InvestNH makes $100 million available to accelerate the approval and construction of affordable workforce housing in New Hampshire. It is a new, one-time flexible resource to benefit small and large projects across the state plus the municipalities in which they will be located. 

InvestNH is divided into 2 parts: the Capital Grant Program ($60 million) and the Municipal Grants Program ($40 million):

• The Capital Grant portion of InvestNH ($60 million) is for developers and owners of multi-family rental housing (3 or more units per structure) which will be used for long-term residential rentals only and are affordable to individuals and families at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for a minimum of 5 years. Program funds may only be used to construct new units.

• The Municipal Grant portion of InvestNH ($40 million) will provide grants to communities that approve these projects, grants to update or review zoning, and dilapidated building demolition grants. At this time, the state has not released guidelines or application dates for this portion of the program. We will have more information on it by late July or early August.

PLEASE READ THESE IMPORTANT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND WAYS IN WHICH SRPC CAN HELP:

 Application period for the Capital Grant program is open from July 11 to September 2, 2022 

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) - August: Hair Care & Products
• 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.  

Apply by Sunday, July 31, for the next Monthly Amber Grant.

Free Cybersecurity Reviews

Small and medium sized businesses have a high risk of falling victim to a cybersecurity attack. They often have limited resources to protect themselves. The NH SBDC and NH Tech Alliance saw that need and created the Cybersecurity Review program.

Businesses in New Hampshire can meet with a cybersecurity expert and receive a customized action plan to start protecting your organization immediately. 

These reviews are provided at no cost, thanks to CARES Act Funding:

• A one-on-one meeting with a cybersecurity expert to review your current practices
• A follow up meeting with a written report detailing easy to follow action steps to protect your business
• Access to educational videos

Apply by Monday, August 15th, 2022

The Small Business Development Center's Financial Accelerator Marketing Expeditor (FAME) is offering up to 5 hours of legal assistance with attorney consultants at no cost to businesses! Receive help with: 

• Corporate governance documents
• Trademark application analysis and filing of initial application
• Review of commercial loan documents
• Review of commercial lease documents
• Preliminary planning for private offerings/angel financing (up to drafting of term sheet)
• Preliminary planning for buying or selling a business (up to drafting of term sheet or letter of intent)

Apply by Monday, August 15th, 2022

The Pitchfork Challenge ($10k)

The PitchFork Challenge provides money and momentum for rural entrepreneurs in the form of a friendly business pitch competition. Rural entrepreneurs are coached to create a compelling pitch describing their business opportunity in pursuit of a cash award. Ultimately, one business owner is chosen to receive a $10,000 cash prize every year. This year, the PitchFork Challenge is going national.

Eligibility:

• Business must be located in a town with a population of 30,000 or less
• Business must be for-profit and is currently earning revenue
• May not have won the PitchFork Challenge Rural Small Business Track in previous years
• May not have raised more than $250,000 in funding
• May not have earned more than $250,000 in past year revenue

Application Requirements:

• Company Logo
• Company Tax Filing 2021
• Profit & Loss Statement
• Current Balance Sheet
• Cash Flow Projections for 2022
• Business Plan

Awards:

• $10,000
• National print and digital media coverage
• Valuable pitching and business skills
• Networking opportunities with potential funders, customers, and peers
• The support of your cohort and Program Director

Apply by Monday, July 25

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce 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 present to provide information on various programs, as well as Apprenticeship NH and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. 

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

Please fill out a 3-question poll to tell us how we can improve! 

Business Excellence Award Nominations

NH Business Review's Business Excellence Awards, presented by People's United, recognize the imagination, industriousness, innovation and achievements of business owners and operators in New Hampshire. The Business Excellence Awards — awarded in nine different categories — honor owners and operators of New Hampshire-based businesses.

Winners will be recognized at an evening reception at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH on October 2022. This year, they are honoring businesses with less than 100 employees. Those with more than 100 employees may choose to nominate a top executive of a division (rather than the company's CEO, etc.)

The nomination form consists of two sections:

• The first will identify your nominee and who you are as the nominator
• The second will ask that you tell us why that person should be considered for the award

Submit a Nomination by August 12, 2022

The Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program is a national philanthropic effort to support small, independent food and beverage businesses. BTAD offers entrepreneurs opportunities to learn from expert coaches, network with each other, and benefit from occasional promotions through Sam Adams' channels. 

Want to be the first to hear about Brewing the American Dream opportunities?

Sign up for their newsletter

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

Tyler Distefano

Economic Development Intern

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