Hillsborough EDC hears state business resources briefing; members push for clearer site listings and broker outreach

The Hillsborough Economic Development Commission on April 15 heard from Brian Groth, a Business Resource Specialist with the New Hampshire Department of Business & Economic Affairs, who outlined state programs the town can use to retain and recruit businesses and suggested ways to improve the town’s online marketing.

At the meeting, Groth described the BEA’s Business Resource Team (focused on retention) and a separate Business Development Team (focused on recruitment). He highlighted programs available to local firms, including the Step grant (up to $8,000 to reimburse roughly 80% of export-related costs), the APEX Accelerator (a federal-state program to help companies pursue government contracts) and the Tax Cutter program. Groth said BEA also administers Economic Revitalization Zones (ERZs) and that proposed legislation could expand capital investment options tied to job creation. “We hope that passes because it is a very important program,” Groth said.

Groth urged Hillsborough to clarify “what you are selling as a community” on its municipal website and to list available properties or, where owners prefer not to be specific, to highlight district-level opportunities such as ERZs and TIFs. He recommended designating a single point of contact in town to shepherd prospective businesses through permitting and approvals so interested firms encounter a streamlined process rather than roadblocks. Groth also suggested cultivating relationships with multiple commercial brokers, noting that brokers are often the first confidential point of contact for firms looking to expand or relocate.

Town officials described Hillsborough’s strengths and constraints while discussing how to present them online. Kim Opperman told the group he sees Hillsborough as “the sweet spot between Concord and Keene,” and Laura Buono called the town’s location and professional municipal services—police, fire and planning staff—a key selling point. Planning Director Robyn Payson said the town’s permitting process is collaborative and that staff work to keep projects on a path to approval.

Members discussed logistics of maintaining an economic development landing page. Groth warned that pages left outdated can send the wrong message and said towns that keep content current send a stronger signal to the market; he said the BEA Development Team’s recruitment budget is roughly $75,000–$100,000 for trade shows and outreach. Riche’ Colcombe reviewed prior, locally run efforts—an ambassador program, UNH-led Business Retention & Expansion work and earlier branding efforts—and urged revisiting those models.

The commission agreed on next steps: Groth said he would send example municipal landing pages for the EDC to review; members discussed hosting an open house or broker forum to connect property owners, local brokers and TIF/ERZ representatives; and Riche’ Colcombe asked that 15 minutes be added to a future meeting to revisit the EDC’s historical goals. The meeting record shows no formal commitments to specific property listings or funding allocations during this session.