Treasurer James A. Diossa Proactively Returns $175,000 to RI Small Businesses

Published on Friday, November 15, 2024

Providence, RI – Today, Rhode Island General Treasurer James A. Diossa announced that Treasury’s Unclaimed Property division proactively returned $175,000 in payments to over 500 Rhode Island small businesses. Overall, Treasury has distributed more than $15 million through 19,500 claims in 2024.

“Small businesses provide jobs, drive innovation, and support our local economy. They often face unique challenges, and every dollar counts in helping them grow and succeed,” said General Treasurer Diossa. “"I’m proud that Treasury has automatically returned nearly $175,000 to small businesses across the state. This is money that was previously unclaimed, and we’ve taken action to ensure it goes directly back to where it belongs—without any effort required on the part of the business owners.”

“But the work doesn’t stop here. We want to raise awareness that other small businesses and individuals may have unclaimed property waiting for them. Our office is committed to returning funds to those who are owed, and this initiative is just one example of how we are making government work for our people,” continued General Treasurer Diossa.

Unclaimed property is defined as cash and other assets that the Treasurer’s office recovers from businesses, banks, landlords, safe deposit boxes, and utility companies when the owner cannot be located. The property is recorded and secured until it can be returned to its rightful owner. The Unclaimed Property division actively matches Rhode Islanders with their unclaimed property when possible.

Rhode Islanders are encouraged to visit FindRIMoney.gov or call RI Unclaimed Property Division at 401-462-7676.

###