Introduction
Rochester Main Street is a nonprofit organization committed to revitalizing downtown Rochester and promoting economic growth in the area. As part of the mission, the organization offers a range of resources and support to help entrepreneurs start and run their businesses in the downtown district. Main Street works closely with the municipal government and community organizations to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit downtown businesses. By offering these resources and support, Main Street helps to create a vibrant and thriving downtown district that benefits the Rochester community.
Business Planning
- NH Seacoast Small Business Development Center - Seacoast Region | NH Small Business Development Center (nhsbdc.org)
- Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) - Local Mentors | SCORE
- NH Center for Women & Enterprise - CWE New Hampshire (cweonline.org)
- City of Rochester - Economic Development | rochesternh
Financing
- For assistance in navigating financing options please contact Chris Harrelson, Rochester Main Street Board Member and Economic Vitality Chair at (603) 330-8458 or [email protected]
- New Hampshire Business Finance Authority - Welcome to the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority (nhbfa.com)
- JOB Loan Program - RochesterNHJOBLoanApplication REV 3 19.pdf (rochesteredc.com)
- Strafford Economic Development Corporation - Strafford EDC - Home (sedcnh.org)
Municipal Permits and Approvals
If you are looking to start or expand a business in Rochester, New Hampshire, the City of Rochester offers various resources to help you. The State of New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development and the NH Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are both great resources to assist with business planning, financing, marketing, and other issues impacting your business. In partnership with SBDC, the City of Rochester offers business advising services with an SBDC advisor available on the first Tuesday of each month at the City Hall Annex.
Business registration may not be required at the city level, but depending on your business type, it may be necessary to register with the Secretary of State's Office. The City's Planning & Development and Building, Zoning & Licensing Services Departments may also require permits for certain activities such as building use changes or renovations. To begin the permitting process, submit a Project Narrative Form to the Planning and Economic Development Department outlining your business plans and goals for the property.
For more information, contact the Economic Development Office or the Planning & Development Department at the City Hall Annex. Please note that project narrative forms may take up to two weeks for review depending on staff caseload.
Business registration may not be required at the city level, but depending on your business type, it may be necessary to register with the Secretary of State's Office. The City's Planning & Development and Building, Zoning & Licensing Services Departments may also require permits for certain activities such as building use changes or renovations. To begin the permitting process, submit a Project Narrative Form to the Planning and Economic Development Department outlining your business plans and goals for the property.
For more information, contact the Economic Development Office or the Planning & Development Department at the City Hall Annex. Please note that project narrative forms may take up to two weeks for review depending on staff caseload.
- Click here to visit the City's website