HEDC Secures $53,066 for Hinsdale Business Microgrants

HEDC said the award will help advance its broader economic development work, including the Market Entry Assistance Program.

A new funding boost is set to give Hinsdale’s business community added support, with the Hinsdale Economic Development Corporation receiving $53,066.68 to launch a microgrant program for companies that are opening, growing or moving into town.

The money comes from the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Foundation through its partnership with Revo Casino and Social House in West Lebanon. HEDC said the award will help advance its broader economic development work, including the Market Entry Assistance Program, or MEAP.

Under MEAP, small and medium-sized businesses can seek help with early expenses that often make it difficult to get established. The program is intended to reduce some of the costs tied to permits, licensing, utilities, professional services, branding, marketing, planning, signage, accessibility work and necessary equipment. HEDC said the annual pool for awards is capped at $10,000.

Max Beebe, HEDC’s development liaison, said the charitable gaming support has already played a larger role in the organization’s work by helping it maintain a part-time economic development position and pursue other grants that require matching dollars. He also said the funding made MEAP possible and supports efforts to draw private investment into Hinsdale.

The organization is also using other grant resources to promote the town. Beebe said HEDC recently won support through New Hampshire’s Joint Promotional Program to produce a set of tourism videos highlighting Hinsdale’s outdoor recreation and natural features. Those videos are still being made and are meant to bring in visitors and benefit local businesses.

HEDC says the new program is open to for-profit businesses with fewer than 100 employees and under $5 million in annual revenue. Startups, firms relocating to Hinsdale, expanding companies and some residential housing developers may qualify if their projects contribute to local economic growth.

Applications for this year’s funding are due Nov. 1, and the HEDC Board of Directors is expected to make decisions within 30 days.

The grant arrives amid a series of town efforts aimed at strengthening Hinsdale’s economy. In recent years, officials have revised zoning rules to encourage both commercial and residential development, including new roadside commercial districts along Route 119 and expanded housing options through accessory dwelling units and cottage court projects.

At the 2025 Town Meeting, voters also approved two tax incentive programs intended to support redevelopment and investment. One offers temporary property tax relief for downtown revitalization work, while the other provides exemptions for certain commercial and industrial improvements.

More information and application materials are available through HEDC at www.hinsdaleadvantage.com/