The work of Jonathan Doyle of Keene, a painter, sculptor, animator, director, set and lighting designer who is also Vice Chair of the Community Entrepreneurs business group, was featured in TOONBOOM's Winter newsletter.

Doyle says TOOMBOOM is the world's leading animation software company, and its newsletter is distributed internationally. Some of Jonathan's work can be seen at nycreator.com.

Valley Ventures, a MicroCredit-NH business group in Berlin, hosts its 3^rd annual Northern NH Tradeshow on Saturday, March 21 at White Mountain Community College in Berlin. Booth space is $10 for MicroCredit-NH members. Check it out!

Going to the Made
in NH expo? 

That's a good thing. Great, actually, because that growth has challenged us to explore ways of communicating that are more timely and environmentally friendly.

So this, our first-ever e-Network newsletter, signals a shift from paper to electronic communication. We'll continue to print The Network, with its calendars of orientations and networking events, but only twice a year instead of quarterly.

The monthly e-Network will contain news and short items for and about YOU. We value your contributions and suggestions. Please tell us what you think of this first newsletter. What would you like to see more of? Or less of? Drop us a note. We look forward to hearing from you.

David Hamel,
MicroCredit-NH Director 

Candlelite Inn B&B honored

Marilyn Gordon Geoff Forester Photography

StartupNation, an online community and resource for entrepreneurs, recently recognized Candlelite Inn B&B in Bradford as one of the top businesses in its 2008 Home Based 100 competition, in the Boomers Back in Business category.

The profile on StartupNation's Web site cites Marilyn Gordon's conversion of "a turn of the century Victorian inn, offering 6 beautifully appointed guest rooms with numerous amenities, into a relaxed country B&B" that offers a scrumptious three-course breakfast, and has received honors from numerous travel publications.

"You need to enjoy what you are doing and for us it's been the people we have met and the friends we have made," says Gordon, the owner and innkeeper. We profiled Marilyn and Les Gordon in the April-June 2007 issue of The Network.

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Business Builders program launching in Sullivan County -- apply now! 

MicroCredit-NH's new Business Builders program will provide technical assistance to help micro-entrepreneurs who have had minimal business skills training construct individualized strategic plans. The Sullivan County program will include up to 12 micro-businesses and will comprise seven day-long sessions March 27-June 26, 2009. 

Curriculum topics include: strategic thinking and planning, business and personal vision and mission, financial planning, goal setting, market research and analysis, target marketing, marketing strategy and tactics, sales and customer service, financial reports and analysis, business plan and strategic plan development, and plan presentations.

Applications are now being accepted.  Please call 800.769.3482 or visit our Web site for more information.

On February 2, after many successful years in southern NH, ArtWorks-NH's Artist Exchange traveled to the mountains. Thirty local artists, artisans and craftspeople attended the first North County Artist Exchange at the Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa in Whitefield.

As we all know, our arts and culture foster not only beauty and vitality but also bring big dollars into our local economies. Keynote speaker Frumie Selchen, Executive Director of the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire, articulated the great contributions artists make to the state's diversity and culture and the importance of building strong business skills in artist entrepreneurs. 

Glen Group owner Nancy Clark delivered marketing lessons with unbridled energy and expertise, and sprinkled with "a-ha" moments.

Don't be left out in the cold!

In December, MicroCredit-NH introduced our three new membership levels, each with corresponding benefits. If you have not already done so, it is very important that you sign up for one of these membership levels to continue to receive support and services, including peer groups, the Members Only Web site and regional manager technical assistance.

We're sure you'll find the new system an efficient and effective way to renew your annual membership.

Don't forget: We offer lower rates and scholarships for income-qualified members. And all members can use our payment plan to stretch payments out over two or three months if necessary.

If you have any questions, please contact your Regional Manager.

Networking events 

Networking with other businesses to develop relationships, promote your business, and maybe even make sales.

$5 admission.

March 4, Berlin
Northland Restaurant and Dairy Bar, 1826 Riverside Drive, 1-3 p.m.

March 4, Meredith
Mame's Restaurant, 8 Plymouth St., 6-8 p.m.

March 11, Raymond
Famous Legends Sports Bar, 4 Essex Dr., 5:30-7:30 p.m.

March 24, Manchester
Jillian's, 50 Phillipe Cote St., 6-9 p.m. 

Small business hotline open