Building Forest Management Capacity in New Hampshire

Target Outcomes for Rural Economic Development in New Hampshire

The Grants to Support Rural Economic Development program, administered by the Department of Agriculture, aims to promote economic growth and job creation in New Hampshire's rural communities. The program's primary focus is on supporting projects that drive business development and entrepreneurship in these areas. In New Hampshire, the target outcomes of this grant program are closely tied to the state's unique economic landscape.

New Hampshire's rural economy is characterized by a strong presence of small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in the tourism and manufacturing sectors. The state's rural areas, such as the North Country region, face distinct challenges, including limited access to capital and workforce development opportunities. To address these challenges, the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs works closely with regional organizations, such as the North Country Council, to identify areas of need and develop strategies for economic growth.

One of the primary target outcomes of the Grants to Support Rural Economic Development program in New Hampshire is the creation of new job opportunities in rural areas. By supporting business development and entrepreneurship, the program aims to stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment rates in these communities. According to the New Hampshire Employment Security Bureau, rural areas have historically experienced higher unemployment rates compared to urban areas, making job creation a critical priority.

Another key outcome is the diversification of rural economies, reducing dependence on traditional industries such as tourism and manufacturing. By supporting business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, the program encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging sectors, such as technology and renewable energy. The New Hampshire Office of Strategic Initiatives has identified these sectors as key areas for growth and development in the state's rural economy.

The program also prioritizes projects that enhance the competitiveness of rural businesses, improving their ability to access new markets and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This is particularly important in New Hampshire, where rural businesses often face challenges related to broadband infrastructure and access to capital. The New Hampshire Rural Development Council has highlighted these challenges as key barriers to economic growth in rural areas.

To achieve these outcomes, the Grants to Support Rural Economic Development program will support projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the state's rural economic landscape and a compelling strategy for driving growth and development. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed project will contribute to the program's target outcomes, including job creation, economic diversification, and enhanced business competitiveness.

Measuring Success in New Hampshire's Rural Communities

The success of the Grants to Support Rural Economic Development program in New Hampshire will be measured by the program's ability to drive economic growth and job creation in rural areas. Key performance indicators will include the number of new jobs created, the amount of private investment leveraged, and the number of businesses supported. The New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs will work closely with grant recipients to track these metrics and assess the program's overall impact.

In addition to these quantitative metrics, the program will also prioritize projects that demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and regional collaboration. By supporting projects that bring together local stakeholders and regional partners, the program aims to foster a more coordinated and effective approach to rural economic development in New Hampshire.

Achieving Priority Outcomes through Strategic Grantmaking

To achieve the program's target outcomes, the Grants to Support Rural Economic Development program will prioritize grantmaking that supports strategic initiatives and innovative projects. This may include investments in workforce development, business incubators, and entrepreneurship training programs. By supporting these types of initiatives, the program aims to create a more robust and resilient rural economy in New Hampshire, one that is better equipped to compete in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Applicants should be aware that the program's priority outcomes are closely tied to the state's economic development goals, as outlined in the New Hampshire State Economic Development Plan. By aligning their proposed projects with these goals, applicants can increase their chances of success in the grantmaking process.

New Hampshire's unique geography, with its rural communities and natural resources, presents both opportunities and challenges for economic development. The state's frontier counties, such as Coös County, are characterized by limited access to services and infrastructure, making it essential to prioritize projects that address these challenges.

Q: What types of projects are most likely to be funded under the Grants to Support Rural Economic Development program in New Hampshire? A: Projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the state's rural economic landscape and a compelling strategy for driving growth and development are most likely to be funded. This may include investments in workforce development, business incubators, and entrepreneurship training programs.

Q: How will grant recipients be held accountable for achieving the program's target outcomes? A: Grant recipients will be required to track and report on key performance indicators, including the number of new jobs created and the amount of private investment leveraged. The New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs will work closely with grant recipients to assess the program's overall impact.

Q: Are there any specific resources or technical assistance available to applicants seeking funding under the Grants to Support Rural Economic Development program in New Hampshire? A: Yes, the New Hampshire Rural Development Council offers technical assistance and resources to support applicants in the grantmaking process. Additionally, the North Country Council provides support to rural communities in the North Country region.