In this issue:
Deadline extended for Sullivan County Business Builders
Spots are still available for our Sullivan County Business Builders program.Business Builders provides focused training for micro-entrepreneurs who have some business skills, but want to become more proficient.
The training focuses on creating strategic plans that lead to sustainability and growth. The class will include 12 micro-businesses owners and will be conducted over seven day-long sessions.
Curriculum topics include: strategic thinking and planning, business and personal vision and mission, financial planning, goal setting, market research and analysis, target marketing, marketing strategy and tactics, sales and customer service, financial reports and analysis, business plan and strategic plan development, and plan presentations.
Applications are now being accepted. Please call 800.769.3482 or visit our Web site for more information.
NH Business Resource Partners
plan for success
The NH Business Resource Partners were invited last fall by MicroCredit-NH Director David Hamel to share information and resources.
"In this age of funding cuts and scarcer resources, we don't want to compete with one another or duplicate efforts," said Hamel. "In creating these partnerships, we provide a stronger support network for those looking to start, sustain or expand their businesses."
To date, participating organizations include:
Derry Economic Development Corp.
Manchester Economic Development Office
NH Dept. of Resources and Economic Development
NH Dept. of Revenue Administration
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
Small Business Development Center
Caught up in the credit squeeze?
Let MicroCredit-NH help you out
This can be considered both good and bad. We have all had to take a close, hard look at our finances, and many of us have made sacrifices and gotten back to basics. On the other hand, credit that is too restrictive slows the growth of our economy.
At MicroCredit-NH, we understand that access to credit is important on many levels to microenterprises. We have continued to lend to qualifying members. And with our loans come helpful tools: support and constructive criticism from your peer business group and from MicroCredit-NH staff throughout the application, review and monitoring process.
If you are thinking a loan may be just what you need for your business, please contact your Regional Manager. If there are any other areas where you feel we could be of assistance, please let me know. Before you know it, the recession will be behind us and we'll have stronger businesses to show for it.
David Hamel
MicroCredit-NH Director
Blog? Tweet? Facebook? What do they have to do with growing my business?
Word of mouth just exploded.That's right – word of mouth. The kind of advertising we all agree is the best. The kind that money can't buy.
 Christine Halvorson |
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That's the power of social media. And social media is the focus of our upcoming Entrepreneurial Exchange "Connecting Tools, Techniques and Talents," May 28 at SERESC in Bedford.
Presenters Christine Halvorson of Halvorson New Media, a blogging consultant who specializes in social media strategies, and Stephanie Jacques, who conducts Social Media Marketing classes and workshops, will introduce microentrepreneurs from across NH to integrated marketing approaches that include blogging, social and e-marketing.
"Social media, including blogging, are an excellent way for new and small businesses to maximize their outreach to customers without a large investment in paid advertising and Web site design and maintenance," says Halvorson. "I often counsel new businesses NOT to start with a Web site, but with a blog. It's inexpensive, easy to maintain and effective."
"The other social media tools are equally important today and, with just a little effort, can all be used strategically to increase awareness of a small business and, with luck, gain sales or at least potential customers," says Halvorson.
The day will begin with an exceptional keynote speaker, entrepreneurial legend Howard Brodsky, the co-founder, chairman, and co-chief executive officer of CCA Global Partners.
This is an educational and inspirational event you won't want to miss. Register now!
Judi Calhoun named Artist Innovator
Judi Calhoun, an author and artist who lives in Colebrook, received MicroCredit-NH's 2009 Artist Innovation Award at the first North County Artist Exchange in Whitefield.
 Judi Calhoun |
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Judi has been sketching, painting and writing since early childhood. She is inspired by people, places and the natural world, all of which are captured in her portraits and landscapes.
Her work ranges from fine art paintings to whimsical illustration. She has authored two children's books – "Mrs. Honeywell and the Bear" and "The Sword of Yesher" – and has conducted art classes throughout the North Country.
Judi has also put the resources available in the North Country to use in turning her passion for art into a full-time business, JAC ART.
A committed member of the LINKS (Leaders in Northern Kreative Solutions) MicroCredit-NH business group in Colebrook, Judi shares her own objectives, goals, and experiences while gaining insights from other members' perspectives and suggestions.
She also has taken classes offered by the Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network, and gotten one-on-one consultation at the Small Business Development Center.
MicroCredit-NH Regional Manager Joyce Presby says Judi's love and enthusiasm for art, combined with her motivation and drive to grow her business, makes her an outstanding example to entrepreneurs everywhere and a natural recipient of the 2009 Artist Innovation Award North.
You can view some of Judi's work at the JAC ART Web site.
Leaders: Don't miss out on free promotion
If you're a Leader-level MicroCredit-NH member, your logo or ad – linked to your Web site – could appear in this e-newsletter and on the home page of our Web site. You can also place a free ad in The Network, our bi-annual newsletter.
Look here for the specifications, then send us your artwork!
Advanced trainings available
starting in July
For the first time, MicroCredit-NH will offer a regular slate of advanced business trainings starting in July.
The trainings will cover a different topic each month, and each topic will be offered at sites in Dover, Lancaster, Manchester and Wolfeboro.
The advanced trainings differ from workshops at which you get information, then are left on your own to complete the work. These sessions will give entrepreneurs focused and specific tools and exercises, with a goal of completing a strategic plan.
These sessions are a free benefit for Leader-level members, but anyone can participate for a nominal fee.
Watch our Web site and next month's eNetwork for details.
Network with other businesses to promote your business, develop relationships, and maybe even make sales.$5 admission.
May 6, Whitefield
The Skillet, 8 Main St. 9-11 a.m.
May 7, Claremont
Hullabaloo Restaurant, 38 Pleasant St. 6-9 p.m.
May 13, Concord
The Barley House Restaurant and Tavern, 132 North Main St. 4-6 p.m.
May 20, Laconia
Fratello's Restaurant, 799 Union Ave. 6-8 p.m.
Full list of networking and orientation events.