We all have a tendency to go into a lull over the summer. But summer is actually a great time to do a midyear review and make some smart moves for your business while your competitors are taking it easy. more

A growing Rhode Island energy beverage company started with one of those offhand, but perceptive, comments that rang true enough to launch a company. more

Surviving its first winter was a struggle for Providence Painted Signs, admits co-owner Shawn Gilheeney. But survive it did and Gilheeney, a Coventry native pictured above, and his company have been busy this year on their biggest project to date, the interior and exterior signs for the renovated Arcade in Providence’s Financial District. The company, founded by three local artists, is becoming known for its use of traditional fonts and has a growing client list of about 50. more

Confidence among U.S. small businesses climbed in May to a one-year high as the economic outlook over the next six months brightened. more

There’s no point telling Brenda Brock that the number of small businesses in Rhode Island has declined over the past few years as they’ve succumbed to state and national economic pressures. more

Most small-business owners and startup entrepreneurs hate wasting time. They know from experience that starting and growing an enterprise takes head-down, get-it-done dedication and efficiency. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to waste them. more

Before all the cash-for-gold businesses, Internet-loan sites and celebrity appraisers, there were old-school pawn brokers like Attleboro Pawn Shop on Pleasant Street in downtown Attleboro. more

Downtown Providence has seen strong growth in the number of new businesses in the past two years, the Providence Downtown Improvement District reported Wednesday. more

The U.S. Small Business Administration has appointed Seth Goodall of Richmond, Maine, as the administrator for Region I, the SBA region that comprises Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. more

For many small businesses today, digital communications – email, texting, social media and others – have completely taken over. In many ways, this is a good thing. It’s super convenient, efficient and keeps you constantly connected. more