Rhode Island Small Business Development Center
Provides advice and counsel on all aspects of business development. Rhode Island SBDC is located at: University of Rhode Island, Carlotti Administration Building, 75 Lower College rd., Kingston, RI 02881. Phone: 401-874-SBDC (7232)
RI Department of Health, Center for Food Protection - New Establishments Business Fast Start Project
A collaboration of Rhode Island agencies to improve the business registration process. The Master Application is a single point of entry for new business owners to obtain, submit and pay for state license and permit applications. The Master Application Pilot will allow business owners who will be starting retail or food establishments to utilize the website.
RI Department of Health, Center for Food Protection - New/Renovated Food Establishment Requirements. To apply for a permit to operate a food business all of the following must be completed:
- City/Town zoning approval received for operating a food establishment.
- If existing on-site sewage disposal system, date new system plans or "System Suitability Determination" application approved. RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM) (401-222-2306).
- If new on-site sewage disposal system, date "Conformance Issued" by the Department of Environmental Management. This follows an on-site inspection.
- If on-site water supply, date "Final Approval" granted by the Division of Drinking Water Quality (401-222-6867). This follows on-site inspection and satisfactory water sample results.
- License/registration fee(s) submitted to the Office of Food Protection (401-222-2750) at least 2 weeks prior to pre-operational inspection. Make Check Payable to: General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island. Note: Fees may be necessary for each type of license required. (e.g., MRK, FSV, DAR, REC, Retail Applications, Wholesale Applications, etc.).
- If new construction, 3 sets of plans (including plan review application and proposed menu) and plan review fee (fee will equal the license fee) submitted to the Office of Food Protection (401-222-2749). A plan review fee is charged for new construction and for renovations if the cost of renovation exceeds 50% of the value of the establishment. Make Check Payable to: General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island (Please note: The plan review fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Plans must be submitted at least 1 month prior to beginning construction. Plans must include all of the information listed in “Guidelines for Construction” document (as applicable) - therefore a copy of the DEM and DDWQ approvals should be submitted with applicable along with the food establishment plans.
- Establishment has the required number of "Manager(s) Certified in Food Safety" or individual(s) currently enrolled in a course and in the process of becoming certified. (Proof of certification or enrollment is required upon application submittal). Management has developed a food safety plan to assess, monitor, and control foodborne ill ness hazards.
- Plan approved by the Center for Food Protection (401-222-2749).
- Building permits obtained. (Fire Marshall, etc.)
- Construction is complete, all equipment operational, and written food safety plan completed for implementation. Call for a pre-operational inspection by the Office of Food Protection (401-222-2749). Approval to operate granted by the Office of Food Protection. YOUR LICENSE WILL BE MAILED TO YOU.
- Victualing/liquor license and certificate of occupancy received from city/town building official. All other approvals received. You can now open your food establishment.
All of the steps are needed for the final approval of your license to operate a food business in the State of Rhode Island.
License Applications
Retail License Applications
Frozen Dessert
Food Processor
Caterer/Commissary
Mobile Foodservice
Food Service - Nonprofit
Food Service
Vending
Market
Retail Food Peddler
Resort, Lodging, Camp
Resort, Lodging, Camp, Nonprofit
Wholesale License Applications
Frozen Desserts (wholesale)
Milk Hauler
Milk Processor/Distributor
Milk Producer
Food Warehouse
Bottler, Apple Cider, In/Out of State
Bottler, Canner, In/Out of State
Food Processor, Nonprofit
Food Processor
Shellfish Shipper/Reshipper/Repacker/Shucker Packer
Meat/Poultry Processor
Food Safety Regulatory Guidance
Food Processing: Guidance for RI State and Federal Regulatory Requirements (link url below) – This document was created by the University of Rhode Island, Food Safety Education Program, in collaboration with the RI Department of Health, Center for Food Protection.
Business Plan Development
Rhode Island Small Business Development Center
Provides advice and counsel on all aspects of business development.
University of Rhode Island, Carlotti Administration Building, 75 Lower College Rd., Kingston, RI 02881
Ph: 401-874-SBDC (7232)
Center for Women and Enterprise
132 George M. Cohan Blvd., Providence, RI 02903
Ph: 401-277-0800, FAX 401-277-1122, Email
Drinking Water Quality, Water Testing
RI Department of Health, 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
Ph: 401-222-5960
Export Trade Assistance
Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, RI 02908
Ph: 401-278-9100, FAX: 401-273-8270, Email
Rhode Island Small Business Development Center
Provides advice and counsel on all aspects of business development.
University of Rhode Island, Carlotti Administration Building, 75 Lower College Rd., Kingston, RI 02881.
Ph: 401-874-SBDC (7232)
Health and Industrial Safety Requirements:
Department of Labor and Training
1511 Pontiac Ave Cranston, RI 02920
Ph: 401-462-8000. FAX: 406-168-8872
Marketing
Rhode Island Small Business Development Center
Provides advice and counsel on all aspects of business development.
University of Rhode Island, Carlotti Administration Building, 75 Lower College Rd., Kingston, RI 02881.
Phone: 401-874-SBDC (7232)
Center for Women and Enterprise
132 George M. Cohan Blvd., Providence, RI 02903
Ph: 401-277-0800, FAX 401-277-1122, Email
Occupational Health and Safety Consulting Services
3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908.
PH: 401-222-5960.
Taxes- State and Federal Requirements
State
Tax forms, newsletter, and regulations. One Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908.
Hours of operation-Mon-Fri-8:30am to 4:30pm.
Ph: 401-574-8935
State Tax Identification Number
RI Division of Taxation, One Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02903.
Ph: 401-574-8935
Workers' Compensation: RI Department of Labor and Training
Ph: 401-462-8100
Payroll Taxes: RI Dept of Administration
Taxation Div., One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02903
Ph: 401-574-8700
Federal - IRS
Simplified Tax And Wage Reporting System Service
IRS Small Business/Self Employed Page
This link is very useful for small businesses and for general business information
IRS tax forms and publications page
Registration/Licensing
Trademark Registration, Office of Secretary of State
Corporations Division, 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904
Ph: 401-222-3040. Fax: 401-222-1309. Email
Basic Facts about Registering a Trademark, U.S. Office of Patents and Trademarks
Ph: 703-308-9000
Sources of Capitol
US Small Business Administration(SBA)
380 Westminister Street, Providence, RI 02893
Ph: 401-528-4561 Fax: 401-528-4539.
Commerce Corporation
315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, RI 02908
Ph: 401-278-9100, FAX: 401-273-8270, Email
Minority Investment Development Corporation (MIDC)
334 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903
Ph: 401-351-2999
Wage and Hour Laws
Department of Labor and Training
1511 Pontiac Ave Cranston, RI
Ph: 401-462-8550
State Agencies
Division of Agriculture, RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
Ph: 401-222-2781 Fax: 401-222-6047
Division of Food Protection
3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
Ph: 401-222-2750
State Labs, RI Department of Health
48 Orms Street, Providence, RI 02908
Ph: 401-222-5600
Federal Agencies
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), RI Resident Post
2224 Pawtucket Ave, East Providence 02904
Ph: 401-528-5284/5399 Fax: 401-528-5526
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Northeast Regional District Office
One Montvale Ave, Stoneham, MA 02180
Ph: 781-279-1675. Fax: 781-279-1742
US Department of Labor
1 Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
Regional Office
1 Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
Information on wage and hour laws: 617-565-2095
Information on health and safety requirements: 617-566-7164
Internal Revenue Service
J.F.K. Federal Building, Boston, MA 02203
Business Tax Seminar and answers to federal tax questions: 800-829-1040,
Tax forms and the "Tax Guide for Small Businesses: 800-829-3676
Small Business Administration
380 Westminister Street, Providence, RI 02893
Ph: 401-528-4561
SCORE/SBA
380 Westminister Street, Rm 511
Providence, RI 02903
Ph:401-528-4571 Business Information Center- 401-528-4688
