GETTING A BUSINESS STARTED

Registering Your Business

RI General Law requires businesses to be registered with the municipality.

Business Registration is now done electronically online (Click Here)

Knowing the Landscape and the Players

Please see the pamphlet entitled Doing Business in Portsmouth, An Informal User's Guide. This pamphlet gives important information including key offices you may need to interact with and phone numbers you may need to know.

The Director of Business Development

The Town Director of Business Development (DBD) is the central point of contact for information on conducting business in Portsmouth. The DBD works directly with town staff and with the Portsmouth Economic Development Committee ensuring we maintain, for our citizens, an affordable community, that can flex to changing economic times while maintaining a high community quality.

Enterprise Zone Program

The Enterprise Zone Program, designed to encourage business growth and retention, had a sunset date in 2019.  For a historical perspective go to the Enterprise Zone Program.

Available Business Properties

The DBD also assists local business by maintaining a list of commercial and industrial locations available for sale or lease in Portsmouth.

Benefits Offered by Portsmouth

Why move to or work in Portsmouth? Learn more about what Portsmouth has to offer!

Additional Resources

See the following business assistance tools:

• RI.gov - For Business
• RI Labor Market Information
• RI Small Business Development Center
• RI State Business Portal
• Small Business Administration

Access the following taxation resources:

• RI Corporation and Other Taxes
• RI Department of Labor and Training
• Sales Tax Regulations