What New Hampshire Business Grants are available?
New Hampshire offers several small business grants to help small business owners succeed.
- New Hampshire Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Administered by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, this grant funds projects that benefit low- and moderate-income communities. Small businesses can apply for assistance if their projects create jobs or improve infrastructure in economically disadvantaged areas.
- Governor’s Fund for Economic Development: This state-funded grant program provides financial assistance to businesses looking to expand or relocate to New Hampshire. Grants support activities that boost local economic growth, including workforce training, equipment purchases, and infrastructure improvements.
- New Hampshire High Tech Council Startup Fund: Designed to support early-stage technology companies, this fund offers grants to help businesses develop innovative products and services. The fund prioritizes companies with the potential for high growth and economic impact within New Hampshire’s tech sector.
- Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Grants: These grants support business and community projects in the northern counties of New Hampshire. Funds can be used for infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and other economic initiatives that enhance quality of life and job creation in rural areas.
- New Hampshire State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): Funded by the SBA, this program provides grants to help small businesses increase exports. Eligible companies can receive assistance for international marketing efforts, trade show participation, and other activities that expand their reach to foreign markets.
- Technical Assistance Grant Program (TAG): Offered by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, TAG provides grants for technical support in areas like business planning, feasibility studies, and financial management. This grant helps small businesses access the expertise they need for growth and sustainability.
- Workforce Training Fund: This New Hampshire grant supports small businesses in training and upskilling employees to meet business needs. The fund covers some training expenses, helping companies improve employee skills and enhance competitiveness within their industries.
What tax credits are available for New Hampshire Businesses?
New Hampshire small business owners can also benefit from several tax credit opportunities. These programs reduce the business’s tax burden, freeing up more capital for business growth and development.
Here are some of the best small business tax credits available in New Hampshire.
- Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit: This tax credit allows New Hampshire businesses engaged in R&D to offset business profits tax or business enterprise tax liabilities. Qualifying expenses include wages, supplies, and certain overhead costs associated with developing new products or improving existing ones.
- Economic Revitalization Zone (ERZ) Tax Credit Businesses in designated revitalization zones may qualify for credits against business profits and enterprise taxes. To be eligible, businesses must create jobs or invest in infrastructure within ERZ areas, supporting local economic development.
- Coös County Job Creation Tax Credit: Available to businesses creating new full-time jobs in Coös County, this credit incentivizes job growth in one of New Hampshire’s northernmost economically disadvantaged regions. Businesses can apply the credit toward business profits tax liabilities.
- Community Development Investment Tax Credit (CDFA): Through the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, businesses can receive tax credits for contributions to community development projects. These credits apply to business profits, enterprise, and insurance premium taxes, encouraging investment in affordable housing, economic development, and job creation.
- New Hampshire Job Training Fund Tax Credit: Businesses that invest in employee training and skills development may be eligible for this tax credit. The credit supports workforce development initiatives, allowing businesses to cover a portion of training costs for improving worker skills and productivity.
- Renewable Energy Tax Incentive: New Hampshire offers a tax credit for businesses that invest in renewable energy projects. This credit encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices, with tax reductions for energy-efficiency improvements, solar installations, and other green energy projects.
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): This federal tax credit, also available to New Hampshire businesses, incentivizes hiring individuals from targeted groups, including veterans and long-term unemployed individuals. The credit reduces business tax liability, helping to lower hiring costs and expand employment opportunities.
Can I get a New Hampshire Business Loan with Bad Credit?
A low credit score limits financing options, but credit-challenged New Hampshire small business owners can obtain financing with bad credit business loans. These specialized financing options focus on a business’s cash flow and growth potential more than the personal credit score of the business owner(s), increasing your chances of credit and lender approval.
Several alternative business lenders specialize in providing business financing for credit-challenged entrepreneurs. Online lenders offer easy online applications with minimal documentation, quick decisions, and fast funding, which benefits small businesses with urgent capital needs.
However, business loans for bad credit often carry high interest rates and increased fees. In addition, you may receive a lower maximum loan amount, have shorter repayment terms, and require more frequent repayment. These conditions can lead to further financial strain if not properly managed. Ensure you have a plan and budget before agreeing to a bad credit business loan.
A popular strategy for NH business owners is to use a bad credit business loan as short-term financing until their credit improves. With a better credit score, entrepreneurs can access lower-cost, long-term loans and pay off bad credit business loan debt.

