Coos County Entrepreneurial Program

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

The CCEP is an annual, year-long program for entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses. The class meets on a monthly basis. Each CCEP participant will create and implement a strategic plan for business growth and success by the completion of the program. This will be achieved 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, and gaining access to 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 business, make valuable business connections and increase sales. For further information, see CCEP Frequently Asked Questions.

“With the current focus on reinvigorating the economy in the North Country, MicroCredit-NH is working to address the issue with the CCEP,” explained David Deziel, MicroCredit-NH Director.  “This program will serve to further strategically develop the participating businesses, leading to their increased stability and enhanced opportunities for growth, including the addition of new jobs.” 

Eligibility
Businesses with up to five full-time employees (the US Small Business Administration definition of microbusiness) are eligible to apply. Individuals must reside or have a business in Coos County or in an immediately neighboring New Hampshire community. Up to twelve entrepreneurs will be chosen to participate annually.

Applications for the 2008-09 class (beginning September 2008) are currently being accepted.

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 twelve months of previous or projected financial statements.

Application materials may be submitted by email in either a Word document or PDF file to ddeziel@microcreditnh.org, by fax to (603) 225-7425, or by mail to 7 Wall Street, Concord, NH 03301. Please reference: CCEP Application.

Review Process
MicroCredit-NH staff and Advisory Committee members will evaluate application materials. All decisions are final. Entrepreneurs will be notified of the decision this summer. 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 Deziel, MicroCredit-NH Director at ddeziel@microcreditnh.org