Resources

Resources

General
Stay Work Play's Insider's Guide to Greater Nashua

NRPC Traffic Count Viewer - Each year, NRPC conducts well over 100 traffic counts at locations throughout the region.  The NRPC Traffic Count viewer is an ArcGIS Online app with the following functionality: Data is available from 2010-present; Site locations are symbolized by relative volume; Site ID is displayed and is searchable using the search box; AM and PM volumes are available; Dates of the count are displayed; Counts over time are shown in the chart; and Links to initial field reports are provided.

Living Wage Calculator for Manchester-Nashua - The Living Wage Calculator is meant to help individuals, communities, employers, and others estimate the local wage rate that a full-time worker requires to cover the costs of their family’s basic needs where they live. 

Fourth Economy Community Index - The Community Index measures US counties in investment, talent, sustainability, place, and diversity to help evaluate community vibrancy. These indicators are signs that communities and economies are growing stronger. Fourth Economy is in the process of updating the Community Index with new data. The current version presents the pandemic conditions (2019 data).

Why Choose NH for Your Business? - Besides the natural beauty New Hampshire is famous for, the State of New Hampshire is also known for having many resources for starting, growing, and expanding businesses of all sizes. The Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) has compiled an extensive list of resources on this page. 
Entrepreneurship
Existing Entrepreneurship Resources for the NRPC Region

NH Small Development Center (SBDC) - SBDC’s dedicated team of professional business advisors delivers highly individualized, confidential advising at no charge to enterprises across New Hampshire. In addition, they offer entrepreneurial education through no-cost eCourses, live webinars such as Business Basics, and other programs.

Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) - The Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) is a nonprofit alternative lender that provides advising, funding, and support to new and existing companies that have challenges accessing traditional financing in New Hampshire.

Visual Entrepreneurship Resource Center - REDC is available to assist small businesses in New Hampshire start and grow. They do this in many ways, but this page on their website is dedicated to offering education and inspiration to help empower business owners.
Finance
Woman and Minority Owned Businesses
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program - The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program is primarily funded by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and administered by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT). The NHDOT is the sole DBE certifying agency for the State of New Hampshire. There is no cost to obtain DBE certification. The primary goal of the DBE program is to level the playing field by providing small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts.

Nashua Transit System DBE Site - Nashua Transit System (NTS) is committed to the effective implementation of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Program as defined in Title 49 Part 26 of the Code of Federal Regulations entitled "Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Programs".  

Nashua Transit System DBE Certification

New Hampshire Center for Women and Enterprise - The Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) is a non-profit economic empowerment organization whose mission is to strengthen communities and the economy by supporting women to launch and successfully sustain businesses.  Opened in 2015, the New Hampshire Women's Business Center operates in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  We offer consultations, workshops and networking opportunities to help you reach your entrepreneurial goals.

NAACP Grants - NAACP believes in the power of Black entrepreneurship. They partner with several organizations to provide grants for Black-owned businesses.
Chambers of Commerce
Business & Industry Association New Hampshire - The Business and Industry Association is New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading business advocate. Through advocacy with state legislators and regulators, they shape business-friendly public policy and provide counterbalance to legislation and regulations that threaten the growth and prosperity of New Hampshire businesses.

Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce


Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce - The GMSVCC serves Amherst, Brookline, Greenville, Hollis, Lyndeborough, Mason, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, New Ipswich, Temple, and Wilton.

Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce - In addition to the City of Nashua, the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce also serves Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Lyndeborough, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, and Wilton.
Organizations & Opportunities
Business & Industry Association New Hampshire - The Business and Industry Association is New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading business advocate. Through advocacy with state legislators and regulators, they shape business-friendly public policy and provide counterbalance to legislation and regulations that threaten the growth and prosperity of New Hampshire businesses.

NH Business Review

New Hampshire Housing - New Hampshire Housing is a self-supporting public corporation that promotes, finances, and supports housing solutions for the people of New Hampshire. We operate rental and homeownership programs designed to assist low- and moderate-income persons with obtaining affordable housing.

New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association

Regional Economic Development Center (REDC)  - The Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) is a nonprofit alternative lender that provides advising, funding, and support to new and existing companies that have challenges accessing traditional financing in New Hampshire.

Stay Work Play New Hampshire - The mission of Stay Work Play NH is to attract and retain more young people in New Hampshire, and to continue to make the state an even more welcoming, inclusive, and just place for people of color.
Alternative Lending
Kiva - Kiva is an international nonprofit that connects online lenders to entrepreneurs through an online lending platform. Crowdfund loans unlock capital for underserved communities and those experiencing underlying barriers to capital access.​ Kiva underwrites zero-percent-interest, zero-fee business loans of up to $15,000, and facilitates crowdfunding on their online platform. Kiva users can lend as little as $25 to individual entrepreneurs, providing them affordable capital to start or expand a small business. The Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) is the Kiva Hub for New Hampshire. They assist borrowers with the Kiva process and also provide free business advising and technical assistance that is crucial for strengthening small businesses.

Lend Local NH - Lend Local NH was created to build a community in New Hampshire that can connect and champion support for local NH businesses with Kiva loans. By lending as little as $25 on Kiva, you can be part of the solution and make a real difference in someone’s life. 100% of every dollar you lend on Kiva goes to funding loans.

NH New Americans Loan Fund - In partnership with stakeholders throughout NH, the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) is offering the NH New Americans Loan Fund, with the purpose of encouraging business development and job creation for new Americans, (first generation immigrants) in New Hampshire. REDC works independently or in partnership with local lenders to help borrowers secure the micro-funding needed to start or grow their small businesses. A microloan can range between $5,000 and $50,000, with funding generally used for working capital to grow the business or to purchase equipment and inventory. REDC also provides free technical assistance, to help our clients achieve success with their business.
Local and Regional Resources
Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) - The Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) is a nonprofit alternative lender that provides advising, funding, and support to new and existing companies that have challenges accessing traditional financing in New Hampshire.

CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) 2023 Update - A CEDS is a plan that outlines a region's economic development needs and goals. It emerges from a continuous planning process developed with a broad based and diverse community participation that addresses the economic potential of an area. The strategy should promote sustainable economic development and opportunity, foster effective transportation systems, enhance and protect the environment and balance resources through sound management of development. REDC has been the keeper of the region's CEDS since 2000.
State Resources
New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) - The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is the premier resource for businesses considering expansion in, or relocation to, New Hampshire, as well as people seeking a home in a place where they can balance their careers amid the natural beauty it offers.

Dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the state and promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors, BEA is comprised of the Division of Economic Development and the Division of Travel and Tourism Development. Within these divisions are programs that support BEA’s mission to keep the state’s economy strong and competitive, from international trade and government procurement to workforce development and municipal planning.

New Hampshire Division of Economic Development - The Division of Economic Development (DED) is charged with ensuring the strength of the New Hampshire economy and is the single point of contact for businesses of all sizes and sectors looking to grow and prosper. The experienced staff works daily with companies on many levels, from workforce retention and job training to international trade, government contracting, and expansion in, or relocation to, New Hampshire. To further enhance the state’s pro-business climate, DED and its partners work to develop solutions to the challenges of affordable housing and broadband expansion.

Economic Revitalization Zone (ERZ) Applications and FAQs - The Economic Revitalization Zone tax credit offers a short term business tax credit for projects that improve infrastructure and create jobs in designated areas of a municipality.

New Hampshire Office of Planning & Development - The Office of Planning and Development (OPD) at the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs provides technical assistance, training, and resources to various stakeholders on the laws and regulations pertaining to land use development and municipal planning; the promotion of sound floodplain management practices; the location and pace of development in the state through population and housing data; maintaining and promoting geographic information system data and mapping; and other statewide planning issues through interagency coordination.

New Hampshire Municipal Association - NHMA is a non-profit, non-partisan membership association established in 1941. It is a member-funded, member-governed, and member-driven association that works to strengthen New Hampshire cities and towns and enhance their ability to serve the public. Through the collective power of cities and towns, NHMA promotes effective municipal government by providing education, training, advocacy and legal services.


New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration - The mission of the Department of Revenue Administration is to fairly and efficiently administer the tax laws of the State of New Hampshire, collecting the proper amount of taxes due, incurring the least cost to the taxpayers, in a manner that merits the highest degree of public confidence in our integrity. Further, we will provide prompt and constructive assistance to the municipal units of government in matters of budget, finance, and the appraisal of real estate.

New Hampshire Preservation Alliance -  The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance strengthens communities and local economies by supporting and encouraging the revitalization and protection of historic buildings and places.

RSA 79-E: Community Revitalization Tax Incentive is a state law that encourages investment in downtowns and village centers. It provides a tax incentive for the rehabilitation and active use of under-utilized older buildings and, in so doing, aims to promote strong local economies and smart, sustainable growth as an alternative to sprawl. The tax incentive must be adopted at the local level before it can be offered to property owners.

New Hampshire Division of Historic Resources - The Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is New Hampshire’s state historic preservation office. This program is supported by the federal Historic Preservation Fund through a matching grant administered by the National Park Service, by the State of New Hampshire, and by donated funds and services. In addition to its state functions, the DHR is also responsible for administering a number of federal preservation programs. The State Historical Resources Council, with members appointed by the Governor and Executive Council, advises the DHR and reviews various program activities.


NH Employment Security projects that the NRPC region will lead the state in employment growth between 2020 and 2030 with a net increase of 7.3% or just under 7,500 new jobs. The largest numerical increases are anticipated in management related occupations, computers, engineering, healthcare, education and food preparation/service. Employment levels are expected to decline for jobs in retail and administrative support.
Federal Resources
National Park Service - The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development - USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs. The commitment and resources they bring to rural communities helps drive economic security and prosperity. Their programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials.

U.S. Economic Development Administration - As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in facilitating regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation. Guided by the basic principle that sustainable economic development should be locally-driven, EDA works directly with communities and regions to help them build the capacity for economic development based on local business conditions and needs. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. Nearly half of their budget goes into grants to state environmental programs, non-profits, educational institutions, and others. They use the money for a wide variety of projects, from scientific studies that help us make decisions to community cleanups. Overall, grants help us achieve our overall mission: protect human health and the environment.

U.S. Small Business Administration - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps Americans start, grow, and build resilient businesses. SBA was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns; preserve free competitive enterprise; and maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. SBA reviews Congressional legislation and testifies on behalf of small businesses. It assesses the impact of regulatory burden on small businesses.