Coos County Entrepreneurial Program

The 2010 class is full – please check back in fall of 2010

Description
MicroCredit-NH supports entrepreneurial growth and development in the North Country through the Coos County Entrepreneurial Program (CCEP). CCEP helps self-employed persons and small business owners further develop their businesses, expand economic opportunity and enhance the quality of jobs in Coos County. The Tillotson Fund, an advised fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, is generously providing financial support.

CCEP is a 10-month program for entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses. Each CCEP participant will create and implement a strategic plan for business growth and success by:

• Learning business and leadership skills from both role-model entrepreneurs and business professionals;
• Investing in their business using stipends of up to $3,000, loans of up to $15,000, and the Individual Development Account (IDA) matched savings program (for those who meet income guidelines);
• Receiving peer support and feedback through the sharing of ideas and experiences; and
• Integrating mission and vision into all aspects of business operations.

Participants will learn and use cutting-edge techniques to build a solid foundation for growing their businesses, make valuable business connections and increase sales.

For further information, see CCEP Frequently Asked Questions.

Eligibility
Businesses with up to five full-time employees (the US Small Business Administration definition of microbusiness) are eligible to apply. Individuals with a mature business idea ready for implementation may also apply. Applicants must reside or have a business in Coos County or in an immediate neighboring New Hampshire community. Up to 12 entrepreneurs will be chosen to participate in this program.

Submission
To apply, send:

1. Cover letter stating your reasons for wanting to participate, what you hope to achieve, and how you will spend the stipend ($3,000) to improve and grow your business;
2. Coos County Entrepreneur Investment application; and
3. Current business plan or MicroCredit-NH Business Profile, including 12 months of previous or projected financial statements.

Review process
MicroCredit-NH staff and selected consultants will evaluate application materials. All decisions are final. Those not selected to participate will receive feedback on how they may improve their plans for the next year, and will have the opportunity to access other MicroCredit-NH services.

For more information
Contact Joyce Presby, North Country Regional Manager, at jpresby@microcreditnh.org or David Hamel, MicroCredit-NH Director at dhamel@microcreditnh.org.

Download printable CCEP description

Download printable CCEP flyer