The Community Navigator Program was chosen by NH Business Review editors in their 2023 Best of Business (BOB) Awards as one of the most significant programs to help Granite Staters launch businesses. The BOB Awards are held every year, where readers cast their vote in a range of business-to-business categories. Additionally, NHBR’s editors pick their favorite initiatives that help boost New Hampshire’s economy. The Community Navigator Program, administered by the Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA), is a two-year pilot program that offers professional services and solutions for New Hampshire small businesses and entrepreneurs at no cost.
Community Navigator Program partners celebrating at the BOB Awards ceremony on March 9 at the Grappone Center in Concord. Photo courtesy of NH Business Review.
“Many thanks to our partners for their commitment to the Community Navigator Program and the amazing work they are doing to deepen relationships to serve new businesses across New Hampshire,” said Katherine Easterly Martey, CDFA’s Executive Director. “Without their dedication and expertise, programs like this — and the impacts they have on our communities — would not be possible.”
New Hampshire’s Community Navigator Program is designed to reduce barriers that underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs often face when trying to recover, grow, or start their businesses. CDFA was awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to launch the program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, in December 2021. Within the first year, the Community Navigator Program served 255 clients, with a total of 1,332 hours of assistance. Read more about the program’s impact to-date.
The Community Navigator Program is powered by an ecosystem of experienced small business and microenterprise technical assistance providers across the state. Small businesses can gain access to resources and services at no charge, including: business counseling; marketing, operations, business planning, and strategy development; connection to training and skills development resources; and access to capital. Key regional partners for the Community Navigator Program include:
- Northwest (Grafton and Coos Counties): Grafton Regional Development Corporation & Coos Economic Development Corporation;
- Northeast (Belknap, Carroll and Strafford Counties): Belknap Economic Development Council and Wentworth Economic Development Corporation;
- Southeast (Hillsborough, Merrimack and Rockingham Counties): Regional Economic Development Center of Southern New Hampshire;
- Southwest (Cheshire and Sullivan Counties): Hannah Grimes Center; and
- Statewide: New Hampshire Small Business Development Center.
In addition to regional partners, the Community Navigator Program engages with and resources community partners led by historically disadvantaged communities – cultural organizations, business associations and alliances, and affinity groups – to help connect underserved business to the small business development resources being offered.
“Every year, we choose those companies that help to make a difference in the state that don’t necessary fall into a specific category. These organizations exemplify strong business practices and serve as a model for business leaders across the state,” said Jeff Feingold, editor of NH Business Review. “Congratulations to the Community Navigator Program and the rest of this year’s winners and editor’s picks on this well-deserved honor!”
The Community Navigator Program, along with all 2023 BOB Award winners, was celebrated during NH Business Review’s BOB Awards Party on March 9 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. To learn more about the 2023 Best of Business Awards, visit nhbr.com/BOB-Awards.
To learn more about New Hampshire’s Community Navigator Program, reach out to a partner organization, and sign up for news and updates, visit www.nhcommunitynavigator.org. For more information on CDFA, its impact on New Hampshire communities, and available funding resources, visit www.nhcdfa.org.
About NH Business Review
NH Business Review is the only statewide business journal as well as one of the most respected sources of business information, news and features in the Granite State. With more than 50,000 readers, NH Business Review’s print and online publication provides breaking news, essential business information and analysis.
About the Community Development Finance Authority
The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) is a statewide nonprofit public authority focused on maximizing the value and impact of community development, economic development and clean energy initiatives throughout New Hampshire. The organization leverages a variety of financial and technical resources, including the competitive deployment of grant, loan and equity programs. Those resources include New Hampshire state tax credits, federal Community Development Block Grant resources and the CDFA Clean Energy Fund. For more information about CDFA and its programs visit www.nhcdfa.org or call 603-226-2170.
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