Book Enterprises was days away from leaving the South Coast for Stoughton, Mass., when owner Jason Zutaut made one last call looking for an inexpensive space that would keep his wholesale book business and its 72 employees closer to home. May 19

Making R.I. fertile for social ventures

Rhode Island lawmakers recently passed legislation designed to attract a broader range of investments in limited-liability companies with nonprofit missions. The measure creates a new corporate structure – the low-profit, limited-liability company, or “L3C” – with the policy goal of making Rhode Island the Silicon Valley of social ventures. May 19

Foam technology gives firm cushion

PolyWorks’ biggest problem last year was finding enough people to triple the size of its workforce. Business has been very good for the North Smithfield designer of foams, plastics and gels, according to co-owner and Executive Vice President Roger LaFlamme. The best news is that it is only expected to get better.# May 19

State must keep sight of long-term goals

Rhode Island’s taxpayers were hit with a couple major news stories within the last week, but in neither case should the state’s leaders be distracted from creating a positive economic-development climate in the Ocean State. May 19

G-Form named SBANE innovation winner

Providence-based G-Form LLC was among the 10 winners of the 2012 New England Innovation Awards from the Smaller Business Association of New England. May 16

EDC to hold ‘emergency’ 38 Studios meeting

The R.I. Economic Development Corporation has scheduled an “emergency special meeting” of its board of directors to discuss the future of 38 Studios LLC, the video game company the state has backed with a $75 million loan guarantee. May 15

Dawson named RISBDC state director

Adriana Dawson has been appointed the state director for the R.I. Small Business Development Center, RISBDC announced late Thursday. May 10

Betaspring seeking applicants for Fall session

Startup accelerator Betaspring is currently accepting applications for its Fall 2012 session. May 10

STAC hands out $1.4M in grants for collaboration

Research into fighting disease in shellfish and healing burns with vibrations were among eight projects awarded more than $1.4 million in state grants Wednesday. May 9