Economic Development Commission

Making Westerly a Great Place to Live, to Work, to Grow, and to Play!


Welcome! This webpage is intended to provide all new and existing businesses in the Town of Westerly with guidance, assistance, resources, and information in dealing with local and state government.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

  1. To support activities that promote orderly growth and diversification of development that recognizes the natural characteristics of the land, its suitability for use and the availability of existing and proposed public and/or private services and facilities. [Amended 8-15-2016 by Ch. No. 1873]
  2. To support activities that promote an economic climate which increases the quality and quantity of job opportunities and the overall economic well-being of the Town and its residents. [Amended 8-15-2016 by Ch. No. 1873]
  3. To support local business activities by promoting the revitalization and development of all aspects of Westerly's economy.
  4. To support the implementation of the economic development goals and the intent of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and/or make advisory opinions should a conflict arise. [Amended 8-15-2016 by Ch. No. 1873]

Click to view the 2026 Meeting Calendar for the Economic Development Commission.

Minutes and Agendas are posted on the Open Meetings page on the Rhode Island Secretary of State's website - Click here to view

About the Commission

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) is a seven-member public body established by the Town Council and supported by the Department of Development Services. The Commission meets regularly on the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00PM ET in Town Hall.  Commissioners welcome your input and encourage suggestions. Please click here to learn more about the Commissioners.


EDC Volunteer Opportunities for Non-EDC members

The EDC welcomes volunteers who are interested in supporting the economic development of Westerly to participate on projects and initiatives that the EDC is driving.  If you are interested, please fill out this Application Form identifying your interest in volunteering to support the EDC and the experience and expertise you could offer.


Want to Address the Commission?

If you'd like to speak before the Commission or have questions for any of the Commission members, please email EDC@westerlyri.gov or contact the Westerly Planning Office at 401-348-2536.

The EDC offers support to local business owners in the form of guidance, assistance, resources, and information in dealing with local and state government.  The EDC provides advisory recommendations to the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Town Council on a variety of topics throughout the town, and such recommendations have been well received in the past. If you are interested in such support, please refer to the document below.


Business Resources
The Rhode Island Department of State is making it easier for you to start or grow a business in Rhode Island. Receive full-service support through free, customized packages that make it easier to apply for financing, obtain permits, grow your network, and get answers from government at every level.

The Rhode Island Small Business Administration (SBA) has developed many small business loan and assistance programs, special outreach efforts and initiatives to aid and inform small businesses. The SBA offers a variety of resources through its Small Business Resource Network, which includes partners like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE), and Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC).

The EDC has a created a Business Process Map to help guide businesses through the required steps for obtaining the necessary local licenses and approvals.

FAQs on grants for businesses subject to new virus-related restrictions

EDC Activities
2021 STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION
The EDC presented its 2021 Strategy and Implementation to the Town Council on August 16, 2021.  The Council was extremely supportive and complimentary of the EDC activities.  Click here to view the presentation.