Community-Driven Economic Empowerment Grants Will Support Small Businesses
by N.H. Community Loan Fund
on February 19, 2026
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.
(Photo: 2025 C-DEE grant recipients.)