The CDBG Program

Are you thinking about starting a small business? Do you want to grow your business? The CDBG program may be able to help.

WREN is an administrator of the NH CDFA’s CDBG Program. CDBG stands for Community Development Block Grant.  Funding for this program flows from HUD, to the CDFA, to Grafton County, and then to administrators like WREN.  The CDBG Program provides funding for technical assistance and training for new and developing small businesses owned by low to moderate income entrepreneurs. As long as the business owner meets our program guidelines, they may receive up to three years of free assistance.

Selection for this program depends on three factors: the likelihood that the emerging or established business will grow its earnings and jobs over time, the current number of employees in the business (must have 5 or less employees), and family size/correlated income. 

CDBG program participants receive a free one-year WREN membership, and can use CDBG funds to cover the costs of any of WREN’s classes and workshops, as well as one-on-one trainings with WREN staff. If participants need technical assistance and training not offered by WREN, CDBG funds can be used for other providers.

The CDBG program also provides direct grants to business owners. These grants can be used to purchase equipment and supplies needed to help businesses grow. If you are a CDBG program participant, you may be eligible for a direct grant of up to $5,000. 

WREN administers the CDBG program for residents of Grafton, Carroll, and Coös Counties in NH. To see if you are eligible for the program, download the income survey for your county. If your household income size falls into category A, B, or C, you are eligible for the program. Eligible business owners should submit their completed income survey along with a completed application to juliab@wrenworks.org

The CDBG program is a great resource for low to moderate income business owners, and WREN is happy to administer it! 

If you have questions about the program, please email juliab@wrenworks.org or call WREN at 603 869 9736. 

We can’t wait to work with you!

Income Surveys:

Application: 
CDBG Application

Fill out each document in its entirety, including a signature and date, and email them to juliab@wrenworks.org.