Our Matchmaker was a BIG Hit! |
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The week-long Virtual NH Matchmaker was packed full! Our annual day-long in person event was definitely different this year, but it was a fantastic opportunity for NH small businesses interested in government contracting. We did miss the buzzing room and hope we can make that happen for the next Matchmaker.
We held 6 virtual training sessions with over 120 participants, and opening speakers mid-week talked about Surety Bonding, Exporting and Manufacturing, and Cybersecurity. Best of all, over 300 successful one-on-one matched appointments happened between the 115 small business participants and the more than 30 exhibitors from federal and state agencies, large prime contractors and small business resource partners.
Thank you to our cosponsor partners SBA and NH PTAC, and to our long-time supporter of the NH Matchmaker, BAE Systems. It takes a village!
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Tips for Recruiting & Retaining Your Workforce |
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We plan to provide a series of ideas and tips from our business advisors to help you identify and retain your workforce.
Now is a good time to remember to post any job opening you have to the NH Job Match system at New Hampshire Employment Security! Why now?
Governor Sununu recently announced that those who are currently filing for unemployment benefits will be eligible for a return to work bonus if they take a new job and stay at it for at least 8 weeks. The bonus is $500 for a part-time job and $1,000 for a full-time job. The bonus program has $10 million dollars in funding and will be administered on a first come first serve basis.
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Recovery Friendly Workplaces:
June 3 | 1pm
The NH SBDC and the Governor’s Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative are partnering to help small business owners understand how being a Recovery-Friendly Workplace can be a win-win.

The RFW approach, which recognizes recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) as a strength and helps proactively support those who may be impacted by SUD more generally, can help you reduce costs, retain talent, and recruit new employees.
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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):
Paycheck Protection Program loans are potentially available only through community financial institutions until May 31st. Learn more on the SBA website.
Shuttered Venues Operators Grant (SVOG):
SBA is currently accepting applications for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant which supports performing arts venues. Learn more on the SBA website.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL):
The maximum for EIDL has been increased to $500,000. Loans granted in 2020 have a 24-month repayment deferment, and those granted in 2021 have an 18-month deferment. Connect with an advisor to learn more.
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NOTE: The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) application portal closed on 5/24/2021.
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2021 AmplifiHER Honoree - Liz Gray |
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The New Hampshire Women's Foundation adapted their AmplifiHer awards this year to celebrate the women and girls who have stepped up in ways big and small to support their families, loved ones, and communities through the pandemic. The Foundation received over 100 stories of resilience and creativity, giving and caring.
Liz Gray, SBDC's state director, is one of the 100 honorees. She, along with four other Honorees, was featured as a speaker at the GALA on Friday, May 21st. We are thrilled that the New Hampshire Women's Foundation recognized Liz Gray as a 2021 AmplifiHer Leadership Honoree.
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COVID Creativity - Studley Flower Gardens
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Like the flowers and plants they sell, Studley Flower Gardens, located in downtown Rochester, NH, has been growing and flourishing since 1928.
It is a business that’s been around for over 90 years and has required love, care, dedication, and vision, and clearly, Molly Meulenbroek and the rest of the Studley’s team have done just that. But, as any business owner can attest, a little support can go a long way. Read more about how Molly connected with the NH SBDC team to further grow her business.
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COVID Creativity - Manchester Ink Link
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Sometimes, there is one small thing we can point to that has completely changed the trajectory of our life. In Carol Robidoux of Manchester Ink Link's case, it was a letter.
"It all goes back to that letter. If I never got it, I never would have pushed myself to start a business," shares Carol, owner of ManchesterInkLink.com, a daily news and information community hub site. In 2014, with the information in that letter and assistance from the NH SBDC and NHES, Carol did just that. Today her site now receives an impressive 300,000+ views per month. Learn more about Carol's letter and how it launched her business here.
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Intellectual Property
Webinar Series

Patent Basics, June 7 | 1pm

Trademark Basics, June 21 | 1pm
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Many small business owners may have Intellectual Property (IP) as an asset but might not know it. What is IP? Intellectual Property is something you create: an invention, literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. It includes trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets.
Protect your Intellectual Property. Come learn about IP basics and ways you can protect your innovations as you transition from idea to product!
Presenters: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Cybersecurity Monthly
Webinar Series
Cyber Fraud within the Banking System- Get the Tools & Best Practices You Need to Protect Your Accounts, June 15 | 1pm
Presented by People's United Bank
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SBA Webinar Wednesday
The SBA has programs and services that help small business owners start, grow, expand and recover. Get the latest updates on federal relief programs every Wednesday morning, 9-10am at this Teams meeting link.
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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.
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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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