Rhode Island small businesses thrive in these counties Stacker Rhode Island News Canva - Total small business establishments: 16,074 (24.4 per 1,000 residents) - Share of establishments that are small: 99.7% - 2021 population: 658,646 #5. Providence County Canva - Total small business establishments: 1,307 (25.7 per 1,000 residents) - Share of establishments that are small: 99.8% - 2021 population: 50,800 #4. Bristol County Canva - Total small business establishments: 4,669 (27.3 per 1,000 residents) - Share of establishments that are small: 99.8% - 2021 population: 170,997 #3. Kent County Pernelle Voyage // Shutterstock - Total small business establishments: 3,718 (28.4 per 1,000 residents) - Share of establishments that are small: 99.8% - 2021 population: 130,880 #2. Washington County Ramunas Bruzas // Shutterstock - Total small business establishments: 2,779 (32.4 per 1,000 residents) - Share of establishments that are small: 99.8% - 2021 population: 85,662 #1. Newport County Canva