Funding and Resources for NH Businesses and Non-profits | |
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NH and ME SBA Launch Rural ASCENT Program
NH’s Outdoor Recreation is a growing industry making strides across the state. Through an 8-week virtual cohort, the Small Business Development Administration (SBA) wants to support those small businesses by connecting them to programs and resources and most importantly, to each other. This cohort, which begins on January 4, 2024, is being offered to rural small businesses either directly in a recreation business (hiking, biking, skiing, mountain climbing, fishing, etc.) or a retailer that provides gear or apparel.
It is limited to 10 Maine businesses and 10 New Hampshire businesses that have been in operation for 2 years or less.
Deadline: Registration is first come, first serve. Space is limited, so sign up today!
Program Dates: The program will launch on January 4th and wrap up on February 22nd consisting of a kickoff meeting, weekly sessions after each module, and a wrap-up session.
For more information, contact SBA's New Hampshire District Office - Rachael Roderick at rachael.roderick@sba.gov or (603) 225-1603
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Grow Your Workforce and Train the Next Generation with ApprenticeshipNH
If you’re looking to build a team of skilled workers who meet your expectations, consider Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. These programs offer direct hands-on training from you, while technical training is provided by the Community College System of NH. Your apprentice will work closely with a mentor within your company, gaining valuable knowledge and building relationships to enhance your company’s culture.
The ApprenticeshipNH team can help you develop a customized Registered Apprenticeship program that fits your needs. They have the expertise and financial resources to guide you through the registration process and even help with the recruitment and screening of potential apprentices. Plus, they can connect you to resources in NH that can help fund the cost of on-the-job learning and related instruction.
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New Hampshire APEX Accelerator
As the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, the United States government is a customer that businesses of all sizes should consider pursuing. Hundreds of New Hampshire companies meet that demand, supplying the smallest components needed to propel rockets, to landscaping and snowplowing at government facilities. In New Hampshire, government contracts and subcontracts last year totaled over $4 billion.
Doing business with the federal government and state agencies is more complicated than the typical B2B relationship. Fairness and transparency require processes and protocols that take time and can be daunting.
The New Hampshire APEX Accelerator (formerly NH PTAC) helps navigate all facets of government contracting, offering free, confidential assistance to businesses of all sizes. The experienced staff works with a range of companies, from multi-national corporations involved in aerospace and defense systems, to a catering company that provides meals for the NH National Guard.
NH APEX offers training for businesses just getting started in federal procurement, to those needing specialized information about federal labor laws, Women-Owned Small Business Certification (WOSB), HUBZones, and cybersecurity compliance. It also sponsors Matchmakers, which bring together small businesses and the Prime contractors who need them to fulfill their federal contract requirements.
For more information about the New Hampshire APEX Accelerator, email govcontracting@livefree.nh.gov.
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Upcoming Workshops Offered by the Center for Women & Enterprise
For over 25 years, CWE has helped women launch and grow their businesses by connecting them with the resources needed to succeed. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, new founder, or existing business owner, they offer courses that can help you achieve the next stage of growth.
Upcoming workshops offered by CWE include:
12/20 at noon – Learning the Lean Business Model Canva
1/9 at 5:30 pm – Business Plan Basics
1/16 at 5:30 pm – Steps to Start a Business
1/30 at 5:30 pm – Marketing Strategy 101
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Voice Z Digital: Work With UNH Students to Help Fulfill Your Business's Marketing Needs
Voice Z Digital is a digital marketing agency that is made up entirely of University of New Hampshire students. They offer innovative solutions to address their clients’ most pressing marketing needs. Working with an array of New England clients enables students to apply their skills to real-world problems and provides small and medium-sized businesses with the services and personalized attention that they would get at a fully staffed marketing agency, at a fraction of the cost.
Services include: Digital Presence Audits, Social Content Management, Search Engine Optimization, Photography, Videography, and more.
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How to Choose and Apply for the Right Grant for Your Business: Free On-Demand Webinar Offered by CWE NH
Business grants are a sum of money that is awarded to a business without requiring the business to pay them back. There are many types of grants available for different types of business owners and for different purposes. However, with so many types of grants out there, it can take a lot of time and effort with very little return if you don’t know how to navigate the landscape. Though there is no guarantee of being awarded these funds, understanding which grants to apply for and what the best way to tell your story is will give you the best chance in the application process.
This workshop, offered for free by the NH Center for Women and Enterprise, is broken into 3 primary lessons:
- How to go about looking for grants.
- Must-haves for being successful when applying for a grant.
- Go-to websites for grant opportunities.
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2024 Best of Business Awards Ballot is Open!
NH Business Review's BOB Awards recognize the best New Hampshire companies in more than 50 business-to-business categories, as chosen by readers. These award-winning businesses are the ones that offer the best customer service, pay attention to all the details, have the most helpful employees, and, most importantly, are the businesses that you trust with your needs.
Deadline: The ballot will remain open until midnight on Friday, December 29, 2023.
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Free Financial Wellness Program Offered by Northeast Credit Union
Want To Learn How to Become a Workforce Financial Wellness Benefits Partner? Northeast Credit Union is launching a free Financial Wellness Program for businesses with 200+ employees. This is a new program aimed at preventing financial stress that can impact employees, the businesses where they work, and our communities.
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American Dream Awards ($1,000)
The American Dream Awards shine a spotlight on small businesses that epitomize the modern American Dream through their innovative solutions, outstanding community contributions, and commitment to sustainable business practices. These prestigious awards are available to all for-profit businesses operating in the United States. If you become a recipient, you'll receive a package that comprises $1,000 in funding, access to a small business accelerator, media coverage, and various other perks! Feel free to apply for one or more of the categories listed below that align with your business's strengths and values.
Sole proprietors are eligible.
Deadline: April 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm EST.
Recipients will be announced on a rolling basis, with announcements scheduled every 30 to 45 days throughout the duration of the program.
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For Non-Profits - Bank of America Charitable Foundation Grants ($2,500 – $50,000)
Bank of America is awarding grants for innovative, longer-term solutions that build economic self-sufficiency in communities. In 2024, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will issue two requests for proposals (RFPs) on the priority focus area of economic mobility:
Economic Mobility focused on the needs of individuals and families:
- Workforce development, education, and basic needs.
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Deadline: Applications accepted 1/22/2024 – 2/16/2024
Economic Mobility focused on the needs of the community:
- Affordable housing, small business, neighborhood revitalization.
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Deadline: Applications accepted: 5/27/2024 – 6/21/2024
Click here to learn more about the grants and the eligibility criteria.
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Verizon Small Business Digital Ready ($10,000)
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready provides free resources that can help you and your business grow. Discover self-paced courses, expert-led events, $10,000 grant opportunities, and more. Register for free and see why 99% of members agree that Digital Ready helped their business. Grant applications are now open and close at 11:59 pm PT on December 20, 2023. Register to learn more and apply.
Deadline: December 20, 2023, 11:59 pm PT.
Cost: 100% free. Any small business can register for free. No Verizon commitment is required.
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Chase for Business: Curated Coaching for Entrepreneurs
With Curated Coaching for Entrepreneurs, offered by Chase for Business, you'll get small-group (up to three business owners) coaching and actionable insights to help accelerate your business's potential.
Connect with consultants on your schedule, and get educational resources curated for your business. You'll walk away with a personalized game plan and the strategic tools you need to grow your business on your terms.
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Patagonia Corporate Grant Program ($10,000 - $20,000)
Patagonia’s corporate grant program offers between $10,000 and $20,000 of funding to nonprofits with missions to protect and preserve the environment. If you meet the grant requirements, you can apply today.
Deadline: They accept one proposal per group in a given fiscal year (May 1–April 30), with deadlines varying from program to program.
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Binc Foundation Emergency Financial Assistance
The Binc Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to bookstore owners, booksellers, and comic store employees and owners facing unforeseen financial needs. Eligibility criteria include specific employment durations and financial hardship resulting from qualifying life events. Binc's assistance process involves a confidential application and documentation verification, aiming to help individuals regain financial stability.
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Awesome Foundation Grants
Each month, the Awesome Foundation awards grants of $1,000 to individuals and groups looking to fund various projects. The Awesome Foundation is made up of 84 independently run chapters, with members contributing to a micro-funding pool that goes towards grant projects. Though funding is not limited to businesses, startups, and small businesses have been among the recipients of the monthly grants. Visit the Boston Chapter's webpage.
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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18th Annual Halstead Grant ($7,500)
The Halstead Grant is an annual award for emerging silver jewelry artists. Applicants must submit answers to 15 business questions in addition to their design portfolios. The experience is designed to help jewelry entrepreneurs create a strategy to kick-start their careers. The grand prize is a $7,500 cash grant plus a $1,000 Halstead gift card. Four finalists will also each receive a $1,000 cash grant plus a $250 Halstead gift card.
Deadline: May 1, 2024.
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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:
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