About this programme
The Community-Driven Economic Empowerment (C-DEE) Grant is a capacity-building grant launched in 2023 by the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, in partnership with the Business Alliance for People of Color. It helps New Hampshire entrepreneurs make their businesses more financially resilient and self-sufficient, building on the Community Loan Fund's existing work helping local businesses access financing and coaching.
Funding decisions are made by C-DEE's Community Business Advisory Council, a group made up of business owners and community leaders rather than Community Loan Fund staff alone. The program is funded by a group of banks and foundations, including Bank of America, NBT Bank, Santander Bank, TD Bank, the Bean Foundation, the Endowment for Health, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and the Community Development Finance Authority.
Since 2023, the program has awarded over $330,000 in grants to more than 115 recipients, and provided technical assistance to 157 entrepreneurs across all 10 New Hampshire counties. In its 2025 round, it awarded $100,000 to 37 recipients; its 2026 round named 29 awardees.
How it works
Every applicant, whether or not they receive a grant, gets free coaching from the Small Business Development Center. Sheehan Phinney, a law firm, separately provides pro-bono legal services to select recipients.
Who can apply
Any entrepreneur with a company registered and in good standing with the State of New Hampshire may apply for up to $5,000.
Grant funds are meant for computer hardware and software, marketing services including web design, professional services such as bookkeeping, and business coaching.
How to apply
- Applications are collected during an annual window; in one recent cycle the deadline was March 9. Check the program's page for the current cycle's open dates, since the window is not open year-round.
Frequently asked
How much can I get from a C-DEE grant?
Up to $5,000 per applicant.
Who decides who gets funded?
C-DEE's Community Business Advisory Council, made up of business owners and community leaders.
What can the grant money be used for?
Computer hardware and software, marketing services including web design, professional services like bookkeeping, and business coaching.
Do I get anything if I don't win a grant?
Yes. Every applicant gets free coaching from the Small Business Development Center regardless of whether they're awarded a grant.
How many businesses has C-DEE funded so far?
Over 115 recipients and $330,000 in grants since the program launched in 2023, plus coaching for 157 entrepreneurs across all 10 New Hampshire counties. The 2025 round alone awarded $100,000 to 37 recipients.
When can I apply?
The program runs on an annual application window rather than staying open year-round; in a recent cycle applications closed March 9. Check the program's page or contact Latonya Wallace for the current cycle's dates.
More funding in New Hampshire
Capital Access Program (CAP)
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority · New Hampshire
New Hampshire small businesses get a 100 percent loan guarantee up to $200,000 arranged through their own bank.
Early Stage Capital Program
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New Hampshire's finance authority backs angel and venture partners investing state-supported capital into early-stage and life-sciences startups.
Loan Guarantees Program
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority · New Hampshire
Established New Hampshire companies with 20 or more employees can get a bank loan guaranteed up to 90 percent by the state finance authority.
Economic Revitalization Zone (ERZ) Tax Credit
New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs · New Hampshire
Businesses investing inside one of New Hampshire's designated revitalization zones can claim a short-term state tax credit for jobs and infrastructure.
Small Business & Nonprofit Loans
New Hampshire Community Loan Fund · New Hampshire
A New Hampshire CDFI lends to small businesses and nonprofits with terms set case by case, plus coaching and grant-writing help.
All 6 programmes in New Hampshire →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.