucket, Woonsocket area), Central RI Chamber (Warwick, Cranston, Coventry), Newport County Chamber, East Bay Chamber (Barrington, Bristol, Warren), or Southern Rhode Island chambers. Many businesses benefit from joining both a local chamber for community connections and GPCC for statewide advocacy. Contact individual chambers to discuss membership benefits specific to your industry and location.

Chamber membership costs vary by organization and are typically calculated based on business size and number of employees. The Central Rhode Island Chamber uses a formula based on employee count, with enhanced premier member levels offering additional benefits and advertising opportunities. The Ocean Community Chamber charges a one-time processing fee for new members plus an annual enrollment fee. Membership fees are tax-deductible business expenses. Most chambers offer tiered membership levels ranging from small business memberships to corporate sponsorships. Contact your local chamber directly for specific pricing information tailored to your business size and needs. Many chambers also offer payment plans to make membership more accessible.

Rhode Island chambers offer over 100 annual networking events and programs. Regular events include First Friday Coffee (monthly morning networking), Business After Hours (evening social events), Network @ Noon (midday connections), and Young Professionals groups for emerging leaders. The Central RI Chamber hosts "Beyond the Business Card" monthly meet-ups and LEADS Lunch sessions. Signature annual events include legislative luncheons, annual meetings, business expos (like the Ocean State Business Expo), awards programs (Chamber Choice Awards), ribbon cuttings for new businesses, and community celebrations like the Taste of Southern Rhode Island. Members of the United Chambers partnership in southern Rhode Island receive 3 free Business After Hours attendances per year at each partner chamber, expanding networking opportunities across the region.

Rhode Island offers extensive small business resources. The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation provides grants, loans, tax incentives (some of the most aggressive in the nation), regulatory streamlining, and up to $5,000 for patent filing expenses. The Rebounds Technical Assistance Program (administered by Skills for RI) offers up to $10,000 in services to help businesses recover and thrive. The U.S. Small Business Administration (380 Westminster Street, Providence) provides loans, seminars, and counseling. The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC) offers workshops, planning assistance, and online/in-person support. Additional programs include SupplyRI (connecting local suppliers to larger institutions), Workplace Accessibility Grants, and export assistance through Bryant University's Chafee Center partnership.

The Cranston Chamber of Commerce closed several years ago. Cranston businesses are now served by the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce (3288 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886, phone 401-732-1100). The Central RI Chamber has strengthened its Cranston outreach and works closely with Cranston business leaders. Mayor Kenneth Hopkins stated that "The Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce plays a critical role in fostering a thriving business environment in our city and across the state." Keith Traversie works part-time for the Central RI Chamber as the "Cranston ambassador" and can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 401-732-1100. The Central RI Chamber's core service areas include Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry, West Greenwich, and Cranston.

Rhode Island chambers advocate for businesses at local, state, and federal levels through the Chamber of Commerce Coalition representing over 7,500 businesses. The coalition employs a shared lobbyist at the Rhode Island State House to advocate on critical issues including regulatory relief, tax incentives, workforce development, healthcare costs, and economic policy. The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) serves as a powerful advocate for business-friendly policies, working on legislative initiatives affecting the entire state. Individual chambers also engage with municipal governments on local issues such as zoning, permitting, and community development. Chambers monitor important legislation, provide advocacy updates to members, organize legislative luncheons where members can meet elected officials, and mobilize member businesses to participate in the legislative process when critical votes occur.

The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce) serves a unique two-state region spanning Westerly, Rhode Island and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. The meandering Pawcatuck River marks the legal boundary between the two states, creating what local officials describe as "two states, two towns, one state of mind." The chamber has served this border community since 1956 incorporation. This arrangement may be one-of-a-kind, as Connecticut policy coordinator Dan Morely noted he's not aware of any other Connecticut municipalities that share a downtown with an interstate neighbor. The communities celebrate their unique bond with the annual Westerly-Pawcatuck Columbus Day Parade (75+ years), the only known two-state parade, which crosses state lines from Westerly High School into Connecticut.

Rhode Island chambers are deeply involved in workforce development to ensure employers have the talent needed to compete and grow. The Northern Rhode Island Chamber operates a Career Academy designed to prepare a new generation of Rhode Island workers, partnering with Rhode Island College and the RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner for collaborative sessions with local business leaders. The chamber promotes 21st century development programs focusing on career readiness and skills training. Chambers advocate for aggressive employment and training tax credit programs (some of the most competitive in the nation). The Greater Providence Chamber works on workforce development policy at the state level. Many chambers partner with Skills for Rhode Island's Future (SkillsRI), which connects employers with trained workers and provides technical assistance. Chambers also host professional development workshops, educational seminars, and training programs to help existing employees advance their skills.

Getting involved with your local Rhode Island chamber starts with membership. Visit the chamber's website or call their office to inquire about membership levels and benefits. Once you join, attend networking events like First Friday Coffee, Business After Hours, or Network @ Noon to connect with other business professionals. Volunteer to serve on committees focusing on areas like advocacy, events, membership, or economic development. Participate in chamber programs such as ribbon cuttings, business expos, and educational workshops. Consider sponsoring events or advertising in chamber publications to increase your business visibility. Attend legislative luncheons to stay informed on policy issues affecting your business. Join young professional groups if you're an emerging leader. Take advantage of member-to-member discount programs and use the chamber directory to build business relationships. The more actively you participate, the greater value you'll receive from your membership investment.

Last updated on November 27, 2025