small business

Health Insurers Seek Rate Hikes for 2014

Kristin Gourlay — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:42:29 +0000

Rhode Island health insurers have filed their requests for increases in premium rates next year. Some small businesses and individuals could see some significant hikes.

Small businesses could see their plan rates drop as much as 20 percent or spike as much as 40 percent. But the average Blue Cross increase is expected to be about 15 percent. Tufts asked for about 13 percent.

Urban Farm Supply Store Draws Debate

Elisabeth Harrison and Natalie Jablonski — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:08:53 +0000

A new farm and garden supply store on the West Side of Providence has become a source of neighborhood controversy. Residents rallied Sunday in support of the business called Cluck!.

About a hundred people sipped coffee and munched on scones at the Sunday morning rally. They were there to support a new store that aims to supply small growers and chicken farmers in the city. Community member Alice Danahy says the storefront, which used to be an abandoned gas station, was an eyesore.

No Delay for Rhode Island's Health Insurance Exchange for Small Businesses

Kristin Gourlay — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:04:15 +0000

The federal government is pushing back the launch of an online health insurance marketplace for small businesses that’s part of the Affordable Care Act. But there will be no delay in Rhode Island.

The Bottom Line: Why the EDC is Sitting on $3.5M for Small Business

Dave Fallon — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:34:09 +0000

Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for a weekly business segment we're calling "The Bottom Line." Each Friday it looks at business news and themes that affect local business and the public.

This week Dave and Mark take a look into why it’s been a problem for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation to find local companies to share what’s ballooned into a $3.5 million grant for small businesses.

When to Listen

You can hear The Bottom Line each Friday at 5:50pm.