Greater Manchester pilot program will be community-driven

Recognizing that small businesses owned by people of color face persistent challenges, the Manchester NAACP and New Hampshire Community Loan Fund are launching a community-based effort to deliver financing and coaching to help those businesses thrive.

The Community-Driven Economic Empowerment (C-DEE) pilot program’s goal is to bring people of color together as a community to create a more resilient local economy in Greater Manchester, NH. It draws on the historic work of the Manchester NAACP in advocating for equal economic opportunities, and the Community Loan Fund’s economic development experience.

Mercy of God African Restaurant owners Beatrice and Emmanuel Adekoya, with Julius Aregbesola.

Mercy of God African Market is the type of neighborhood business C-DEE seeks to support. From left, owners Beatrice and Emmanuel Adekoya and Julius Aregbesola.

"Our community members continually ask how they can be their own agents of change and growth. How they can control their own economic destiny” said Manchester NAACP President James T. McKim. “We know that communities are most successful in addressing challenges and achieving goals when solutions come from within. So, it is important for us to create a structure where those in the community drive how resources are applied in the community."

At the heart of the effort will be a Community Business Development Council, a volunteer group of business owners who will identify and refer peers who could benefit from technical assistance and loans.

“Who knows more about the value of neighborhood businesses than the people who live there?” said Community Loan Fund Community Business Lender Zachery Palmer. “We believe our success in Manchester will rely on listening and respecting cultural differences and cues, just as good business owners do. And we can help ensure their success by connecting them with technical assistance providers who are also listening and respecting the cultural cues and differences.

The listening has already begun. The initiative began with interviews conducted by Deo Mwano Consultancy with 45 business owners in Greater Manchester who identify as black, indigenous, or people of color, about their strengths, struggles, and what their businesses need to succeed.
The interviews revealed that the business owners generally were resourceful and resilient, had excellent relationships with their customers, and offered unique products and services customized for the cultures they serve.

Many said they faced similar challenges, including technology, financing, and bookkeeping. Few felt connected to business institutions, such as banks or industry groups. C-DEE hopes to change that, by connecting business owners of color with customized coaching, and by inviting local banks to participate in the loans it generates.

The Community Loan Fund recently opened an office on Amherst Street.

C-DEE is supported by funders including Bank of America, Santander, Bangor Savings Bank, NBT Bank, Cambridge Trust, and the Endowment for Health. McLane Middleton Law Firm and the Small Business Development Center have already signed on as technical assistance providers.

Manchester NAACP & NHCLF support minority-owned businesses

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