Newsletter
NH GAP Fund
The Governor has authorized the allocation and expenditure of $30M of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (“flex funds”) for the New Hampshire General Assistance & Preservation (GAP) Fund to provide emergency financial relief to New Hampshire businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but that have been unable to access support from other existing state and federal programs. Learn more about who is eligible to apply and access the online application here.
Virtual Job Fair for Technology & Manufacturing Industries
The  NH Tech Alliance ,  NH Department of Employment Security  and  NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs  are partnering to provide virtual job fairs in the Technology and Manufacturing Industries.

Is your NH business hiring for a tech or manufacturing role?
Sign up for our virtual job fair held August 12th 11am to 1pm.
Claremont Savings Bank Announces Appointment of Brandy Blackinton as Senior Vice President
Claremont Savings Bank is proud to announce the appointment of Brandy Blackinton to Senior Vice President.
"Brandy joined the Bank in 2013 as Vice President - Retail Lending Manager, " said Reggie Greene, Claremont Savings Bank President and CEO. "In February, she was promoted and now manages our entire retail lending department including originations, loans purchased and sold, and the credit administration function, which includes underwriting and processing." continued Greene. "She does a great job for the Bank in her area of responsibility and will be a key member of the senior management team."

"I am thrilled to join the Senior Management team at Claremont Savings Bank," said Mr. Blackinton. "I look forward to the engagement with the team as we move the Bank towards continued growth and outstanding customer service."
SHS Alumni Association Parade Fundraiser
Raffle Ticket Suggested Donation is $5 each.
Prizes include:
(1) $500 Winner
(1) $300 Winner
(1) $200 Winner
(10) $50 Winners
Drawing will be held at the September 16, 2020 SHS Alumni Meeting.
To purchase tickets please call (603) 542-8987 or (603) 504-5702
Determining your FFCRA Eligibility
U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division launched a  new online tool  that guides workers through a series of questions to help them determine if they are eligible for paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). As America continues to re-open, this tool stands to help employees and employers to determine who is qualified for the FFCRA protections and benefits. 
The Greater Sullivan County Community Relief Fund Continues to Accept Requests
The Funding Steering Committee is still accepting requests for non-profits to access community relief funds. As the current state continues to evolve, the Committee wants to ensure that any non-profit organization in need assistance due to COVID-19 is able to apply for these funds.

We are asking partners to begin to anticipate their needs during the recovery phase of COVID-19.  Click here  to access the request form if your agencies has unmet needs of any kind, current or anticipated. Please reach out to  GSCPHN@hitchcock.org  with questions. 

More about the Community Relief Fund 

Click here  for a list of agencies who have been funded.  

Our most recent press release can he found   here .
   
A huge thank you to Sullivan County government, Region 1 IDN and our new partner Sullivan County United Way for their work on this project! 
Webinars from the Small Business Development Center
EIDL Loan: How to Apply, Accept & Manage Yours
July 27 |10am
What information and documents do you need to apply for the EIDL? What should you expect when you receive your loan documents? How will you manage your loan? Join us to find out more and ask your questions in this informative webinar!
Presented by  Chuck Gilboy , NH SBDC Business Advisor

PPP Forgiveness-Changes Under the Flexibility Act
August 3 |10am
We will share the most up to date PPP forgiveness rules, in preparation for you filling out your PPP forgiveness application. You will want to join this webinar If you have recently received a PPP loan or want a refresher because there have been so many changes along the way.
Presented by  Chuck Gilboy , NH SBDC Business Advisor

"New Normal" Marketing for Vital Growth
August 4 |10am
 Get all in on marketing in a COVID-19 world: why you should be doing marketing, and understanding your audiences’ new needs and habits. This is a comprehensive webinar that will push you to rethink and rework your marketing for today’s customers.
Presented by  Rita Toth , NH SBDC Business Advisor

Register for these and view the entire event calendar online here .
News from the U.S. Small Business Administration
WEBINAR: Take Your Business Global with Help from SBA – July 2020
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
 
Did you know U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico supports 12 million American jobs?
U.S. trade with our North American neighbors has quadrupled in the past 25 years. In fact, 49 U.S. states count Canada and/or Mexico as one of their top three merchandise export markets.
The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has modernized NAFTA into a 21st century, high-standard trade agreement with updated provisions for digital trade, intellectual property, financial services, and agriculture trade. It supports mutually beneficial trade leading to freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth in North America.
Please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) as we delve into what the USMCA means to American small businesses.
In this session you will:
  • Learn how the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) commitments and tools can assist small businesses to increase sales to our North American neighbors and our top trading partners.
  • Hear from SBA officials about programs and services that can help small businesses take advantage of these opportunities.
  • Join SBA's Office of International Trade's new Associate Administrator Lorretta Greene for an interview with HMA Fire, a Wisconsin small business sharing their export success story in the North America market.
This is a can’t miss opportunity to tap into SBA’s export programs and services and go global.
Sales opportunities in new markets are waiting for you!

PPP Extended - Applications Accepted thru August 8th
More time allotted for any small business or organization that has not taken advantage of the PPP Loan Program.
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds for payroll costs and other eligible non- payroll costs.
More than $100 Billion in PPP funds are still available. The recent passage of the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act allows small businesses to use funds up to 24-weeks and have the option of extending the life of the loan from two years to five. SBA will forgive loans if funds are used as intended.
Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
For more information,  visit here .

Disaster Loan Program Continues to Accept Applications for All Small Businesses and Private Non-Profits
The  Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal  is open to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19. This direct loan program provides long-term, low interest assistance for emergency working capital. Funds can be used to cover monthly operating expenses until normal business operations resume. Additionally, the EIDL Advance will provide up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) of emergency economic relief.

Webinar Wednesday @ 9am
Join us each Wednesday at 9am to get an update of our disaster relief and other programs and let you know about partner happenings and upcoming events. It is also a great opportunity to get all of your questions answered. We hope you join us! 
To join the webinar:
+1 202-765-1264  United States, Washington DC (Toll)
Conference ID: 120 391 006#
ServSafe Free COVID-19 Training
For 30 years, ServSafe has been at the forefront of preparing restaurant and foodservice workers to deliver safe dining experiences for their guests, while also keeping themselves safe. Because of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have developed a number of free resources aimed at keeping our workers and the dining public safe.
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