SEDS Microgrants

The Seacoast Economic Development Stakeholders (SEDS) is a collective of municipal economic development managers, chamber of commerce directors, planning commission staff, and representatives from other allied organizations who play a key role in economic development in Strafford and Rockingham Counties. SEDS members meet regularly and work together to share information and promote the economic vitality of our communities and region.

In April, the SEDS began accepting applications for microgrants to fund community initiatives and small projects that met at least one of the following priorities:

Foster a sustainable workforce environment,
Create affordable and quality housing options,
Facilitate infrastructure improvements, or
Promote quality of life in the greater seacoast.

Applications were accepted on a rolling basis and a total of $5,100 was awarded to the following grantees:

Dover Social Media Marketing Pilot—this grant was awarded to the City of Dover, Office of Business Development (OBD) to study the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of social media promotion in place of more traditional advertising methods. Social media activities will encourage increased economic activity during the target events and will support ongoing efforts to demonstrate the region’s quality of life to potential residents and businesses. A successful campaign will simultaneously promote current OBD initiatives and generate internal data about how paid promotion of social media content changed OBD’s social media reach.

Elephant in the Room Series Resource Listing—the NH Theatre Project’s Elephant-in-the-Room Series® presents play readings, videos, and community conversations about topics that we, as a society, often feel uncomfortable discussing. These include Navigating Addiction; Courageous Conversations on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Suicide & Self-Harm; and PTS & First Responders. NH Theatre Project will use the grant funds to help upgrade their website to include regional and statewide resources that are available for communities, businesses, and individuals coping with these issues.

Exeter Vibe Summer Music Series—this grant was awarded to the Exeter Parks & Recreation Department to expand its Summer Concert Series. The new Child Concert Series will provide family friendly entertainment, give children and adults the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy a fun day on the town, and support local artists and musicians.

Native American Workforce Summer Employment Program—the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating its second summer workforce program by providing career and cultural opportunities for eight young Native Americans from Pine Ridge. In a public/private partnership, these workers will arrive at Hampton Beach to work for NH State Parks and beach businesses between May 22nd and September 15th. With the help of this grant, Chamber members, and a non-profit team, the Chamber is supporting these workers by covering the cost of travel and initial food and living expenses. The project was featured in Seacoast Online: https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/14/lakota-tribe-workers-pine-ridge-reservation-find-jobs-opportunity-hampton-beach-nh/70298475007/

Student Workforce Signing Days—the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce is partnering with schools and businesses to host “signing days” for graduating high school students going directly into the work force. These students will be given a celebration to acknowledge their accomplishments and will be photographed with their families and future employers, wearing their prospective company’s attire. By calling attention to those choosing to go directly into the work force and highlighting the many quality employment opportunities in the area, this project will serve to help non-college bound students feel good about their decision and inspire others to follow suit.