Questionnaire for Entrepreneurs

Our region has strong organizations that bring local businesses together and facilitate meaningful CED partnerships and collaborations. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

6 (27.3%): I strongly agree.

10 (45.5%): I agree.

3 (13.6%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

3 (13.6%): I don’t have an opinion.

Our region is a place where businesses often work together to improve their competitiveness. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

2 (9.1%): I strongly agree.

12 (54.5%): I agree.

5 (22.7%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

3 (13.6%): I don’t have an opinion.

Our region understands the value of “buying locally.” *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

6 (27.3%): I strongly agree.

14 (63.6%): I agree.

1 (4.5%): I disagree.

1 (4.5%): I strongly disagree.

- (0.0%): I don’t have an opinion.

Our region makes it easy for an entrepreneur to start a business. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

2 (9.1%): I strongly agree.

9 (40.9%): I agree.

4 (18.2%): I disagree.

2 (9.1%): I strongly disagree.

Our region makes it easy for an entrepreneur to find capital for his or her business. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

- (0.0%): I strongly agree.

2 (9.1%): I agree.

9 (40.9%): I disagree.

1 (4.5%): I strongly disagree.

10 (45.5%): I don’t have an opinion.

10.

Our politicians and policymakers understand and value the importance of local business, and have shaped CED priorities and programs accordingly. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

- (0.0%): I strongly agree.

2 (9.1%): I agree.

10 (45.5%): I disagree.

5 (22.7%): I strongly disagree.

11.

Our CED programs well reflect all the views in our community. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

1 (4.5%): I strongly agree.

3 (13.6%): I agree.

7 (31.8%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

11 (50.0%): I don’t have an opinion.

12.

Our CED programs include the participation of the poor, women, the young, racial minorities, recent immigrants, and Tribes. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

- (0.0%): I strongly agree.

4 (18.2%): I agree.

6 (27.3%): I disagree.

2 (9.1%): I strongly disagree.

10 (45.5%): I don’t have an opinion.

13.

Our CED programs have set the right priorities. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

- (0.0%): I strongly agree.

6 (27.3%): I agree.

5 (22.7%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

11 (50.0%): I don’t have an opinion.

14.

There is a simple “go to” place for entrepreneurs to find information, resources, and support. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

4 (18.2%): I strongly agree.

12 (54.5%): I agree.

4 (18.2%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

2 (9.1%): I don’t have an opinion.

15.

Entrepreneurs in our region effectively connect with each other through formal or informal networks. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

4 (18.2%): I strongly agree.

10 (45.5%): I agree.

2 (9.1%): I disagree.

1 (4.5%): I strongly disagree.

16.

Our region is entrepreneurially minded. Many residents have embrace the idea of starting and running a business. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

5 (22.7%): I strongly agree.

11 (50.0%): I agree.

3 (13.6%): I disagree.

2 (9.1%): I strongly disagree.

1 (4.5%): I don’t have an opinion.

17.

Partnership and collaboration are common in our region. We work well together and get things done. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

2 (9.1%): I strongly agree.

15 (68.2%): I agree.

3 (13.6%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

2 (9.1%): I don’t have an opinion.

18.

If you want to clarify or add detail to any of your responses, please add them here:		.xls .csv

Number of participants: 7

- I selected I don't have an opinion because I felt I don't know enough about our plans economic development plans to have an educated opinion. I feel we need to do a better job of getting that information out to the average person.

- I don't feel we are aggressively pursuing the outside companies needed to inject economic energy in this region. We are woefully behind the rest of NH in terms of leadership. We are not getting it from the Chamber, the Council or private citizens. We talk constantly. I am concerned that the new City Manager has no understanding of the severity of what we are facing. I am concerned that we just handed off to "Med" leadership of this initiative when it is one of a multitude of tasks he is being asked to manage. He or someone should be doing this full time. This is not a part time issue! It requires full time focus and leadership. It is not happening in this region. I am saddened by the lack of leadership coming out of the Mayor's office. He is the king of more and more meetings. We need to put a dynamic, experienced individual in charge of this priority.

- At the local level, I do not feel those working in the government/municipalities consider those running and owning business

Our tax structure and lack of opportunity deters new families from coming to the region and discourages business owners from staying.

Future CED goals need to address how we can generate a self-sustaining economy. Monadnock's economy is propped up by out-of-state income.

- The Hannah Grimes Center is an amazing resource for entrepreneurs and initiatives like Monadnock Buy Local help to raise awareness of the important place local businesses have in our economy and in our lives.

- I don't see CED at a policy level.

- I think there are a lot of people and groups in the area who would like to help small business, they just do not know how to, or have no clear direction how to.
I believe community events get promoted as helping small business which is not necessarily the case.
I think small business in a town has to be a group effort in order for it to work.

- Most economic and civic development is hindered by a strong local attitude of "Not in my back yard."

Most people will crow about how we need something but if it remotely effects how they execute there daily routine will do every thing in there power to make sure it does not happen.

19.

Is Accessing Capital a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

8 (36.4%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (18.2%): A little bit of a challenge.

4 (18.2%): A huge challenge.

2 (9.1%): I don’t know.

20.

Is Finding Skilled Workers a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

2 (9.1%): Not a serious challenge.

1 (4.5%): A little bit of a challenge.

8 (36.4%): A huge challenge.

7 (31.8%): I don’t know.

21.

Is Retaining Workers a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

3 (13.6%): Not a serious challenge.

6 (27.3%): A little bit of a challenge.

2 (9.1%): A moderately serious challenge.

5 (22.7%): A huge challenge.

6 (27.3%): I don’t know.

22.

Is Preparing a Business Plan a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

15 (68.2%): Not a serious challenge.

1 (4.5%): A huge challenge.

2 (9.1%): I don’t know.

23.

Is Strategic Planning a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

7 (31.8%): Not a serious challenge.

12 (54.5%): A little bit of a challenge.

1 (4.5%): A huge challenge.

1 (4.5%): I don’t know.

24.

Is Market Analysis a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

8 (36.4%): Not a serious challenge.

9 (40.9%): A little bit of a challenge.

3 (13.6%): A moderately serious challenge.

1 (4.5%): A huge challenge.

1 (4.5%): I don’t know.

25.

Is Marketing/Advertising a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

9 (40.9%): Not a serious challenge.

6 (27.3%): A little bit of a challenge.

3 (13.6%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

26.

Is Increasing Sales a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

6 (27.3%): Not a serious challenge.

8 (36.4%): A little bit of a challenge.

4 (18.2%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

27.

Is Employing Better Technology a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

5 (22.7%): Not a serious challenge.

9 (40.9%): A little bit of a challenge.

2 (9.1%): A moderately serious challenge.

2 (9.1%): A huge challenge.

4 (18.2%): I don’t know.

28.

Is Accounting a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

18 (81.8%): Not a serious challenge.

- (0.0%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

29.

Are Legal Issues a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

22 (100.0%): Not a serious challenge.

- (0.0%): A little bit of a challenge.

- (0.0%): A moderately serious challenge.

- (0.0%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

30.

Are Personnel Policies a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

13 (59.1%): Not a serious challenge.

5 (22.7%): A little bit of a challenge.

1 (4.5%): A huge challenge.

2 (9.1%): I don’t know.

31.

Is Shipping Goods a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

15 (68.2%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (18.2%): A little bit of a challenge.

- (0.0%): A huge challenge.

2 (9.1%): I don’t know.

32.

Is High Speed Internet a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

7 (31.8%): Not a serious challenge.

2 (9.1%): A moderately serious challenge.

9 (40.9%): A huge challenge.

1 (4.5%): I don’t know.

33.

Is Affordable Space a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

8 (36.4%): Not a serious challenge.

5 (22.7%): A little bit of a challenge.

2 (9.1%): A huge challenge.

3 (13.6%): I don’t know.

34.

Is Regulation – new minimum wage a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

11 (50.0%): Not a serious challenge.

1 (4.5%): A huge challenge.

3 (13.6%): I don’t know.

35.

Is Regulation – mandatory sick leave a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

8 (36.4%): Not a serious challenge.

3 (13.6%): A moderately serious challenge.

1 (4.5%): A huge challenge.

7 (31.8%): I don’t know.

36.

Is The Vibrancy and Livability of Our Town a challenge? *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

5 (22.7%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (18.2%): A little bit of a challenge.

6 (27.3%): A huge challenge.

3 (13.6%): I don’t know.

37.

Is Infrastructure a challenge? (please describe) • Not a serious challenge. • A little bit of a challenge. • A moderately serious challenge. • A huge challenge. • I don’t know. *		.xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

- Yes, we have poor technology and transportation in our region. Also need to build our local food system - byt that I don't mean build bigger local farms but help support more small farms.

- I biggest problem is Skilled Labor. I do not believe that is "Infrastructure. So, I am going to answer, "I don't know".

- not for my business

- A little bit of a challenge.

- Yes. Everything is expensive in the North East, including building and maintaining.

- Parking! Bicycle access

- I don't know

- There is a lack of funds for municipal repair and maintenance

- I don't know

- Not a serious challenge. Comcast is available in downtown, office space is affordable enough.
Electricity is OUTRAGEOUS in cost, but is not a huge part of our business.

- Roads are not always in the greatest shape.......

- not a serious challenge

- Our roads are terrible, bridges are crumbling and internet sucks. So yes, a huge challenge.

- Not for my type of business, which is a private practice.

- A bit of a challenge
Not a lot of business in the area to promote traffic to area.

- Parking. We need a multi-level parking garage and less street parking like Portsmouth.

- Not a serious challenge

- Not a serious challenge.

- I'm uncertain as to the scope of this question.

- A huge challenge. We have vary lovely buildings and streets the biggest issue is proper maintenance and lack of

- Not a serious challenge

38.

Are Licenses and Permits a challenge? (please describe) • Not a serious challenge. • A little bit of a challenge. • A moderately serious challenge. • A huge challenge. • I don’t know. *		.xls .csv

Number of participants: 22

- Yes, permits in Keene a huge barrier

- it is a constant refrain over the past 20 years, that the city of Keene is impossible to work with on a timely basis. Is that true or fair? My impression is that it is getting better, that the city of Keene is listening and attempting to work with people. So, I will answer: " A little bit of a Challenge"

- not for us

- Not a serious challenge.

- Takes time, but can be done.

- Yes, the city of Keene creates many unnecessary challenges for licenses, zoning, permits, etc..

- I don't know.

- NO

- Not a serious challenge

- Little bit of a challenge. Local regulations surrounding signage appearance of buildings are discouraging for commerce.

- The byzantine regulatory system for hospitality -related businesses is daunting in "Live Free or Die" New Hampshire. Absolutely archaic.

- not a serious challenge - local town works with us

- Not a challenge

- No, I get licensing through the state of NH, and it is affordable.

- i dont know

- Not a serious challenge

- IDK

- A little bit of a challenge

- Not a serious challenge

- Not to my knowledge are licenses and permits a challenge

- Not a serious challenge.

- Not a serious challenge

39.

Please use this space to describe any other challenges not mentioned above, or to clarify any of your responses:		.xls .csv

Number of participants: 4

- Hard to find opportunity to expand business within the area. Only opportunity to make money comes from out of state and manufacture product in P'boro.

- No parking
Not easily walkable all year
Not well lit
Not enough businesses close together

- We tend to operate within whatever the constraints of whatever the circumstances.

- the largest challenge our area faces is a lack of skilled workers. most young people with a skill that where raised in NH will leave the state because they will be paid more for the same job.

40.

Please indicate if there is one challenge in particular above that requires urgent attention:		.xls .csv

Number of participants: 10

- High speed internet throughout the region - especially in small towns outside of Keene

- I am a huge fan of downtown. But let's stop putting all our energy into "improving downtown". Instead, focus on bringing in new businesses.

- High speed internet

- Very difficult to find help. High rents and cost of living make it hard for new workers to come to the area. The area needs more affordable housing and local government needs to recognize this challenge.

- In outlying towns like mine, the availability of reliable internet service is severely lacking and a huge detriment to folks looking to do business of any kind. Also, the drug crisis in our area makes it virtually impossible to keep employees, especially in the hospitality industry.

- Faster, more reliable Internet

- Accessibility
Sidewalks not sanded, cleared
Parking areas not cleared for days after storms
No lighting from municipalities parking to business areas in the evening.

- Competitive internet and telecom services. We are not in the immediate metropolitan area.

- Not to my knowledge

- Infrastructure is the single greatest challenge our area faces. our area has some of the slowest internet and spotty Cell service in the nation. More important than Infrastructure there in effectively no public transportation to or from our area and the surrounding communities or states.

41.

Entrepreneurship Courses *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

7 (33.3%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (4.8%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

8 (38.1%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

5 (23.8%): I don’t know.

42.

Mentorship (peer support) *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

5 (23.8%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

3 (14.3%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

6 (28.6%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

7 (33.3%): I don’t know.

43.

Coaching (paid support) *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

10 (47.6%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (4.8%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

6 (28.6%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

4 (19.0%): I don’t know.

44.

Technology Training *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

4 (19.0%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

- (0.0%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

3 (14.3%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

12 (57.1%): I don’t know.

45.

Entrepreneurship Competitions *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

1 (4.8%): The resources do not exist locally.

5 (23.8%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

- (0.0%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

2 (9.5%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

13 (61.9%): I don’t know.

46.

Co-Working Spaces *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

9 (42.9%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (4.8%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

5 (23.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

4 (19.0%): I don’t know.

47.

Concept Testing Space (e.g., a community kitchen) *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

6 (28.6%): The resources do not exist locally.

4 (19.0%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (4.8%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

- (0.0%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

10 (47.6%): I don’t know.

48.

Incubator or Accelerator *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

10 (47.6%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (4.8%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

5 (23.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

3 (14.3%): I don’t know.

49.

Maker Space (e.g., where tools can be rented for wood working or 3D printing) *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

13 (61.9%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

- (0.0%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

- (0.0%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

6 (28.6%): I don’t know.

50.

Federal Agencies with Entrepreneurship Programs (such as the USDA) *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

5 (23.8%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

2 (9.5%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

4 (19.0%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

10 (47.6%): I don’t know.

51.

State Agencies with Entrepreneurship Programs *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

6 (28.6%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (4.8%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

1 (4.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

11 (52.4%): I don’t know.

52.

Local Economic Development Department/Division *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

3 (14.3%): The resources do not exist locally.

6 (28.6%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

2 (9.5%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

1 (4.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

9 (42.9%): I don’t know.

53.

University or Community College *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

1 (4.8%): The resources do not exist locally.

12 (57.1%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

- (0.0%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

5 (23.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

3 (14.3%): I don’t know.

54.

Small Business Development Center *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

6 (28.6%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (4.8%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

10 (47.6%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (9.5%): I don’t know.

55.

Business Networks *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21

3 (14.3%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

3 (14.3%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

13 (61.9%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (9.5%): I don’t know.

56.

Networking Events (e.g., pub talks) *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 21