In a recent government meeting, a local entrepreneur shared his journey of establishing Paragon Digital Marketing in Keene, New Hampshire, highlighting the challenges and successes faced by small businesses in rural areas. The founder emphasized the critical role of broadband access in growing his company, which focuses on assisting mid to small-sized businesses.

After purchasing a historic church in 2018 to serve as a new office space, the entrepreneur navigated various funding avenues, including a low-interest loan from the Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) to finance a solar array installation. This solar system has since made Paragon energy-independent, shielding the business from rising energy costs during recent spikes.

The entrepreneur also discussed his plans to open a beer garden in the church's sanctuary, for which he is applying for a USDA REAP grant to install a geothermal heating system. He noted the complexities of managing different grant timelines and processes, which could delay the project.

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of multi-agency coordination in supporting small businesses, citing his recent participation in the New Hampshire Export Accelerator program. This initiative, which involved collaboration with various federal and state agencies, enabled him to develop an export plan for Paragon and secure a STEP grant for an upcoming trade mission to Brazil.

The entrepreneur concluded by advocating for enhanced coordination among federal programs that support small businesses, particularly in rural areas. He stressed that improved access to resources would allow entrepreneurs to focus more on their core operations, ultimately contributing to job creation and economic growth in their communities. His experiences underscore the vital support provided by organizations like the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, which has been instrumental in navigating federal assistance programs.