FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2025
CONTACT INFO.
Office of the Mayor
Matt Paddock
(401) 612-7511
East Providence announces RFEOI for Oldham School Small Business Incubator Project
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – The City of East Providence has announced a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) from vendors to lead the development of the former Oldham School in Riverside into a small business incubator.
The RFEOI comes after the city recently completed a feasibility study. The study was commissioned to explore developing the site as a multi-use campus focused on a satellite community center and small business incubator/accelerator and was supported through a U.S. Economic Development Administration (USEDA) Adjustment Assistant Program planning grant.
The incubator will be centered on the creation of jobs through business startups and will provide a network of business resources to small businesses that will ensure a greater level of long-term success. The city is seeking expertise in developing mixed-use housing and multi-purpose community facilities, among other areas.
“Our administration has been working with the city’s Planning and Economic Development Department and our consultant, New Ventures Advisors (NVA), to determine innovative ways to utilize the prominent historic structure,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “The RFEOI is the next step in the city’s process to create a place for small business growth and development, mixed-use housing and a satellite recreation center.”
All questions, resource requests, and follow-up call requests must be received by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, August 15, 2025.
• Late August 2025, the Project Consultant, working with the City, will host an in-person site visit and interview at the Oldham School for all interested parties with City officials to answer questions and discuss the project.
• August 28, 2025, EOIs are due to the Project Consultant as outlined in the Submission Contact section.
• September 2025, the Project Consultant will provide updated status and response to the submitted Expressions of Interest informed by the City’s review and feedback.
• Q4 2025 – Q1 2026: The City of East Providence plans to release a formal RFP. This RFP will be administered via the City’s website and will follow traditional City RFP and procurement processes. Prequalified candidates will be invited to participate in this process.
For more information, please visit: https://eastprovidenceri.gov/rfp/2025/oldham-school-small-business-incub...
