Newport County Development Council

Programs: The rhode island defense economy grant has been dedicated to the support of the defense economy in rhode island. This grant helped to establish the joint legislative defense economy planning commission, as well as the state's work plan for implementation of support for the defense industry and planning/preparation for the next base realignment and closure to take place in the coming years. Additionally, this grant supported economic impact studies relevant to the defense industry and areas of growth within that sector.

the regional economic development initiative in newport county and the east bay is a project that will implement the creation of an organizational framework, the development of an integrated website and marketing materials, and the establishment of proactive policies designed to further efforts for closer regional collaboration and the strengthening of the county's economic and civic vitality.

the main street grant from 1772 foundation conducted a historic structures and place inventory of the target broadway and central newport area, including an initial work plan for a storefront and building facade revolving loan program. It also developed a work plan for implementing a commercial design statndards ordinanance for the broadway and central newport area and initiated plans for a feasibility study to create a business improvement district as authorized by rhode island state law for broadway and central newport area.

innovate newport at sheffield school project entails the rehabilitation and repurposing of a former historic elementary school into a technology incubator and co-work facility. Located on broadway in newport's north end, the 33,000 square foot building will be rehabilitated to provide shared, collaborative space for entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups as well as private suites for small, established companies in the tech and creative sector.