NEWPORT, R.I. — Business owners across Newport County may get a knock on the door this Friday, Oct. 23, when the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce sends volunteer teams out between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for its annual Greater Newport Business Walk.
The effort is run by Connect Greater Newport, the economic development arm of the chamber. Small groups will stop in for short visits of about 15 minutes, asking owners to describe the local business climate in person. The teams mix elected officials from every level of government with business and civic leaders.
The chamber plans to gather what the teams hear into a report with recommendations. That report will go to participants, government officials and business leaders, and it will also be released to the public.
Owners who do not get a visit can still weigh in through an online survey the chamber is running this year on business trends and the outlook for the region. The chamber lists a contact address for businesses that want to learn more about taking part.
The walk is one of several programs Connect Greater Newport offers to businesses in the region, alongside a business retention and expansion program and technical assistance for owners who are starting up, expanding or thinking about relocating to the area. The division has also produced planning studies, including an April 2026 compatible use study covering Aquidneck Island and Naval Station Newport.
The chamber pitches the walk as a way to take the pulse of the regional economy. Its president and CEO, Erin Donovan-Boyle, said the visits let owners link up directly with government representatives, state officials and community leaders, with the goal of improving the business climate across the region.
Section: More Newport RI business news
Filed under: Newport RI Business News
