Funding from NBRC & USDA will support small businesses and economic growth in North Country communities
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Co-Chair of the bipartisan House Small Business Caucus, along with U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) announced that the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will receive $350,000 to support small businesses and promote economic growth in North Country Communities.
Specifically, the funding was awarded through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) State Economic and Infrastructure Development Investment Program, and will increase SBDC's business advising capacity in Coos, Carroll and Sullivan counties. The expanded business advising capacity will support an estimated 250-300 existing small businesses, create up to 15-20 new businesses, generate $7-8 million in new capital for investment and create and retain up to 200 jobs.
"This federal grant is a critical investment in our North Country small businesses and communities," said Senator Shaheen. "By allowing the SBDC to provide expert guidance and education to more North Country entrepreneurs, this funding will boost local economies and strengthen the resilience of small businesses amid the ongoing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'll continue to fight for funding that invests in the future economic growth and development of Granite State communities."
"The North Country is home to a diverse array of innovative businesses that are critical to the region's ability to thrive," Senator Hassan said. "This federal funding will support small businesses by providing educational services that will help them continue to grow, and I will keep working to support our North Country communities."
"The North Country benefits when local businesses and entrepreneurs have the support they need to thrive," said Representative Kuster. "The professional advice provided by the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will help move North Country businesses and owners forward, and the federal funding announced today will bolster the reach of this guidance. As we continue efforts to fully recover and rebuild from the consequences of COVID-19, I will keep working to enhance local economies and deliver critical support to Granite State communities so no one is left behind."
"These funds from the Northern Border Regional Commission will provide critical support to small businesses and boost economic development in rural communities across New Hampshire," said Representative Pappas, co-Chair of the bipartisan House Small Business Caucus. "I'll continue working to ensure the NBRC and the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center receive the necessary funding to support our Main Street businesses and help create new jobs right here in New Hampshire."
"We are thrilled that the Northern Border Regional Commission has committed their support and funding to the NH Small Business Development Center. NBRC's USDA grant funds will allow us to significantly increase our advising and educational services in Coos, Carroll, and Sullivan Counties. Expanding our outreach efforts in these regions has been a priority and now we have a sustainable plan to do so," said Liz Gray, State Director of the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center.
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