Keep Calm and Small Business On We’ve all heard the news that the PPP and EIDL programs are on hold for the foreseeable future. While this is discouraging, we want to focus this week's newsletter on help and relief programs that are available to NH businesses. There are new programs being developed by resource partners across the state and our SBDC advising team is working on developing webinars and other learning opportunities relevant to an economic downturn. NH SBDC has supported small businesses for over 35 years and we plan to be here for another 35!

SBDC Expands Advising Team

We are thrilled to announce that four additional business advisors have joined our team to expand our ability to connect with each business that needs our services. You may recognize their names, and three are prior advisors with NH SBDC.

Dave Boynton Belknap, Carroll & Grafton Counties Chuck Gilboy Merrimack Valley Region Melanie Patterson Keene Jeff Seligman Seacoast Region

NH BFA Loan Programs

The NH Business Finance Authority (BFA) has loan programs that support Granite State organizations. CAP Program Providing banks the ability to lend up to $200,000 to small businesses and non-profits across the state. CAP loans can be used for working capital, temporary needs, lines of credit, or long-term assets. These loans have rapid approval times and can be deployed in situations when banks normally could not lend. Temporary Loans to Businesses A direct loan program from the BFA in an amount up to $2,000,000. These loans are designed to be temporary in nature with a maximum three year term. The amortization rate is flexible, and the BFA can take a subordinate position to the bank.  In addition to the above programs the BFA is developing new resources that will be helpful during these challenging times. Stay tuned and c lick HERE for more information on these and other programs the BFA offers.

Go eGlobal Fund

The NH Office of International Commerce invites eligible New Hampshire companies to apply for the Go eGlobal Fund, funded through the SBA STEP Grant, to help directly cover all costs towards digital strategy development in global trade. An eligible company can apply for up to a maximum of $6,000. This is a limited time program and will be available until funds are exhausted!  Click HERE for more information

New Website Assistance Program

SBDC is partnering with Grafton Regional Development Corporation (GRDC) on an a NEW Website Assistance Program to help you create or update your website. If you own a restaurant, bakery, gift shop, or clothing store, now more than ever, you need to be able to connect with the public & engage with new and existing customers. If your business is in Grafton County, you may be eligible to qualify for a zero-interest loan, with payments deferred up to 6 months. Some businesses may qualify for FREE web services.    To learn more, visit GRDC or call 603-536-2011.

Tax Credits & Debt Relief

Don't forget that you may be eligible for tax credits and debt relief programs that are now available to small businesses. Here are a couple of links for you to research the possibilities, and don't forget to contact your lender and your SBDC advisor to discuss your options. Tax credits - the IRS & Treasury Employee Retention Credit and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Sick and Family Paid Leave Credits. Debt relief programs SBA - 6 months of deferred payments: existing SBA loans past disaster loans EIDL & PPP loans existing USDA loans (4 months deferment) USDA - 4 months of deferred payments: Business & Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

SBDC to Host *New* Webinars

SBDC will continue to offer webinars on pertinent topics during this economically challenging time. We are still working out the details. Watch for these topics in the next couple of weeks: cash flow management and marketing in an economic downturn, PPP forgiveness tracking (we are awaiting the SBA/Treasury guidance), creative resiliency for businesses and NH Employment Security options.

SBDC in the News

Thanks to our economic development partners for the shout outs promoting our COVID-19 website , advising services and webinars in response to the pandemic. We are especially excited to share the UNH Today article that highlights NH SBDC and the Center for Family Enterprise, both outreach programs of UNH's Paul College. #PaulPride

Stay Connected

Visit the SBDC COVID-19 website frequently as it’s being continually updated with new information. Request SBDC advising. We’re here and want to help. Share the SBDC COVID 19 website link with a friend, family member, or colleague if they own a business. nhsbdc.org/covid-19-assistance Follow NH SBDC on social media Facebook NHSmallBusinessDevelopmentCenter Twitter @NHSBDC

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.

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