Belknap EDC

07/01/2025

Ready to grow your business? This free 6-week virtual program connects small business owners across Northern New England to refine business models, strengthen operations, and unlock new opportunities.

With guided learning, live sessions, and one-on-one advising, you’ll get practical tools to move your business forward.

Date: July 21 – Aug 25
Time: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: Online event
U.S. Small Business Administration

Register today: c29a53c6-5abe-4987-bf57-992fb9705cf1@3c89fd8a-7f68-4667-aa15-41ebf2208961" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/c29a53c6-5abe-4987-bf57-992fb9705cf1@3c89fd8a-7f68-4667-aa15-41ebf2208961

06/17/2025

Happening tomorrow!

LeAF: From Startup to Scale-Up: Strategies for Financial and Legal Success

This June webinar series offers practical financial and legal tips to help your business move forward, whether you’re just getting started, growing steadily, or somewhere in between.

Designed for small businesses in New Hampshire, each session brings real-world insights from the experts at LeAF Consultants.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, ask questions, and take your business to the next level!

Register here: https://www.nhsbdc.org/startup-scale-strategies-financial-legal-success

06/17/2025

Free Webinar - Staying Steady: Planning Amid Economic Change

June 18, 2025 | 9:30AM - 10:30AM

In collaboration with the NH Small Business Development Center and the NHLRA, this session offers practical strategies for navigating turbulent times. Learn how to prepare effectively, maintain control, and position your business for long-term success.

Register here - https://ic.nhsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=5450180

06/05/2025

Offset Your Costs and Take the Leap into International Markets

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) offers grant funding to help NH businesses enter or expand in global markets. Use it for trade shows, international marketing, e-commerce translation, and more. If you've got the ambition, STEP can help you fund the action.

Learn More About the STEP Program > https://nhexportassistance.com/export-promotion-grants/step-program-overview

06/03/2025

Exporting can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go it alone. The Rural Export Center International Trade Administration offers no-cost, personalized market research that helps rural businesses identify and target global opportunities. From industry trends to potential buyer leads, they’ll do the heavy lifting so you can focus on growing with confidence.

Get Custom Market Research to Guide Your Global Strategy

Explore the Rural Export Center here >https://www.trade.gov/rural-export-center

05/31/2025

During June, we receive $1 for every reusable Community Bag purchased at our selected Hannaford location!

We are excited to share that Hannaford has selected Belknap EDC to benefit from the Community Bag Program throughout June. The Hannaford Community Bag Program makes it easy for shoppers to contribute to their local communities.

Every time a $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Hannaford located at Gilford in June, $1 will be donated to Belknap EDC. This is a great way to broaden awareness of our mission and help our cause.

Let’s get started! Share the news with friends and family. Call, send emails, and post on social media. The more people who purchase a Community Bag in June, the greater the donation we will receive from Hannaford!

05/29/2025

Belknap EDC Awarded Grant to Support Small Businesses

Belknap EDC will be allocating more than $250,000 to support small business development in the region. Working with the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Belknap EDC will be able to directly support businesses with access to technical assistance, business plan development, direct grant, financing and other resources.

The Community Development Block Grant Microenterprise Program, administered by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) is for low- to moderate-income (LMI) microenterprises (those with fewer than five employees) and start-ups to provide a full range of entrepreneurial training and technical assistance services.

“We are pleased to partner with CDFA, SBDC, and our strategic partners to provide this much needed one on one support to our small business community,” said Justin Slattery, Belknap EDC’s Executive Director.

A qualifying business must be classified as a for-profit entity with five or fewer employees, be in current operation or in start-up mode, be located within Belknap County and meet specific income requirements. More details can be found at belknapedc.org.

04/29/2025

Simplify Your Business Journey With NH Small Business Development Center LEAF

FREE Legal, Accounting, and Financial Consulting through NH SBDC's LeAF Program.
Small business success starts with the right expertise—and the NH SBDC’s LeAF program is here to provide it! Eligible business owners can receive up to 5 FREE hours of professional legal, accounting, or financial services consulting.

Whether you're navigating business formation, reviewing contracts, or organizing your finances, expert guidance can help you make informed decisions. To qualify, businesses must be (or become) active NH SBDC clients. CLICK HERE:https://www.nhsbdc.org/programs-services/leaf
to see if you’re eligible and take advantage of this valuable opportunity!

LeAF provides technical assistance under the State Small Business Credit Initiative Technical Assistance Grant Program (SSBCI TA Grant Program), including legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to small businesses in New Hampshire.

04/28/2025

NH Small Business Development Center WORKSHOP: Small Business, Big Solutions - AI Workshop Series.

AI for Email Marketing
Date: May 1st, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Tools: Klaviyo, ChatGPT
Design effective newsletters and automated email sequences that build customer loyalty and increase conversions.

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

04/21/2025

Adapting to New Tariffs: Trade Policy Update

The trade landscape is shifting: new U.S. tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico​ (nheconomy.com) are challenging New Hampshire importers and exporters to adapt. Our latest online resource breaks down these recent policy changes and shares strategies to soften the impact—from diversifying your supply chain to exploring tariff relief programs. Discover how NH’s Office of International Commerce can help your business navigate these changes​ and stay competitive in global markets.



For further information go to the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) Tariff Resources here:

https://www.nheconomy.com/who-we-help/importers-exporters/office-of-international-commerce/tariff-resources

New Hampshire’s Office of International Commerce helps businesses find the right customers in key countries around the world.

04/16/2025

Looking for Business Financing? Belknap EDC Has Options.

Whether you’re launching, growing, or filling a financing gap—Belknap EDC can help. From conventional bank partnerships to subordinate debt through our Revolving Loan Fund, and connections to equity and royalty financing, we work with businesses at every stage. If you're unsure where to start, we’ll help you explore the right path for your project and connect you to the right resources.

Reach out directly to discuss your financing needs.
..or Tag a new or growing business looking for support.

04/16/2025

FUNDING EXPO TOMORROW

Get your business positioned for a profitable season!

Join U.S. Small Business Administration U.S. Small Business Administration Friday, April 18 | 2–4 PM at Tilly’s Market, Belknap Marketplace for the SBA Funding Expo, presented in partnership with the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Region Chamber of Commerce

• Discover funding options
• Connect with local lenders
• Learn how to secure the right support
• Tap into no-cost business resources

Registration recommended.

https://www.sba.gov/event/67950