Quonset takes the lead in supporting small businesses - by Steven King

At Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) our team has three main goals: create jobs, stimulate private sector investment and create additional tax base. In fulfilling these goals we work to attract and retain successful businesses and a diversified job base. Four years ago, we undertook a project in pursuit of these goals. The Gateway Offices were developed as a QDC initiative to provide modern, state-of-the-art office space for start-ups or other small businesses.

Located in the Quonset Gateway District, the Gateway Offices provide tenants with modern amenities, affordable rates, and the option of short-term leases, including a month-to-month option. Each facility includes wireless high-speed Internet, shared break areas (including an outdoor courtyard), a conference room, an abundance of natural light and multiple restrooms. 

The first Gateway Offices building was opened in September 2013 and was fully leased within six weeks.  In 2014, the QDC opened the second Gateway Office to similar success. Now, three years later, the demand continues and we are leasing space in the third Gateway Office building.  In opening the third phase we’re excited to welcome new companies but also to see our existing companies expand.

One of the first tenants at the Gateway Offices was R&D Technologies. Already a long-time Quonset tenant, R&D Technologies was ready for a new, modern space and the Gateway Offices met their needs. Already the go-to company in the Northeast when it comes to the 3D printing, this veteran owned entity prides itself on being Rhode Island’s only 3D Printing manufacturing company.

Showing phenomenal growth, R&D Technologies has been recognized twice by the Providence Business News as one of the fastest growing companies in Rhode Island. As we open the doors of our third Gateway Office building R&D Technologies will be moving to one of the suite-style offices in the new building this month. The new space enables R&D Technologies to have larger machines and the flexibility to grow their manufacturing space.

“The QDC has worked with us every step of the way on two buildings back to back,” said Justin Coutu, president, R&D Technologies. “When the opportunity came up to lease space in the new building we knew it was right for our company. We continue to choose Quonset because of the great partnership we have with the team here. On top of that we value the centralized location, the access to transportation and the connections with the local universities and business community we have built here in Rhode Island.”

Our goal at Quonset is to continue to provide our tenants large and small with the modern infrastructure and predictable business climate that they need to succeed. In fact, over 150 companies at Quonset have fewer than 50 employees. But no matter your company’s size, we want to help it grow and create more jobs for Rhode Islanders. There is still space available in Phase III of the Gateway Offices so contact the QDC team at 401-295-0044 extension 218 to learn more about growing your business at Quonset.

With over 200 companies, and more than 11,000 individuals working here, Quonset Business Park continues to be a leading engine of job growth and economic development in Rhode Island.

Steven King, PE, is the managing director of the Quonset Development Corp., North Kingstown.