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Funding for Businesses and Nonprofits

NASE Growth Grant ($4,000)



Apply for a business development grant from the National Association for the Self-Employed! Since 2006, the NASE has awarded nearly $1,000,000 to members through the Growth Grants program by providing small business grants. Grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, expanding facilities, and other specific business needs.

 

Application Period: Applications received in July, August, and September will be reviewed in October.

Details & Application

Employee Retention Credit (ERC) - Claim Up To $5,000 in 2020 and Up To $21,000 in 2021 Per Employee


The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a refundable tax credit for businesses that continued to pay employees while shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic or had significant declines in gross receipts from 2020 and the first three quarters of 2021*. Eligible employers can claim the ERC on an original or adjusted employment tax return for a period within those dates.


*Recovery startup businesses are also eligible for the ERC in the fourth quarter of 2021.


Credit Maximums:


  • The ERC is worth up to $5,000 per qualifying employee in 2020
  • In 2021, this increased to $7,000 per employee per quarter (for a total of up to $21,000 per employee for 2021)


On July 25, at 2 p.m. ET, the IRS will be holding a webinar to provide an overview of the ERC.

Register for the Webinar

Small Business Growth Fund ($5,000-$25,000)


In partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and with funding from Etsy and Progressive, the Small Business Growth Fund provides small business owners the capital they need to make their next move. Recipients will receive $5,000-$25,000 grants to accelerate their growth and achieve their

goals in 2023.


Deadline: July 21, at 6 p.m. ET.

Details & Application

Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant ($2,500)


Are you a student? This grant is for you! One young scholar with an entrepreneurial spirit will receive $2,500 to continue their education from Incfile.


Requirements:


  • Must be a high school senior, undergraduate, graduate, or trade school student
  • Must attend a U.S.-based high school, trade school, or university
  • Must hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Must have an interest in starting a business


Deadline:  September 30, 2023

Details & Application

Fresh Start Business Grant ($2,500)


Receive $2,500 to put towards business startup costs and free formation services from Incfile.


Requirements:


  • Must be 21 years or older
  • Must be a U.S. resident
  • Must be planning to start a new business or grow an existing business in a significant way


Deadline: September 30, 2023

Details & Application

2023 WomensNet Grants (Up To $35,000)

 

Women business owners can get up to $35,000 in grants from WomensNet in 2023. This organization offers a variety of grants, including:

 

  • A $10,000 Amber Grant every month to a woman entrepreneur
  • An additional annual $25,000 Amber Grant to one of the preceding 12 monthly Amber Grant winners
  • A $10,000 grant every month to a “Business Category” entrepreneur. The categories for the upcoming months include:

 

Business Support Service (June)

Animal Services (July)

Hair & Skincare (August)

Education & Childcare (September)


  • One of the monthly “Business Category” grant recipients will also receive an additional $25,000 Year End Grant

 

There is a one-time $15 application fee. Only one application is required to be eligible for multiple grants.

Information & Registration

Military Entrepreneur Challenge


The Military Entrepreneur Challenge is a nationwide grant program that gives veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star family entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, learn, and compete for capital to grow their small businesses.


Six Semi-Finalists will be presented with a $1,000 grant. The overall winner of the Military Entrepreneur Challenge receives an additional $1,000 grant, a $5,000 PR package from the Second Service Foundation, and $25,000 of in-kind legal services from Holland & Knight LLP.


The next Military Entrepreneur Challenge will be held on October 4-6, 2023. Start preparing today!

Details & Application

For Nonprofits - Louder Than Words Grants (Up to $10,000)


The Finish Line Youth Foundation is awarding grants of up to $10,000 to organizations that make a difference in diverse and underserved communities throughout 2023. The upcoming grant cycle will be focused on “Safe Communities." Projects that qualify for funding include:


  • Programming or activities for participation in programs that emphasize public safety, building trust between communities and police, and/or reforming the criminal justice system
  • Improvements and/or renovations to existing buildings, grounds, and property or for new facilities and/or grounds
  • Emergency needs that would somehow be keeping the organization from providing current services such as natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances that require special funding to help


Application Period: September 1 - October 15, 2023

Details & Application

For Nonprofits - The Madelaine G. von Weber Trust Grants


The Trust funds charitable projects throughout New Hampshire that will have a lasting effect on the state and its residents. Applicants for this grant should demonstrate good governance, a sustainable program, strong community/board of trustees' support, a track record of valuable service to the community, and a compelling rationale for why the requested funds are needed. To learn more about what proposals have been funded in the past, visit this link.



Eligibility: 


  • Must be a New Hampshire-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
  • Areas of interest include Environmental and Conservation Initiatives, Music and the Arts, and Social Services


Deadline: October 15, 2023

Details & Application

Resources for Employers & Employees

SRPC'S Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2023 Update

 

SRPC has released the 2023 Strafford Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) update! This document includes data for the key indicators driving economic vitality in our region including economic growth, business operations, housing, childcare, and infrastructure.


Furthermore, the recently updated 2023 Regional Data Snapshot contains a region-wide analysis of data in the categories of demographics, economic vitality, livability and quality of life, mobility and accessibility, and resiliency. It is meant to be referenced as a stand-alone document, or in conjunction with SRPC’s core plans- the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), and the Regional Master Plan.

2023 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Employer Toolkit for Attracting, Developing, and Retaining Talent


Over one-third of New Hampshire businesses say that the recent labor shortage has impacted their ability to sustain and grow their organization.



To respond to this challenge, SoHo Creative Studio and the Seacoast Economic Development Stakeholders partnered to create an ‘Employer Toolkit’ - a resource designed to support local businesses in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. 

Employer Toolkit

Somersworth Master Plan Updates - Housing Chapter

 

The City of Somersworth is updating the Housing Chapter of its Master Plan and wants to hear from you! How does housing stand in the way of employee attraction and retention? What types of housing solutions are most appealing to employers? What housing solutions businesses would consider supporting in order to alleviate current housing impacts on employees?

 

Your responses will shape the plan for existing and future housing. We look forward to your responses!

Take the Survey

Upcoming UNH Hospitality & Campus Services Job Fairs

 

The University of New Hampshire will be holding several job fairs this month. UNH is always looking for talented people to join its Hospitality and Campus Services team. Full and part-time positions are available working morning, night, and weekend shifts. Look for your next opportunity with UNH Dining, Conferences and Catering, Print and Mail Services, Concessions, Transportation, and Campus Services.

 

Thursday, July 20, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Dover High School, 25 Alumni Drive, Dover.


Thursday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Hampshire Employment Security Somersworth Office, 6 Marsh Brook Drive, Somersworth.

Additional Information

Do You Know the Rules for Employing 14- & 15-Year-old Workers?

 

Planning to hire teens this summer? Know the rules first and avoid violations! The US Department of Labor (USDOL) has a self-assessment tool to help employers comply with these federal child labor provisions.           


In addition, the USDOL offers 7 Child Labor Best Practices for Employers!

Additional Information

Launch or Expand Your Business in Dover, NH!

 

Contact Dover’s Office of Business Development for assistance finding the perfect site for your business. Their team can assist you in site selection and provide access to business resources for business growth and expansion. E-mail the Office of Business Development for more information about how to locate or relocate your business with them! 

Dover's Office of Business Development

IRS Tools and Resources for Small Businesses

 

As a reminder, the IRS has resources and tools to help small businesses understand and meet their tax responsibilities. Furthermore, if you have any specific tax-related questions about your small business, reach out to us and we will connect you with a representative who can help!

IRS Tools and Resources

NH Homeowner Assistance Fund Provides Up To $40,000 Per Household


The NH Homeowner Assistance Fund provides assistance to eligible NH homeowners who have been affected by an increase in expenses or a reduction in income as a result of COVID-19. The program provides up to $40,000 to eligible homeowners to use toward their mortgage, property expenses, and utilities. NH Homeowner Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for past-due bills only. No forward assistance is currently available.

 

Eligible homeowners must:

 

  • Have experienced a COVID-related reduction in income or increase in household expenses after January 21, 2020
  • Own and occupy the property as their primary residence
  • Have incomes of less than 125% of Area Median Income
Details & Application

Do you have questions about resources, funding opportunities, or any other business-related support? What content would you like to see in our newsletter? Do you know of any resources that could be helpful to other business owners? Please reach out!


Furthermore, we can offer assistance or connect you with one of our many small business partners, including: 

NH Department of Business & Economic Affairs

NH Small Business Development Center

NH Center for Women & Enterprise

NH Small Business Administration

Seacoast Chamber Alliance

Sincerely,

Natalie Gemma

Senior Regional Planner

Economic Development and Land Use Programs

nmoles@strafford.org

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