Kiva is a non-profit organization that connects online lenders to entrepreneurs through an online lending platform. Crowdfund loans unlock capital for those experiencing underlying barriers to capital access.

The Rockingham Economic Development Center (REDC) is the Kiva "hub" for New Hampshire businesses. They can assist you by providing free business advising and technical assistance throughout the Kiva loan application and underwriting process.

Highlights include:

0% interest rate

No fees to the borrower

No collateral needed

No credit score needed

Loans of up to $15,000

For a high-level summary of the funding process or to get started with your application, click below.

Awards of up to $15,000 are once again available to restaurants seeking reimbursement for eligible equipment, infrastructure, and technology purchases made between November 1, 2021, and January 11, 2023 (extended from the original deadline of July 13, 2022). The expenses must be a result of, or in response to, COVID-19 in order to be eligible.

Amount: Up to $15,000.

Deadline to apply: January 11, 2023, 4:00 P.M

Eligibility: This program is open to New Hampshire-based restaurants, and is intended to aid primarily full-service, eat-in, non-franchise small restaurants. In addition, applicants must:

• Have been operating prior to March 20, 2020
• Be actively paying Meals & Rooms taxes to the State as a food service establishment
• Have annual gross receipts, including all affiliates, at or below $20,000,000 in tax year 2021 or not exceed annual gross receipts per New Hampshire location of $5,000,000
• Submit expenses for only New Hampshire locations

New Home First Program Provides $10,000 in Down Payment Assistance

First-time homebuyers can benefit from an extra low fixed-rate loan and $10,000 in cash assistance for down payment and closing costs.

NH Homeowner Assistance Fund Provides Up To $20,000 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 $20,000 to eligible homeowners to use toward their mortgage, property expenses, and utilities.

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.

Save Our Granite Stages Round 2 Provides Grants of Up to $25,000

Save Our Granite Stages Round 2 will provide grants to non-profit and for-profit New Hampshire performing arts venues that seat 1500 or fewer and performing arts production entities that produce in such venues. Venues and production entities that received initial Shuttered Venue Operator Grants (SVOG) are also eligible. The maximum grant in this category is $25,000, and awards are subject to a pro-rata share of the available funding.

Amount: Up to $25,000.

Deadline to apply: January 27, 2023

UNH Corporate Engagement Programs

The Paul Projects Corporate Engagement Program puts students in close working contact with companies throughout the region to solve real-life business challenges.

The types of projects include:

• Strategic Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Business Analytics
• Supply Chain Management
• Advanced Strategic Initiatives
• Small Business Development

For companies that are interested in participating in this program, please see below:

Small Business Development Center NEW and IMPROVED eCourses

The SBDC has reinvented its eLearning program, designed for prospective, new, and current entrepreneurs. The 30 new eCourses are approximately 15 minutes long and are housed on a fresh, more user-friendly platform. Each eCourse has a downloadable outline and links to relevant resources, as well as a transcription and closed captions.

eCourse topics include:

• Starting a Business
• Digital Marketing
• Financial Management
• Funding a Business
• Exporting
• Management
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

SBDC Phase 3 Business Resiliency Survey Results

Results from Phase 3 of NH SBDC's Business Resiliency Survey are now available. This is the conclusion of the three-part Business Resiliency Survey, conducted together with the UNH Survey Center. These survey results present valuable insight into the challenges businesses have faced since the start of the pandemic and have aided economic development partners and organizations in determining the best ways to help our local businesses.

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

Please reach out to us!

We can offer 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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