Funding and Resources for NH Businesses | | Local, Regional, and State Resources | | |
NH BEA Tariff Resource Page
The NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) has developed a tariff resource page, offering information and strategies to businesses who may be affected. BEA is the central resource for businesses assessing the effects of tariffs, offering mitigation strategies and other ways to minimize the impact. For more specialized information, BEA recommends consulting with an expert, such as a licensed customs broker, on specific situations and questions.
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Add Value to Your Business by Joining Your Local Chamber of Commerce
Joining your local Chamber of Commerce brings many advantages, including building your networking opportunities that allow you to meet other local business owners, which can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and referrals. Other benefits include promoting and advertising your business and gaining access to resources and opportunities. Below is a list of the Chambers of Commerce that service businesses within the SRPC planning region:
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Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce: Services businesses in Dover and beyond, including businesses across the Seacoast
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Somersworth Chamber of Commerce: services businesses in Somersworth and Rollinsford in New Hampshire and Berwick, North Berwick, and South Berwick, in Maine
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Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce: services businesses in Rochester, Barrington, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, Milton Mills, New Durham, Strafford as well as Lebanon, Maine
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Free Graphic Design & Marketing Advising Offered Through REDC
The Regional Economic Development Center’s Design Advisor assists small businesses with graphic design and marketing advisement, including logo design, branding, marketing materials, social media development, or website development assistance. Furthermore, they offer business advising to start-ups, growing companies, and aspiring entrepreneurs in business plan development, financial planning, and marketing and design planning.
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NH Charitable Foundation Non-Profit Loan Program ($10,000 - $100,000)
The Non-Profit Loan Program is focused on strengthening non-profit partners and helping them have a greater impact in the community through sound financial management and greater access to working capital. Organizations may apply for a loan from the Charitable Foundation when debt financing is not available from traditional sources; or, in partnership with traditional lending institutions where the nonprofit may not otherwise qualify for debt capital.
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Loan Amount: $10,000 — $100,000 (larger amounts may be considered in special circumstances)
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Interest Rate: Generally 4% (dependent on the strength of the organization, proposed loan size, repayment schedule, default risk, and other factors)
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Loan Term: 1-5 years (there is no penalty for prepayment)
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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NH Charitable Foundation Community Grants Program (Up to $15,000 for 1 or 2 years)
The Community Grants Program is open to nonprofits serving New Hampshire and select bordering communities in Maine and Vermont. This year, the program will give special priority to organizations and projects that respond to an essential, basic need by providing resources that promote health, wellness, safety and belonging for individuals or families in crisis, including efforts that serve and collaborate with residents who face barriers to basic rights and the ability to thrive.
Grant Amount: Up to $20,000 for one or two years.
Deadline: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 5:00 pm Eastern time
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Amazon’s 2025 Small Business Grants ($15,000 - $20,000)
Amazon Business is awarding over $250,000 in grants and prizes to support 15 small businesses across the U.S. Eligible applicants must be existing Amazon Business customers with annual revenues of $1 million or less and at least one purchase made through Amazon Business in the 12 months prior to May 1, 2025.
Grant Amount: One grand prize winner will receive a $25,000 grant, while four finalists will receive $20,000 each, and 10 semi-finalists will get $15,000. Additional rewards include Business Prime memberships, Amazon devices, office supplies, and up to $3,000 in reward points.
Deadline: Applications are due by May 23, 2025.
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Faire Small Business Grant ($5,000)
Faire, an online wholesale marketplace, is providing $5,000 grants to select new retail businesses to help them stock their stores and cover their inventory expenses. Grants are awarded as Faire.com credit, which must be used within six months for inventory purchases on the platform. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S.-based and have opened their retail store in 2024 or plan to open this year.
Grant Amount: $5,000 (awarded as credit on Faire.com)
Deadline: Applications for this cycle are open through March 31, 2025. Recipients will be announced July 31, 2025.
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The Freed Fellowship Grant
Every month, the Freed Fellowship Grant provides a $500 grant to a US-based company to invest in their existing business, no strings attached. Selected businesses are also eligible to receive an additional end-of-year grant of $2,500. In addition, the selected business receives feedback and recommendations to help grow their business. Each business is reviewed based on the 5C Framework, which analyzes five key components that successful businesses need to navigate:
- Context - Why is the market in your favor?
- Content - What's your compelling core narrative?
- Community - Have you found or created a community?
- Chemistry - Have you found your special sauce?
- Commerce - How do you make money?
Grant Amount: $500 (with the potential to receive a $2,500 grant if selected)
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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Monthly Amber Grants ($10,000 - $25,000)
Every Month, WomensNet awards three $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses: the Monthly Amber Grant, Monthly Startup Grant, and the Business Category Grant. In addition, at the end of each year, monthly grant winners are eligible to receive one of three $25,000 annual grants.
For the Business Category Grant, you are eligible to apply if your business falls into one of the following specific categories:
- May – Mental and Emotional Support
- June - Business Support Service
- July – Animal Services
Deadline: Varies by grant. See website for more details.
Grant Amounts: $10,000 (for the monthly grants), and $25,000 (for the annual grants).
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Free Resources for Businesses From the IRS
In support of National Small Business Week, and in partnership with the Small Business Administration, IRS will be hosting a free webinar called "Small Business, Big Tools: Free Resources from the IRS That Will Lead to Success". Register for the May 8 webinar to learn:
- How to use IRS tools made for small businesses
- Where to get free help when you run into tax problems
- How the SBA and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act give your business a voice
- Simple tips to stay ready for tax time
- Resources related to regulatory enforcement and fairness
- How to get help from the Office of the National Ombudsman and the Taxpayer Advocate Service
Date: May 8th, 2pm Eastern Time
Additionally, in celebration of National Small Business Week (May 4-10, 2025) the IRS is featuring useful tax-related tools and resources to help small business owners, employers and self-employed individuals succeed. Bookmark the IRS Small Business Week page for more information.
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13th New Hampshire Business Day Luncheon
The 13th New Hampshire Business Day Luncheon will provide members of the New Hampshire
business community an opportunity to hear from top government officials and key
congressional leaders about important federal programs and issues impacting our state. Later in the day, Senator Shaheen, along with the New Hampshire State Society and the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, will be hosting the Experience New Hampshire reception to showcase the state’s tourism, hospitality, fine arts and diverse food and beverage products.
Date: The event this year will be Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm in Washington, DC.
Admission: Free
| | We encourage you to reach out if you have any comments or questions! Furthermore, if you are looking for additional business support, we can connect you to other local and state organizations that offer assistance and resources, including: | | Did someone forward this e-mail to you? Subscribe to the distribution list. | | | | |
