REDC Launches Building Roots Home Fund

REDC has announced the creation of the Building Roots Home Fund, a loan fund to support the development of new rental properties with a minimum of five units in New Hampshire. The fund will focus on workforce housing for low- to moderate-income persons.

The Fund will provide loans from $500,000 to $3,000,000 to developers who are developing projects with at least 20% of the units available to people earning 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less. Preference is given to projects with a higher percentage of affordable units.

In 2024, the REDC Board of Directors engaged in strategic planning and developed a housing loan program that could meet the needs of developers and workers seeking affordable housing. The Building Roots Home Fund was launched and has its first offer of financing issued for a project scheduled to break ground this spring.

“New Hampshire’s shortage of diverse rental and for-sale housing poses a significant challenge to retaining and attracting a skilled workforce," said Laurel Adams, President of REDC. "Housing is a complex issue with many hurdles, but through this new loan product, we’re committed to ensuring that access to capital is not one of them. Our goal is to empower developers to bring much-needed housing options to communities across the state."

To apply for a Building Roots Home Fund, interested developers can reach out to Laurel@redc.com.

REDC is excited to announce a state-wide business video pitch competition with a grant prize of $10,000 to help the winning company grow. This is the fourth and final competition in the THRIVE Competition Series, a program designed to commemorate REDC's 30th anniversary (in 2024) and provide funds to help growing small businesses thrive in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire-based for-profit businesses are invited to enter the competition by submitting a video “elevator” pitch for their company. In the span of 90 seconds to two minutes, these videos should be compelling and explain why we should invest in their business. While videos should be professional and clear, video editing skills and production value will not be considered when being judged.

This competition will not only provide funds to one winner to support the growth of their company, but it will also help small business owners improve their presentation and pitching skills, which are important for many aspects of owning a business. REDC will also be sharing the winner’s pitch competition on our website and social media channels, as well as a small number of runner-up videos, to help bring more exposure to their businesses.

On February 3rd at 11:00 am REDC will host a virtual Q&A to ask questions about the pitch competition. Registration for this event is at www.redc.com/thrive.

The application for this competition is located at www.redc.com/thrive. There is no fee to submit. Anyone who is unable to submit electronically may request a physical application by calling 603-772-2655 to set up an appointment.

The submission deadline is March 12, 2025, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.​ The winner will be announced in early April 2025.

One Lane Studios Named Winner of the THRIVE Arts and Culture Business Competition

REDC is pleased to announce that One Lane Studios has won the THRIVE Arts and Culture Business Competition. The $7,500 grant award will help this small, creative business grow and thrive.

One Lane Studios is a growing art business founded and solely operated by artist Becca Lane in Dover, NH. One Lane Studios’ paintings are recognized as highly detailed, personality-packed portraits of animals dressed to reflect their unique selves. Each piece is meticulously painted with acrylics on canvas or wood panels and then transformed into a variety of products, including prints, greeting cards, stickers, apparel, puzzles, and more. One Lane Studios was founded in 2021 and has cultivated a strong online following. View her website and online store at www.onelanestudios.com.

REDC President Laurel Adams stated, “Congratulations to One Lane Studios. While this was a highly competitive competition with a great number of creative businesses in the running, One Lane Studios’ well-prepared application and business plan stood out and Becca’s artwork is unique and delightful. We are excited to provide this grant to this business, as it will create a lot of momentum to help the One Lane Studios grow.”

Small Business Inclusivity Commitment Celebration

Laurel Adams, REDC President, and Liz Salas, REDC Business Advisor, attended the Small Business Inclusivity Commitment Celebration at The NH Community Loan Fund last evening.

"At REDC, we believe that every entrepreneur deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or circumstance, " stated REDC President Laurel Adams. "Inclusivity isn't just a value – it is the foundation of a thriving economy. We remain committed to providing equitable access to capital and resources so that all small businesses can grow, innovate, and strengthen our communities."

2025 CEDS Visioning Sessions

Help shape a 5-year vision and plan for Southeastern NH covering transportation and infrastructure, the environment, culture and recreation, workforce and economy, housing, and more. 

As part of the 2025 planning process, REDC will hold three public visioning sessions throughout its region for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The purpose of these sessions is to gather public and municipal input on the goals, opportunities, and weaknesses of our region and to come up with priorities to be addressed from an economic development perspective over the next five years. REDC and the CEDS Steering Committee will use the information gathered at these events to update and refine the goals and objectives of the CEDS.

The events will be open to the public, RSVP required, and will feature a keynote speaker followed by a facilitated visioning session to gather public input. Refreshments will also be provided at in-person meetings.

February 19, 2025 | 10 AM - 12 PM

Nashua City Hall Auditorium

229 Main Street, Nashua

March 6, 2025 | 5 PM - 7:30 PM

Galley Hatch Restaurant

325 Lafayette Rd. Hampton

*Co-sponsored by the Hampton Area Chamber

March 19, 2025

5:30 PM - 7 PM

Virtual via Zoom Meeting

Please RSVP to one or multiple visioning sessions on our website, www.redc.com/ceds.

Kiva Webinar

At this free webinar, our advisors will walk you through the Kiva process, as well as provide photography advice for your Kiva profile image.

REDC clients and non-clients alike are welcome to attend.

Strength in Collaboration:

A Business and Community Forum

The Business Alliance for People of Color (BAPOC) is hosting Strength in Collaboration: A Business and Community Forum on Tuesday, February 11th, at the Nashua Center for the Arts. REDC President Laurel Adams will be a panelist at this event, which will be filled with resources to help your organization thrive.

This event will be an evening of networking, learning, and collaboration! Discover the statewide impact of the BAPOC as they bring together businesses, community members, and leaders to exchange ideas, build connections, and strengthen our community. In partnership with Enterprise Bank, REDC, and the NH Small Business Administration, this event is designed to empower and equip you with the tools to succeed.

Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or someone passionate about making a difference, this forum offers something for everyone. Enjoy dynamic panel discussions, and take advantage of 1:1 opportunities with community resources to help your business or organization thrive. Don’t miss this chance to collaborate, create community, and make a lasting positive impact!

RSVP for this free event here: https://ow.ly/vR6J50UrSRa

If you know of a small business in NH in need of assistance, or someone interested in starting a new business, please share REDC with them.