| The past few weeks have presented challenges not only here in New Hampshire, but all over the world. The Department of Business and Economic Affairs has already heard from hundreds of businesses and we are working with our federal and state partners to bring forward resources to help address the needs of our business community. We have launched a one-stop resource for businesses needs during this difficult time and it will be updated regularly. Click here to access that information. Governor Sununu requested a disaster declaration from the US Small Business Administration to speed the delivery and access of federal low interest loan products to New Hampshire businesses. On March 18, New Hampshire received a statewide declaration of disaster from the SBA, which means that business in all counties within New Hampshire are eligible for the loan program. More information is available on our web portal. This situation is unlike anything we have seen before. On the upside, we go into this downturn with many strong economic fundamentals. Our goal is to do whatever we can to reduce the financial burden facing businesses across this state in hopes that when we come out the other side of COVID-19, we do so in as strong of a position as possible. I urge you to use BEA and other state resources to help you in this regard. We will not be able to solve every issue, but we are damn well going to try. I say all the time our strength in this state are our communities, and among the most admirable of those is New Hampshire’s business community. I wish you, your families, and your employees the best for whatever is next. BEA and the State of New Hampshire are here if you need us. Respectfully, Taylor Caswell Commissioner Department of Business & Economic Affairs |
Tags: business resources, COVID19