Small businesses seeking growth strategies have another resource thanks to a $2,500 grant provided to a New Hampshire-based incubator from St. Mary's Bank.
The Amoskeag Business Incubator said it plans to use the grant from the $709 million CU to hire an AmeriCorps VISTA member, a volunteer who commits to serve full-time for a year at a nonprofit organization or local government agency and supports the community in various ways. At ABI, the VISTA member will be responsible for expanding services and resources available to the incubator's businesses.
"We're pleased to support the ABI, as the work they do not only fosters entrepreneurial spirit in our community but ultimately helps provide much-needed jobs to a number of New Hampshire residents," said Tom Champagne, community outreach director at St. Mary's Bank in Manchester, N.H.
Launched in 1997, the ABI is a mixed-use incubator with a wide variety of businesses residing in it, including service, high tech, light manufacturing and distribution. It services includes business plan review, quarterly goal setting and monitoring, on-site counseling, resource referrals, internship coordination through local colleges and universities, free educational seminars, networking events, infrastructure for wired and wireless Internet, a business information center and complimentary press releases.
