Business Beat: Robert Piechota announced as new Rhode Island District Director for the SBA

Photo: 2nd from right, Robert Piechota

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has selected Robert Piechota to be the District Director for the agency’s Rhode Island District Office. Piechota comes to the Ocean State after serving as the Deputy District Director in SBA’s Delaware office, and the Branch Manager of the Long Island office prior to that.

A U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate, Piechota has over 25 years of experience in business working both in small business as an entrepreneur operating his own small business in Connecticut, as well as big business working within a Fortune 100 company.  Additionally, Piechota brings almost a decade of experience as a leader in the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) world, having been the Director at the Brooklyn SBDC at the NYC College of Technology.

The RI District Office, SBA

Leading the Rhode Island District Office’s team of six employees, Piechota is focused on bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the state’s small business community.  Ensuring the more than 100,000 small businesses in the state are aware of and have access to the vast array of programs and services the SBA has at its disposal to help them start and grow. The statewide office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. They also work to connect businesses to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

The office serves all 5 counties in Rhode Island, and is located at 380 Westminster St., Room 511, in downtown Providence. Hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: 401-528-4561. Link to RI’s SBA office – HERE