Shaheen Highlights Resources Available for Entrepreneurs at UNH

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen was at the University of New Hampshire in Durham on Monday morning highlighting the importance of Small Business Development Centers as a resource for entrepreneurs across the state.

“As our small businesses continue their recovery from this pandemic, local counseling and resources have never been more important. New Hampshire Small Business Development Centers have played an integral role in the growth and success of our state’s small businesses through the valuable guidance and mentorship they provide to local entrepreneurs – especially throughout COVID-19,” Shaheen, D-NH, said.

Shaheen said she will continue to fight for federal resources to support small businesses in New Hampshire.

To date, over 40,000 New Hampshire small businesses and nonprofits have received over $3.6 billion in Paycheck Protection Program money, according to a press release from Shaheen's office.

In 2020, NH SBDC at the UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics served 7,148 entrepreneurs through direct advising and education in over 200 communities across the Granite State.

They were able to raise $45 million in new capital, support 6,186 jobs and increase sales by 9.3 million, according to their website.

The NH SBDC released a Business Resiliency Survey in March which showed businesses still have a way to go before they recover economically from the COVID-19 pandemic fallout.

That survey showed 42 percent of small business owners reported they were worse off financially in February than they were in June of 2020.

Phase 3 of the Business Resiliency Survey will be conducted in July.

Courtesy Photo

Expected attendees at Monday's roundtable included:

Liz Gray, SBDC, State Director;

Jason Cannon, SBDC, Associate State Director;

Deborah Merrill-Sands, UNH, Dean, Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

Marian McCord, UNH, Senior Vice Provost for Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach;

John Clemente, Echo Ridge, Concord;

Matt Loranger, Hydropeutics, Manchester;

Molly McCoy, Wicked Flannel, Hampton;

Chris Dunstan, Dunstan Pediatric Services, Holderness;