In an old, industrial neighborhood in Providence, Cooper-Lewis Inc. has withstood the tests of time and change. A distributor of products for the automotive, marine and industrial repair and refinishing trades, Cooper-Lewis has been at the same location for 49 years and has been in business since 1947. Owner Mark H. Freedman believes the expertise that comes with that longevity sets his company above the rest. more

In an age of digital discovery and social media, here’s something that more and more local businesses are learning: Existing customers can be one of the most powerful growth engines ever. One way to put this engine to work is to identify and harness the hidden marketing potential in your “rock star” customers. more

Rhode Island will receive $412,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of the second round of funding from the State Trade Export Promotion program. more

Susan Mocarski saw a problem and set about designing a solution: in this case, a boutique cape that protects commuters atop bicycles from both precipitation and perspiration. more

The keys to turning around Rhode Island’s economy are new ideas and workable solutions, according to a report released by the Rhode Island chapter of the Small Business Association of New England. more

Maternova Inc., a startup founded by Meg Wirth to help maternal health products get into the developing world more quickly and easily, won the grand prize in the LivePlan $10,000 Boost nationwide business plan competition. more

The U.S. Small Business Administration is teaming up with AARP and the Center for Women & Enterprise to host the Rhode Island Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day on Tuesday, Oct. 2. more

At the Business Innovation Factory Summit’s seventh year in 2011, 350 participants came from more than 150 different companies. Eighty of the attendees were CEOs, presidents, founders or senior leaders from within their organizations. This year, BIF-8 stands to outstrip its previous events with more than 30 “storytellers” meant to instruct, intrigue and inspire the 400-odd expected attendees. more

Margaret “Peggy” Farrell has been named the new co-chair of the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, the organization announced Tuesday. more

WASHINGTON – A Warwick company is among the first to take advantage of a new U.S. Small Business Administration online platform that gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their stories and showcase their successful and thriving businesses. more