New Hampshire Small Business Grants 2026
New Hampshire levies no broad income tax on wages or general business income — its incentives come through targeted programs, federal funding access, and regional lenders like Coastal Enterprises Inc. that specialize in New England small businesses.
New Hampshire has a narrow state grant portfolio, so federal programs are the primary source of direct funding for most NH businesses. Food, agriculture, manufacturing, and clean-tech companies in rural parts of the state should contact Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) — a New England CDFI offering loans of $5,000–$5,000,000 with underwriting standards designed for businesses that don't fit conventional bank criteria. Food and beverage businesses should also note that the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Pitch Room competition is open to NH applicants and awards $10,000 plus a year of coaching.
The funding landscape in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not impose a broad-based income tax on wages and has no general sales tax — a tax environment that is among the most business-friendly in the US. The tradeoff is that the state's incentive toolkit for small businesses is narrower than many neighboring states. New Hampshire's Business Enterprise Tax (BET, a modified version of a business profits tax) applies to businesses above certain thresholds, and the state does administer some economic development programs through the NH Division of Economic Development, but there is no standing statewide grant program for general small-business operations comparable to what you'd find in Massachusetts or Connecticut. The state's business development support tends to flow through regional lenders, CDFIs, and workforce training programs rather than direct grant awards.
Regional lenders fill much of the gap. Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI), a CDFI based in Maine but lending across New England including New Hampshire, provides loans from $5,000 to $5,000,000 for small businesses in food, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, clean technology, and community services — with underwriting standards that accommodate businesses with limited collateral or non-traditional financials. For NH tech companies, the federal SBIR program is the most significant non-dilutive grant opportunity: Phase I awards up to $250,000 and Phase II up to $2,000,000 through agencies including NSF, NIH, DOD, and DOE. The federal R&D Tax Credit (Section 41) provides up to $500,000/year in payroll tax offset for qualifying small businesses with research expenses. USDA Rural Development programs serve the rural tier of New Hampshire — the B&I Loan Guarantee (up to $25M) and REAP energy grants (up to $1M) are both available to qualifying rural NH businesses.
New Hampshire programs 3
State-administered grants, tax credits, and incentives for businesses based in New Hampshire.
Power Forward Small Business Grant
$25,000 for Black-owned small businesses in New England (MA, ME, NH, RI, VT, CT) — Celtics + Vistaprint + NAACP program, multiple cycles, includes marketing resources.
Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream — Pitch Room Competition
Samuel Adams' annual pitch competition awards a $10,000 grant plus a year of coaching to a packaged food or beverage business. Free coaching and bootcamps also available.
Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) — Small Business Loans and Equity
CDFI loans of $5K–$5M for small businesses in rural New England and natural resources sectors, with focus on job creation and environmental sustainability.
Federal & national programs New Hampshire businesses can use
These programs are open to qualifying small businesses in every state, including New Hampshire — often the largest non-dilutive dollars available.
SBIR Phase I — U.S. Air Force / AFWERX
Air Force SBIR Phase I — up to $250K via traditional topics or AFWERX Open Topics (continuously open). STRATFI/TACFI bridge Phase I to Phase II.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
SBA's flagship loan guarantee — up to $5M for almost any business purpose through an SBA-approved bank or lender.
SBA Microloan Program
Loans up to $50K for startups and small businesses through local nonprofit lenders. Average loan ~$13K. Apply to a local intermediary, not SBA directly.
Research & Development Tax Credit (Section 41)
Federal R&D credit offsetting up to $500K/yr in payroll taxes for early-stage companies with qualifying research spend.
SBA 504/CDC Loan Program
Fixed-rate financing up to $5.5M for owner-occupied real estate and heavy equipment — as little as 10% down, 25-year terms.
SBIR Phase I — USDA (NIFA)
Up to $175K USDA feasibility grant for ag-tech, food, forestry, and rural innovation startups — one annual solicitation, submitted via Grants.gov.
How to apply in New Hampshire
CEI loans are applied for directly through Coastal Enterprises Inc. (ceimaine.org); they work with NH businesses as part of their New England lending footprint. Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream applications open annually — check samueladams.com/brewing-the-american-dream for the current cycle. Federal SBIR solicitations are at SBIR.gov. For USDA programs, contact the NH USDA Rural Development state office. The federal R&D credit is filed on IRS Form 6765; pre-revenue startups under $5M revenue can apply it against payroll taxes.
New Hampshire small business funding FAQ
Does New Hampshire have a state small-business grant program?
Not a standing statewide grant for general small businesses as of 2026. NH's approach is primarily tax-environment-based (no broad income or sales tax) plus support through CDFIs and workforce programs. Direct grants exist at the federal level — SBIR for tech companies, USDA programs for rural and agricultural businesses — and some municipalities run their own small-business funds. Check with your local economic development office or regional planning commission.
What is Coastal Enterprises Inc. and can any NH business borrow from them?
CEI is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that lends across New England including New Hampshire. They focus on businesses in food, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, clean technology, and community services — particularly those that create jobs for lower-income people or in rural areas. Loan sizes run $5,000–$5,000,000. Their underwriting is more flexible than conventional banks, but they still require a viable repayment plan.
Are NH businesses eligible for the federal SBIR grant program?
Yes. Federal SBIR and STTR awards have no geographic restriction — any for-profit small business with under 500 employees located anywhere in the US can compete. New Hampshire does not have a state SBIR matching program, but the federal awards stand alone. Phase I is typically $150,000–$305,000 depending on the agency; Phase II is $750,000–$2,000,000. NSF's America's Seed Fund and NIH are the most accessible for life sciences and technology companies.
What funding options exist for NH food and beverage businesses?
Three specific options: Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream awards $10,000 plus coaching to a packaged food or beverage business in New Hampshire (annual competition). CEI CDFI loans serve food and agriculture businesses with flexible underwriting. USDA Value-Added Producer Grants (up to $250,000) support agricultural producers developing new products. Additionally, the Amber Grant runs monthly cycles awarding $10,000 to women-owned businesses in any industry including food and beverage.