Rural Housing and Economic Development 1999 Grants

PROJECT SUMMARY: NEW HAMPSHIRE

Women's Rural Enterprise Network (WREN), in Bethlehem NH, will receive a Rural Housing and Economic Development Grant in the amount of $150,000. WREN will use the capacity building funding to create new positions and increase hours of existing ones, expand the markets of WREN's Marketplace retail store to develop new markets, initiate an outreach program to respond to increased demands, strengthen and expand entrepreneurial offerings through Long Distance Learning via telebridge and Internet technology, and explore several products that would result in job creation for low income women and teen girls. The project will primarily serve small towns in Coos and Grafton counties in New Hampshire, but also women in nearby areas of St. Johnsbury Vermont, Berlin/Gorham Area, Linclon/Woodstock and the Pittsburge/Colebrook/Errol Region. The Rural Prosperity Project has leveraged $280,000 of CDBG dollars, $43,000 from USDA Rural Development, $5,000 from Andrew Dibner, $2,500 from Public Service of New Hampshire, and $5,000 from the Women's Fund of New Hampshire. The project has many partners, such as: the Ms. Foundation, New Hampshire SBA and Small Business Development Centers, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Youthworks, SCORE, and USDA-Rural Development Program.

Contact Person: Natalie Woodroofe
Grantee Address: 2013 Main Street PO Box 331 Bethlehem New Hampshire 03574
Phone Number: (603) 869-9736

Content Archived: January 20, 2009