City of East Providence focuses on small business support, hires new planner

East Providence, RI – The City of East Providence continues to support its small businesses.

The City of East Providence has hired Tristan Jimerson as its new Business Development & Economic Opportunity Coordinator/Planner I.

Jimerson will work under the direction of the Planning and Economic Development Department Director Keith A. Brynes, and will support the growth of the East Providence business community through partnerships with employers, educators, economic developers and other community-based organizations. Jimerson, together with other department staffers, will also guide small businesses through the challenges of the Washington Bridge closure as well as our several American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and grant funding opportunities.

“With the growing number of small and medium-sized businesses in East Providence, it is necessary to have a dedicated team on staff who can advocate for and collaborate with the businesses in our city especially during these challenging times of the Washington Bridge closure,” Mayor Roberto DaSilva said. “The city’s Economic Opportunity Coordinator knows first-hand the challenges and excitement of running a small business as Tristian was himself a small business owner.”

In his new role, Jimerson will be tasked with supporting our businesses at every stage of growth from startup to expansion and collaborate to provide businesses with the resources they need to succeed.”

Jimerson, has spent the last 15 years working with small businesses in both advisory and ownership positions. He brings his hand-on experience to the City of East Providence by serving as a liaison between the city and local business sector. Prior to joining the City of East Providence, Jimerson worked as a Business Advisor for the Neighborhood Development Center and as an entrepreneur himself, he ran his own restaurant for eight years.

A recent transplant from Minnesota, Jimerson welcomes the chance to assist local businesses as well as the milder winter.


In his free time, Jimerson and his family have been enjoying exploring all that his new hometown has to offer. He is currently seeking restaurant recommendations.