Several sectors of New Hampshire business, trade, and government agencies are working together to offer resources to help strengthen the state’s manufacturers. One of the key programs is the "Governor’s Manufacturing Leadership Series," three day-long workshops designed to address the current needs of the state’s manufacturers taking place April 21, June 9 and September 8.
Part of Governor John Lynch’s New Hampshire Manufacturing Initiative, the Leadership Series is hosted by the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NH MEP) and will take place at the offices of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development in Concord. There is an April 15 deadline to sign up for the first workshop focusing on competing locally and in the international market, successfully positioning companies to win in today’s competitive markets and defining competitive strategies.
There is a $50 per-person registration fee for each workshop or $125 per-person if they register for all three at once. Companies can register online at www.nhmep.org or contact Cathy Doty of the NH MEP at (603) 226-3200 or [email protected].
Web Portal The last day manufacturers can register for the Leadership Series is also the first day a new web-based resource will be available. The New Hampshire Manufacturer’s Resource Portal (nhManufacturer.com) is a place where start-up, emerging, relocating, and established businesses and entrepreneurs can go to find resources for further developing their manufacturing operation.
nhManufacturer.com offers a comprehensive collection of valuable technical assistance programs and resources designed specifically for manufacturers. The portal was developed and co-funded by the Knowledge Institute in collaboration with the New Hampshire Division of Resources and Economic Development, NH MEP, New Hampshire High Tech Council (NHHTC), Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire (BIA), New Hampshire Workforce Opportunity Council (WOC), International Trade Resource Center (ITRC), and New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (NHSBDC). Available help in areas of funding, workforce development, advocacy, international business, training, blogs, forums and other targeted resources are centrally located on the site, bringing together those in need with those that possess particular expertise, resources, and answers to questions.
Low Interest Loans Citizens Bank and the State of New Hampshire have also partnered to offer a $100 million low interest (3.5%) loan program for growing companies. The money is available to companies that are currently doing business in New Hampshire or are contemplating expanding into the state. The funds can be used to purchase or upgrade equipment or machinery, or for building acquisition or remodeling. In return, companies must commit to creating or expanding jobs within three years.
Companies interested in obtaining more information about the loan program can log on to www.NHeconomy.com and click on "Citizens Bank Job Bank Information" where a pre-qualification form is available. Information may also be obtained by contacting the NH Business Resource Center office at (603) 271-2591 or Citizens Bank at 1-888-358-0100.
For more information on these and other business initiative contact New Hampshire Division of Economic Development at (603) 271-2341 or go to www.NHeconomy.com.
