REDC celebrates its 30th anniversary with a $30,000 business competition series for New Hampshire entrepreneurs.
Arts and Culture Business Competition
The arts and culture sector is a growing industry in New Hampshire. It not only creates jobs and uplifts other industries but makes our state a more vibrant and enriching place to be. As an integral part of the economic ecosystem, we’re celebrating the arts and culture industry in our third competition in the REDC THRIVE series.
For-profit businesses that focus on arts and cultural vibrancy in New Hampshire are invited to enter the Arts and Culture Business Competition for the chance to win a $7,500 grant to grow their business. This may include businesses working in the arts, crafts, dance, design, digital media, film/video, world arts, literature, music, performance, photography, theater, culinary arts/cuisine, and visual arts.
On Monday, November 18th at 11:30 am, REDC will host a Q&A webinar for businesses interested in learning more about the competition. Registration for this event is at www.redc.com/thrive.
The submission deadline is Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
A few examples of arts and cultural businesses that we encourage to apply:
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Artist/Artisan
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Theater
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Restaurant with a focus on a specific culture’s cuisine
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Gallery
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Arts Education
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Cultural Event
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Film Production
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Musician
The application for this competition includes narrative questions, supporting documentation, and a business plan. Scroll below to read about competition eligibility, FAQs, and resources for small businesses in New Hampshire.
Anyone unable to submit electronically may request a physical application by calling 603-772-2655 to schedule an appointment.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the Business Plan Competition:
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The business must be based in New Hampshire and primarily operate in New Hampshire.
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The business must be registered for-profit with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
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The business owner(s) must be 18 years of age or older.
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Previous competition winners will be ineligible for subsequent competitions. Past applicants who did not win are welcome to apply again.
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Current REDC loan clients are ineligible.
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All applications and business plans must be the original work of the small business submitting.
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Businesses may only submit one application for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my business need to be a start-up?
A: No, this is for businesses at any stage. They only need to be a registered business with the New Hampshire Secretary of State and primarily operate in NH.
Q: Can my nonprofit apply to this competition?
A: No, we are only able to accept submissions that are for-profit businesses.
Q: Does my business need to have earned revenue?
A: No, we will accept pre-revenue applicants.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, it is free to apply to the competition.
Q: Are there restrictions on how the award funds are used?
A: The award is intended to help your business start or grow. Business plans must include a statement on how you will use the funds to further grow your business.
Still have questions about the competition? Please submit your questions to info@redc.com and a staff member will be in touch shortly.
Resources
Advisors
Are you looking for advice on how to write a business plan? The New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE NH, and Center for Women & Enterprise have advisors who assist small businesses with business plan development. While REDC can provide assistance with business plan development for clients seeking assistance with financing, we will not be doing so for applicants of this competition.
New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
SCORE NH
https://www.score.org/nh-vt/local-mentors
Center for Women & Enterprise
https://cweonline.org/our-centers/cwe-new-hampshire
U.S. EPA
Smart Steps to Sustainability 2.0 from the EPA
How-To and Templates
Are you looking for advice on how to write a business plan? The New Hampshire Small Business Development
U.S. Small Business Administration's How to Write Your Business Plan
SCORE Business Plan Template for Startup Business
SCORE Business Plan Template for Established Business
NH SBDC Sample Business Plan Outline
Q&A Webinar
Registration
On Monday, November 18th, at 11:30 am, REDC is hosting a Q&A webinar for businesses to learn more about the competition and ask questions. Please reach out to us if you have further questions by emailing info@redc.com.
REDC Programs
REDC has a variety of resources for small businesses. Here are some of our programs, which are not related to the THRIVE Competition Series, but can help your business grow.
Alternative Financing
We aim to assist new and growing businesses that may have barriers to traditional capital. Through a variety of lending programs, we work with our clients to find the best financing program for them.
Kiva
Kiva is an international nonprofit that connects online lenders to entrepreneurs through an online lending platform. Crowdfund loans unlock capital for underserved communities and those experiencing underlying barriers to capital access.
REDC is the Kiva Hub for New Hampshire. We assist you with the Kiva process and application.
New Americans Loan Fund
In partnership with stakeholders throughout NH, the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) offers the NH New Americans Loan Fund, with the purpose of encouraging business development and job creation for new Americans, (first generation immigrants) in New Hampshire.
Business Advising
Our Business Advisors will counsel on business development and financial planning. Advising is also available for identifying lending partners, taxation, partnerships, agreements, job creation, and ongoing support post-financing.
Graphic Design & Marketing Advisement
Our Design Advisor assists small businesses graphic design and marketing advisement, which may include logo design, branding, marketing materials, social media development, or website development assistance.
Past Competitions
REDC is pleased to announce Riddlehaven Escape Rooms the winner of the THRIVE Business Plan Competition. The $5,000 grant award will help this small business start and grow.
Riddlehaven Escape Rooms aspires to bring a unique entertainment experience to the city of Dover, NH. Their mission is to create unforgettable escape games that captivate players and offer an engaging activity for groups of friends, family, and coworkers to connect, collaborate, and celebrate together. The creative team behind Riddlehaven, owner Kim Willoughby and partner Will Willoughby, have 50 combined years of creative writing, marketing, and design experience.
REDC President Laurel Adams stated, "We are delighted to be a part of Riddlehaven's start-up journey by awarding them this grant. Though it was a challenging competition with many amazing small businesses in the running, Riddlehaven's business plan was extremely well executed and compelling."
This competition was the first of four in the THRIVE Competition Series, which is a program designed to commemorate REDC's 30th anniversary as well as provide money and momentum to help growing small businesses thrive in New Hampshire. REDC will award a total of $30,000 in grant prizes through four different competitions.
REDC will be announcing details for the next THRIVE Competition later this summer.
REDC would like to thank Ericka Canales, Executive Director of Coös Economic Development Corporation; Dwight Davis, Owner and Operator of Senior Helpers of Southern New Hampshire; and John Nyhan, President of Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce for serving as judges in this competition.
REDC is pleased to announce Live Free Refillery as the winner of the THRIVE Green Business Competition! The $7,500 grant award will help this small business continue to grow through sustainable practices. This competition was open to New Hampshire-based businesses with initiatives that contribute to sustainability and have a positive ecological impact on their communities.
Live Free Refillery is a zero-waste grocery store, meaning that careful measures have been taken to offer goods in reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging. They are committed to making real and impactful change in the food and grocery industry. They specialize in local and organic foods, bulk foods, and non-toxic cleaning and body care products. They opened their store in July 2023 in Bedford, New Hampshire.
Owner Juliette Buell started Live Free Refillery as a culmination of 15 years of experience working in agriculture as a farm hand, a retail salesperson, a student, a researcher, and an Extension Educator. She also spent two years in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa, which shaped her into an American who is committed to providing positive influence and solutions for the community.
REDC President Laurel Adams stated, "Congratulations to Live Free Refillery on their great submission for the Thrive competition. This award is a testament to your dedication, innovation, and vision for a greener future. Your commitment to making a positive impact on the planet through your business is truly inspiring."
This competition was the second of four in the THRIVE Competition Series, which is a program designed to commemorate REDC's 30th anniversary as well as provide money and momentum to help growing small businesses thrive in New Hampshire. REDC will award a total of $30,000 in grant prizes through four different competitions.
REDC would like to thank our judges:
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Reagan Bissonnette, Executive Director of the Northeast Resource Recovery Association
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Mark Zankel, Director of Community Solar at ReVision Energy
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Craig Jewett, President of Jewett Construction Co.