Our Work
Resources for Rochester businesses
Thinking about opening downtown? Growing what you've built? Start with Main Street America's free Small Business Hub, then find the local advising, financing, and permitting help below - and we're happy to walk you through it personally.
Start here - free for every business
Main Street America Small Business Hub
A free online home for small business owners, built by Main Street America, the national network Rochester Main Street belongs to. Take short on-demand courses, join live workshops, search a library of guides on funding, marketing, and operations, and trade ideas with other Main Street business owners. Create a free account to get started.
Visit the Small Business Hub ↗- On-demand courses on digital marketing, crowdfunding, disaster resilience, and more
- Live virtual workshops led by expert instructors
- Resource library covering funding, marketing, sales, operations, and compliance
- Discussion forums to connect with other small business owners
Downtown business owners
Add your business to the BOOMS survey
Every business downtown counts - including home-based and micro businesses. The BOOMS Business Intake Survey collects basic information about who is operating in downtown Rochester. That data is what funders ask for: it strengthens grant applications for Rochester Main Street, for other local nonprofits, and for businesses seeking investment. It takes about five minutes.
Advising & mentorship
NH Small Business Development Center (Seacoast Region) ↗
Free, confidential business advising - an SBDC advisor is available at the Rochester City Hall Annex on the first Tuesday of each month.
SCORE - Local Mentors ↗
The Service Corps of Retired Executives pairs entrepreneurs with experienced volunteer mentors.
NH Center for Women & Enterprise ↗
Training, advising, and community for women entrepreneurs across New Hampshire.
City of Rochester Economic Development ↗
The city's programs, incentives, and staff support for businesses locating or growing in Rochester.
Financing
For help navigating financing options, contact Chris Harrelson, Rochester Main Street board member and Economic Vitality chair, at (603) 330-8458.
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority ↗
State financing programs for growing businesses.
Rochester JOB Loan Program ↗
Local revolving loan fund supporting job creation in Rochester.
Strafford Economic Development Corporation ↗
Regional lending and development support for Strafford County businesses.
Municipal permits & approvals
The City of Rochester offers a range of resources for starting or expanding a business. In partnership with the SBDC, the city hosts business advising at the City Hall Annex on the first Tuesday of each month.
Business registration may not be required at the city level, but depending on your business type you may need to register with the NH Secretary of State. The city's Planning & Development and Building, Zoning & Licensing departments may require permits for building use changes or renovations. To begin, submit a Project Narrative Form to the Planning and Economic Development Department outlining your plans - allow up to two weeks for review.
Questions? Contact the Economic Development Office at the City Hall Annex, or reach out to us - helping downtown businesses succeed is literally our mission.
