Concord, N.H. – Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) met with New Hampshire small business owners and Small Business Administration officials to discuss federal resources available in New Hampshire. During the meeting, Kuster highlighted existing SBA grant and loan programs that New Hampshire businesses can take advantage of and ways her office can help with the application process.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy. I am proud to advocate for them in Congress and to support them at home,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “From grant and lending opportunities to community engagement, the Small Business Administration provides important services and assistance to our states’ beloved small businesses that keep our economy churning. As we emerge from the public health emergency, I will continue working to ensure Granite State families and businesses have the support they need to thrive.”

“I commend Congresswoman Annie Kuster for her advocacy efforts on behalf of small businesses in Congress and here in New Hampshire. Thanks to her efforts, and support of SBA, businesses like Twelve 31 are able to grow, thrive and contribute to their local economies and communities,” said Mike Vlacich, SBA New England Regional Administrator.

“We were thrilled to join with Congresswoman Kuster to visit with Melissa and Michael Christoforo, owners of Twelve 31 Catering Deli Café, a small business that recently opened on Main Street in Concord,” said Amy Bassett, NH SBA district director. “The Christoforo’s were able to establish their Tilton location, which houses their full-service catering business, utilizing SBA’s 7a loan program and now have branched into Concord to help establish a storefront to attract more catering clientele as well as directly serve customers on Concord’s busy Main Street. Their combined experience and high quality, delicious offerings will lead to growth in sales and further expansion of their brand.”

Kuster is a long-time advocate for New Hampshire small businesses. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kuster was instrumental in securing financial support for small business owners through various pieces of legislation, including the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act and the CARES Act. 

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