Concord businesses receive grants to build self-sufficiency

Sunfox Farm holds an annual Sunflower Bloom Festival. Photo taken on August 20, 2023.

Sunfox Farm holds an annual Sunflower Bloom Festival. Photo taken on August 20, 2023. GEOFF FORESTER

By SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN

Monitor staff

Published: 05-23-2025 10:07 AM

Four Concord businesses have been selected to receive grants aimed at building financial resilience and self-sufficiency.

The owners of Arnie’s Place, Lilac and Aspen, Concord Clothworks and Sunfox Farms are among 37 New Hampshire entrepreneurs awarded capacity-building grants through the Community-Driven Economic Empowerment (C-DEE) program.

Administered by the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, the statewide program distributed a total of $100,000 to small businesses this year. Each business could apply to receive up to $5,000 in funding.

Latonya Wallace, director of small business engagement at the Community Loan Fund, described this year’s grant recipients as “visionaries, builders and believers” who have taken steps to spark change not only in their businesses but within their communities.

“Together with our partners, the Community Loan Fund is proud to connect local businesses with the financing and coaching they need to grow and thrive,” said Wallace.

The other grant recipients represent nine New Hampshire counties and 11 industries, including farming, early childhood education, restaurants and retail.

Collectively, they employ around 150 people.

The grants can be used to fulfill a range of business needs. Recipients may invest in computer hardware and software, professional services such as legal consultation and bookkeeping, marketing efforts like website design and business coaching or consulting. 

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