Cybersecurity Initiative Launched!
NH SBDC and NH Tech Alliance have teamed up to equip small businesses with more cybersecurity knowledge and resources through our new Cybersecurity Initiative

The Initiative offers a web-based training program that guides businesses through cyber planning best practices. Included is a live workshop on using the Data Assured Cybersecurity Workbook, which is based on the above five central steps of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.

  • IdentifyCan you identify the assets and systems that are susceptible to cyber threats?
  • ProtectWhat basic practices do you have in place to protect your systems and assets?
  • DetectWhat do you use to detect someone or something malicious? 
  • RespondHow will you deal with a breach if and when it occurs?
  • Recover -  How will you restore your business back to normal and recover after a breach?

Live webinars will feature NH cybersecurity experts, beginning with Jeremy Hitchcock, Minim and formerly Dyn, and Ryan Robinson, Mainstay Technologies, who will kick off the series on April 13th. Register here.

New Cybersecurity eCourse!
The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses eCourse, developed by Khole Gwebu, Associate Professor of Decision Sciences at UNH's Paul College, launched as part of the Cybersecurity Initiative.

COVID Relief Updates
PPP

The Paycheck Protection Program deadline was extended to May 31st.

New borrowers who recently received their PPP 1st Draw will now be eligible to apply for a 2nd Draw once their covered period is over.

Microbusinesses (those who file a Schedule C with their 1040) may now calculate their loan amount on their gross income (Line 7) or their net income (Line 31). Choose between the 2019 or 2020 tax year, and only a draft schedule C is needed. Watch our video for more info (remember that the deadline is now 5/31.)
EIDL

Starting the week of April 6, 2021, SBA will increase the loan limit from 6 months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24 months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.

EIDL loans for businesses are 3.75% interest, and nonprofits are 2.75%. Also recently changed: Deferral of the first payment is 24 months from the date of the note for loans made in 2020, and 18 months for those made in 2021.
SVOG

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grants portal will begin accepting applications on April 8th for performing arts venues and movie theatres, among others. If your enterprise is eligible, register in SAMS now. A how-to video is provided on the SVOG webpage.
to learn more about your COVID relief options!
COVID Creativity: Gould Hill Farm

"We talk about planning, and [our business advisor has] been very, very helpful....Having SBDC has given us peace of mind. Just being the unique small business that we are, to find this resource for tailor-made advice, and to meet with somebody who can take us to the next level…it has just all worked out."
- Tim & Amy Bassett, Gould Hill Farm

Read more about Tim and Amy's story.
Tourism & Hospitality Summer Travel
Outlook Webinar
As COVID restrictions lift and warm weather arrives, the hospitality and tourism industry
is trying to figure out what the rest of 2021 and beyond will look like. Please join the NH
Division of Travel and Tourism Development, NH Lodging and Restaurant Association, the
Small Business Development Center, and the UNH Survey Center for a panel discussion
about the summer travel outlook.

Presenters
Andy Smith & Sean McKinley, UNH Survey Center - will present the key findings from SBDC's recent Phase2 Business Resiliency Survey
David Seiferth, Strategic Marketing and Research Insights - will give an overview of the
division research strategy, online research tool and summer outlook.

Tuesday April 6, 11:00 am. Free, but registration is required – please register here.
NH Energy Week
NH Energy Week activities takes place April 13, 14, 15, 20, 22 & 23.

Click for more information on the agenda and to register.
603 challenge
Many business community members have kindly reached out and inquired how they can support the SBDC. We are excited to share a fun opportunity with you. The (603) Challenge is an annual fundraising campaign at the University of New Hampshire that will take place April 9th – April 13th, and SBDC is part of the Challenge. Gifts made to the SBDC can be eligible for matching and bonus funds, making your contribution go even further. The (603) Challenge starts at 12:01 am Friday morning. Visit www.unh.edu/603 to make your gift. 
SBDC Webinars
Recovery & Resiliency Webinar Series
COVID Assistance for the Self-Employed, April 5 | 1pm
PPP Forgiveness Applications, April 23 | 1pm
Cybersecurity Webinar Series
Cybersecurity Initiative Kick-off, April 13 | 11am
Managing Cybersecurity Threats with the Data Assured Program, May 6 | 1p
Identifying Cybersecurity Risk , May 17| 11am
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Webinar Series
Intellectual Property 101, May 3 | 1pm
USPTO Resources for Entrepreneurs, May 17 | 1pm
Patent Basics, June 7 | 1pm
Trademark Basics, June 21 | 1pm
SBA Webinar Wednesday
SBA Webinar Wednesday
The SBA has programs and services that help small business owners start, grow, expand and recover. Get the latest updates on federal relief programs every Wednesday morning, 9-10am at this Teams meeting link.
Stay Connected!
NH SBDC is NH's premier business advising resource. SBDC's team of certified business advisors provides highly individualized, confidential advising and education at no cost to NH enterprises.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA ) and through assistance provided by the State of New Hampshire. The NH SBDC is an outreach program of the UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics in conjunction with SBA, the State of NH (BEA), the University of NH, and the private sector.