Funding and Resources for NH Businesses

Local, Regional, and State Resources

NH Small Business Matchmaker

The NH Matchmaker is a one day, in-person opportunity for those looking to grow their businesses with federal agencies and prime contractors. Here, you will be able to:

• Connect with ~30 federal agencies and prime contractors
• Re-engage with existing customers
• Network with 200 other small businesses and resource partners

Leading up to the Matchmaker, online workshops will cover key topics for small business suppliers, helping you make the most of your time at the event. Mark your calendar for December 16 and get ready to connect, learn, and grow your federal contracting opportunities!

Date: December 16, 2025

Time: 12:00 - 6:00 PM

Location: Rivier University, (420 South Main Street, Nashua, NH)

Registration: $125; Veterans $100

Child Care Aware of NH: Helping Employers Build a Stronger Workforce

Challenges in finding quality, affordable, and reliable child care can have a significant impact on the workforce. Child Care Aware of NH can help your employees to find child care, so that they can be better able to be productive and reliable workers. Child Care Aware of NH is a statewide program to support families with their child care needs.  

They provide free and confidential referrals that are tailored to fit the needs of each individual family seeking child care. Additionally, they provide families with consumer education to assist them in choosing a quality child care program. They also inform families about the NH Child Care Scholarship which can help to make child care more affordable.

The staff at Child Care Aware of NH can stop by a business to provide information cards that can be shared with employees. 



Child Care Aware of NH can be reached at 603-578-1386 x 2531 or ccrr@caphr.org.

NH Export Accelerator: Mastering the Canadian Market Cohort

Through a series of 5 in-person and online trainings in January and February, this program can help guide your business to take your first step towards international trade. Benefits of exporting to Canada include access to a nearby market, familiar regulations, and low barriers to entry for first-time exporters.

Businesses will receive personalized Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advising and NH’s Office of International Commerce (OIC) export coaching to help you build a complete Export Plan, become STEP-grant ready, and earn your Export Ready Business Certification at an in-person graduation.

The program will culminate with a New Hampshire trade mission to Canada in early 2026, supported by STEP funding in collaboration with the New Hampshire-Canada Trade Council.

Registration: $250 per business

Sessions: January 8^th (two sessions), January 22^nd, February 5^th, and February 19^th. Visit the link below for more Program Agenda details. 

The first ten registrants will be given free registration for the NH trade mission to Canada. 

Exports are an important and rapidly expanding part of New Hampshire’s economic prosperity. New Hampshire sells a variety of products to all corners of the world, exporting a total of $12 billion worth of goods and services annually. Overall, nearly 2,500 companies in New Hampshire export to overseas markets, with international trade supporting over 180,000 jobs in the state. U.S. Global Leadership Matters for New Hampshire – Facts & Figures – USGLC

UNH Paul Projects: Corporate Engagement Programs

The Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire invites businesses and non-profits to propose projects and work with student teams. These “real world” experiential learning opportunities help prepare students to excel in their careers, engage in their communities, and meet the challenges of the global business world.

By engaging with student teams on capstone projects, companies strengthen connections with New Hampshire’s flagship university, tap into student talent, and contribute to developing future business leaders.

Start-ups, established businesses, non-profit organizations, and government institutions wishing to engage a student team during the Spring semester are encouraged to submit project proposals (or problem statements) by December 31^st via the online proposal form.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program

As a business owner or non-profit leader, you may be looking for ways to grown in revenue and business impact. For established businesses, it can be difficulty to know what growth avenues to pursue and how to scale to take your business to that next level. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) is designed to help businesses like yours that are at this critical junction. The best part: it is a free program.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an intensive business growth program that has benefited businesses from all industries. The 10KSB program focuses on helping business owners (under 500 employees) and non-profit leaders, evaluate opportunities and find ways to scale for the next level of growth.

Although the program is intensive, and it requires an investment of time, most of it is done virtually. Only seven (7) days required on site at Manchester Community College during the first and last weeks of the multi-week program. Hotel accommodations and meals are provided for the on site days so there is never a cost to you.

There are four essential minimum criteria you must meet to be eligible to apply:



• Employ 2 employees or more (owner/leader counts)
• At least 2 years in business
• Grossed $75,000 in revenue previous year
• Be located in N.H., Southern Maine, or Northern Massachusetts

Space is limited. To find out more and apply, visit www.10ksbapply.com or call the 10,000 Small Businesses team at (603) 206-8189. 

New State Toolkit Empowers NH Communities to Build Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure and Boost Local Economies

The New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) has introduced RecReady NH, a new guide to help communities plan and build outdoor recreation projects that boost local economies and quality of life. The toolkit offers assessment templates, planning resources, and outreach strategies to move projects—such as trail expansions, park revitalizations, or water access improvements—from concept to completion.

Outdoor recreation contributes over $3 billion annually to New Hampshire’s economy, supporting jobs across tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail. By engaging municipalities and local partners, RecReady NH aims to strengthen community resilience, foster civic pride, and expand recreation opportunities statewide.

The Granite YMCA Workforce Development Apprenticeship: Now Enrolling for Spring 2026

The Granite YMCA is launching a new 10‑week Workforce Development Apprenticeship to address New Hampshire’s child care shortage and prepare future leaders in early childhood education and youth development. Participants gain hands‑on experience working with children from 12 weeks to school age, while receiving intentional training, peer discussions, and real‑world application.

Who should apply:



• Individuals seeking professional growth or career advancement in child care/youth development
• Those committed to fostering healthy, supportive environments for children and youth

(Applicants must be new to or returning to the child care/out‑of‑school fields after a break)

Program highlights:

• Training with field professionals
• Diverse program placements and real‑world experience
• Cohort collaboration (up to 14 participants)
• Professional portfolio development that includes NH Credentials
• Networking opportunities leading to full‑time employment

Benefits:

• Competitive pay: $18–$20/hour
• 35 hours/week for 10–12 weeks
• Child care assistance & transportation support
• CPR & First‑Aid Certification
• Technology provided upon request

Ongoing Regional Resources for Businesses

SEDC (Strafford Economic Development Corporation) provides business financing and technical assistance to businesses and non-profits for many uses, including workforce housing.

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Seacoast Chapter offers free and confidential business mentoring.

Seacoast SBDC (Small Business Development Center) offers free business advising and education.

CWE (Center for Women and Enterprise) NH offers consultations, workshops, and networking opportunities to help you reach your entrepreneurial goals.

US SBA (Small Business Administration) NH District Office offers loan guarantees to lenders that allow them to provide financial help for small businesses with special requirements. In addition to funding programs, they provide counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. 

National Resources

From Vacant to Vibrant: Strategies for Rural and Small-Town Renewal

Hosted by the NADO Research Foundation through the Economic Development District of Community of Practice, these three sessions led by Deb Brown of SaveYour.Town explore ways to reactivate vacant buildings, launch innovative low-cost business models, and build a self-sustaining network of entrepreneurs who mentor and support one another. 

All of the presentation recordings and slides are now available through the link below.

Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program

Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp are celebrating small business heroes through their Small Business Hero Program, awarding $20,000 grants to U.S. businesses led by owners 18 or older who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity. Each quarter, three winners are selected to receive both funding and valuable resources to help their businesses grow.

Nominations are open to anyone who wants to honor a small business hero in their community.



Deadline: The current nomination round runs through February 14, 2026.

Amex Shop Small Grants Program

Amex is offering 250 $20,000 grants to help small businesses grow and strengthen their impact in their local communities. To qualify, applicants must operate a for-profit, independently owned brick-and-mortar business in the U.S. with 20 or fewer employees and an established storefront in place before 2025. Grant funding can be used to help the small business grow and/​or innovate and support their local communities. Funds must be used during the April–September 2026 spending period.

Deadline: Applications are due January 16, 2026.

Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx have teamed up to create the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program. The program helps small businesses put plans in place to prepare for disaster and also provides immediate emergency funding ($5,000) when necessary. Businesses are asked to complete a four-step process to be eligible for funding opportunities.

Spectrum Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward is Spectrum Reach's commitment to inspiring and growing locally-owned businesses. The program awards grant packages to small businesses nationwide. These grants include:

• Complimentary traditional TV and streaming ad campaigns
• Creative services
• Educational resources
• Business-building mentoring and insights

Since 2001, over 2,200+ grantees have received more than $50M in media and services through Pay It Forward. In 2025, 255 additional businesses will be empowered through the Pay It Forward program. The program fulfills Spectrum Reach's commitment to foster growth and opportunity within our communities.

Deadline: December 31, 2025.

USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program

This program provides year-round funding to help rural areas develop essential facilities that support community services. Eligible applicants include public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes, with projects focused on rural areas with populations under 20,000. Funding can be used for constructing, purchasing, or improving facilities like healthcare centers, public safety buildings, educational services, and local food systems. Grants are prioritized for small, low-income communities that have a median household income below 80% of the state nonmetropolitan median household income. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, substantial community support, and complete an environmental review to qualify.

Deadline: Ongoing

Please reach out if you have any questions by replying to this e-mail. If you are looking for additional business support, we can connect you to other local and state organizations that offer assistance and resources, including:

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