About this programme
The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund offers small business and nonprofit loans as private, non-governmental, flexible financing, paired with coaching rather than capital alone. Its business lending team is led by Cris Himes, SVP of Business & Community Lending.
The fund pairs three services: lending, with individualized underwriting; coaching and guidance, including business consultation and connections to other resources; and grant writing and project development support for organizations seeking funding.
Its focus areas include small business, farm and food, nonprofits and community service organizations, energy efficiency projects, affordable housing developers, and childcare.
How it works
Loans typically range from $10,000 to $1 million, and can go higher when structured with other participating lenders.
Funds can be used for equipment or fixed-asset purchases, business acquisitions, refinancing existing debt, new product development, inventory expansion, land or building acquisition and improvements, and energy efficiency projects, among other case-by-case uses.
The fund offers interest-only periods depending on the loan's purpose and structure, and takes a flexible approach to collateral requirements.
Specialized tracks exist for local food and farm businesses, childcare facilities (purchase, construction, expansion, or renovation), energy efficiency partnership programs, and affordable housing (pre-development, bridge, and construction financing).
Who can apply
The business must operate in New Hampshire, Vermont, or neighboring states.
It should have a plan that defines how the capital will solve a problem or drive growth, and should offer quality jobs and opportunities for workers.
How to apply
- Submit an inquiry form at tfaforms.com/4805225 to start the conversation with the lending team.
- Loan size and terms are set individually after that initial inquiry, through the fund's underwriting and coaching process.
Frequently asked
How large a loan can I get?
Loans typically range from $10,000 to $1 million, and can go higher when structured with other participating lenders.
What can the loan be used for?
Equipment or fixed-asset purchases, business acquisitions, refinancing existing debt, new product development, inventory expansion, land or building purchases and improvements, energy efficiency projects, and other uses considered case by case.
Do I need to be based in New Hampshire?
The fund serves businesses in New Hampshire, Vermont, and neighboring states.
How do I start the process?
Submit an inquiry form; loan size and terms are then set individually with the lending team.
Does the fund only lend money?
No. It also offers coaching and guidance, and grant writing and project development support, alongside its loans.
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.
Community-Driven Economic Empowerment (C-DEE) Grant
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New Hampshire entrepreneurs can get up to $5,000 toward computer equipment, software, or marketing through a community loan fund grant.
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.
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.