Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) hosted a federal grants fair for New Hampshire communities, small businesses, and nonprofits to increase awareness about federal resources available. One of the most important roles of congressional offices is to help constituents navigate federal agencies and access additional funding opportunities. Officials from SBA, USDA-RD, NBRC, EPA, BEA, HUD, and CDFA joined the fair to highlight their programs and answer questions.

“I was so pleased to join my friend and colleague, Congressman Pappas, to host this important virtual discussion about the federal resources available for communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “New Hampshire is home to incredible business owners, non-profit leaders, and town officials working to deliver for our state – and I want to make sure they have the resources to thrive. Today’s fair was a great way to connect organizations with new funding opportunities. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to contribute to the conversation. I look forward to the new partnerships that will come from today’s discussion!”

“I thank Congresswoman Kuster for partnering on this effort as well as the state and local leaders who joined the first of what we hope are many such conversations this year,” said Congressman Pappas. “It is vital that New Hampshire’s local municipalities and nonprofits have the opportunity to connect with and hear from state and federal agencies about funding opportunities to help strengthen our economy, foster community development, improve environmental protection, support small businesses, and more. I remain committed to bringing federal funding back to New Hampshire to boost our economy and support our communities. I will continue to prioritize this in my work in Washington.”

“I want to thank Representatives Kuster and Pappas for their steadfast commitment to NH and our nation’s small businesses,” said Mike Vlacich, New England Regional Administrator, United States Small Business Administration. “Small business is the backbone of our economy, comprising 99 percent of our state’s businesses, and I am grateful for the opportunity, provided by Representatives Kuster and Pappas, today for the United States Small Business Administration to provide critical information about the tools we offer to help small businesses throughout our state.”

“Often all it takes to launch a new community project, build your business or get into a new home is simply a matter of knowing where to look and who to talk with,” said Sarah Waring, USDA Rural Development State Director for Vermont and New Hampshire. “This is an event that makes those connections for New Hampshirites, highlighting the available federal resources rural residents can rely on to make their lives safer, healthier and more rewarding. We are honored and so appreciative to Congresswoman Kuster and Congressman Pappas for hosting this essential grants fair, and look forward to funding the projects it will surely inspire.”

Kuster and Pappas have fought to deliver additional resources and funding to New Hampshire. From the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, they have delivered real results for Granite State small businesses, families, and communities.

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