Is your business located in one of SRPC’s 18 communities and could benefit from regional data to help support your business operations? Check out our 2022 Data Snapshot, where you can find current data related to the region’s demographics, population trends, income, labor force, employment, and MUCH more!

Looking for data that is specific to your community vs. the region? Let us know by e-mailing nmoles@strafford.org as we might be able to provide this to you, if available. 

This is a workforce development coordination program that involves a partnership between state and local government, education, and industry. To administer the program, the NH Department of Education is working with Awato, LLC, to allow up to 1,000 high school students to take jobs offered by companies partnering with the state, each offering academic credit and up to $15 an hour. The state will then reimburse companies at 50 percent of that salary, up to $7.50 an hour. The reimbursement will cover 480 hours of work, equal to 24 weeks at 20 hours a week. 

In addition, employers will receive help with: 

• Finding students for open positions and building a future workforce pipeline
• Affordably setting up and launching internships

Employers can register now at www.awato.co/WAL. You can also reply to this e-mail and we will put you in touch with someone to help you get set up. 

Promoted by UNH, this is an idea-stage competition that invites students (as individuals or in teams of up to 5 members) from across the state to identify a pressing sustainability problem (as defined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals) at the state, national or global level, and develop innovative, sustainable, business-oriented ideas to solve them. 

No detailed business plans or financials are needed. Contestants are required to write a 2-page paper and create a 3-minute video explaining an innovative solution to the problem identified. The SVIC is open to any current full-time or part-time matriculated student (undergraduate or graduate level) enrolled in any New Hampshire university or college.

Winners will receive the following cash awards and the opportunity to work with UNH faculty and external partners to develop the ideas further:

Student Track Prizes Funded by Timberland

• 1st Prize – $5,000 cash
• 2nd Prize – $3,000 cash
• 3rd Prize – $1,500 cash

Community Track Prizes Funded in Part by The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and Alpha Loft

• 1st Prize – $10,000 cash
• 2nd Prize – $5,000 cash
• 3rd Prize – $2,500 cash

Office Space for Rent at UNH

Are you in need of physical office space for your businesses but do not want to commit to a long-term, high-expense lease? UNH offers private offices for rent located within Madbury Commons in Durham, NH. For $650 a month, you can get access to all the following:

• An office that is roughly 100 square feet and is outfitted with a sit/stand desk, an office chair, and small file storage
• Large shared co-working space with comfortable seating
• Small conference room for private meetings
• Access to the space is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Monitored with security cameras
• High-speed internet access
• Renewable 6-month leases available

Economic Revitalization Zone Tax Credit for Businesses

The Economic Revitalization Zone tax credit offers a short-term business tax credit for projects that improve infrastructure and create jobs in municipally designated areas. A business can qualify for a maximum of $240,000 and can apply for up to $40,000 per year for a total of 6 years. 

As of December 2021, there are 233 ER zones located in 76 municipalities. Here is the latest list of ER zones in New Hampshire, or use this map to locate the ERZs in the SRPC region. 

You can also watch this webinar for a detailed explanation of how this program works. 

WorkInvestNH

WorkInvestNH, sponsored by NH Employment Security, is a grant for businesses located in NH that pay quarterly taxes into the NH Unemployment Trust Fund. A match of dollar for dollar will be provided to employers who seek to improve the skills and expertise of their employees.

Grant money can be used towards:

• Structured, on-site laboratory or classroom training
• Basic skills
• Technical skills
• Quality improvement
• Safety
• Management and supervision
• English as a second language
• Other training programs that enhance the state’s workforce development.

Community colleges are often the trainer of choice for an employer’s training needs. They work with all industries and provide training technical training as well as soft skill development. Some examples of courses offered by Great Bay Community College this fall include:

Training for Construction and Manufacturing Industries

Certified Planning and Inventory Management

Excel Classes (All Levels)

Customized Training Programs for Businesses

Requirements:

• Minimum 1:1 cash match.
• Minimum grant allowed is $750.

Deadline:

The review committee is always accepting applications and there are no deadlines for applying. Applications are reviewed monthly on an incoming basis. Applications should be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the anticipated training start date. 

Once you have raised funds on your own, and have fleshed out your business model, pitch deck, and related requirements, the best way to connect with angels and venture capital firms is through a direct referral. Don’t have someone to refer you to the appropriate firm? Contact the Startup Concierge, promoted by Live Free and Start, to learn how to make a great connection. 

Live Free and Start is an initiative of the NH High Tech Council that works to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. 

UNH Talent Recruitment Resource for Businesses

Connect your business with talented undergraduate and graduate UNH students for internships and employment. Find seasoned professionals who are also UNH alums. 

NASE Growth Grant ($4k)

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.

Applications received in July, August and September will be reviewed in October

2022 WomensNet's Grants

There are several different Amber Grant options for women-owned businesses and non-profits. Filling out one application makes you eligible for all grant options.

• Monthly Amber Grant ($10k) - 1 winner and 4 finalists awards granted each month 
• "Business Specific Category" Monthly Grant ($10k) - September: Education & Childcare
• Mini-Grants ($2k) - Given away 12 times per year
• Year-End Grant ($25k) - Pulled from the monthly Amber and Business Specific grant winners
• WomensNet "Marketing Grant" - Hands-on marketing help to 2 winners per year
• Quarterly Nonprofit Grant ($10k) - Awarded 4 times per year to nonprofits

Businesses should be at least 50% women-owned for consideration. The business must be based in either the U.S. or Canada. And the applicant must be a minimum of 18 years old. 

2022 Seacoast Job Fair

A number of companies around the Seacoast are already signing up to participate in the 2022 Seacoast Area Job Fair! The NH Employment Security and other state agencies will be attending this event, presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, to provide information on various programs, as well as Apprenticeship NH and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. 

Interview areas will be made available should employers wish to interview candidates on-site. 

There is no cost for employers to have a table or for job seekers to attend.

Save the Date: October 12, 2022 (3 - 7 pm)

Do you have questions about resources, funding opportunities, or any other business-related support?

Please reach out to us!

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

Sincerely,

Natalie Moles 

Economic Recovery Coordinator

James Burdin

Senior Regional Planner

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