Armenian settlers in Rhode Island were involved in various kinds of business activities. They were grocery and gallery shop keepers, traders, artists and photographers, etc. They also established long-lasting family businesses. The Kazanjian store in Newport is considered one of the oldest companies in the United states run by an Armenian. It was established in 1882. The era of the Kazanjian store and its location on Bellevue Avenue in Newport took place during a time when the wealthy industrialists of America were building their mansions and importing hundreds if not thousands of European craftsmen along with European and Oriental accessories for their "summer cottages" in Newport. Kazanjian employed six to ten people. Kazanjian and later Bozyan filled an importing role, establishing a reputation as providers of rare and exquisite goods

In 1997 an Armenian graduate from Yale University, who was a Rhode Island resident, designed and began the development of Watch Hill near Westerly Rhode Island

In early 1900s Mr. Hairabedian opened his photographic studio at 193 Westminster Street. The Armenian Student

Association of America opened its Providence branch in 1912

As the population expanded, more businesses were established serving the growing needs of the Armenian community as well as professional services such as the medical offices of Dr. Arshag Der Margosian and the dental office of Harvard Dental School graduate Dr. K. Emirzian. In 1914 immigrant Caspar Rustigian. the first Armenian attorney in Providence, opened his offices following graduation from law school in Boston

By 1934, there were five hundred and forty Armenian-owned businesses listed in Rhode Island directories of which fort percent were groceries or food related. The remaining included shoe repairs, barber shops, tailors, bakeries and jewelry stores. By 1935 there were thirty-eight licenses of accredited Armenian doctors, lawyers, dentists and druggists in Providence.