The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund’s Community-Driven Economic Empowerment (C-DEE) grant program is now accepting applications. The one-time capacity-building grant is designed to help businesses become financially resilient and self-sufficient. Applications are due March 9.

The C-DEE Community Business Advisory Council, comprising business owners and community leaders, determines the funding recipients. 

This year, businesses may apply for up to $5,000 to be used for:

•        Computer hardware and software;

•        Professional services, such as bookkeeping and digital marketing.

Launched in 2023, C-DEE draws on the Community Loan Fund’s experience connecting local businesses with the financing and coaching they need to thrive. More than $230,000 has been awarded to nearly 100 recipients over the last three years and 157 entrepreneurs have received coaching.

The Community-Driven Economic Empowerment program, which serves entrepreneurs statewide, is a partnership of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and the Business Alliance for People of Color. The Small Business Development Center provides no-cost coaching to all the applicants and Sheehan Phinney offers legal services to select awardees on a pro-bono basis.

The C-DEE program is funded by Bank of America, Bean Foundation, Endowment for Health, NBT Bank, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Community Development Finance Authority, Santander Bank, and TD Bank.

Learn more and apply here.

(Photo: 2025 C-DEE grant recipients.)