Questionnaire for Entrepreneurs

Our region has set clear indicators to measure whether we are reaching our CED goals. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 14

1 (7.1%): I strongly agree.

3 (21.4%): I agree.

7 (50.0%): I disagree.

1 (7.1%): I strongly disagree.

2 (14.3%): I don’t have an opinion.

Our region has a clear sense of its assets (capital, skills, businesses, buildings, networks, history, etc.) and our CED goals are firmly rooted in those assets. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 14

1 (7.1%): I strongly agree.

4 (28.6%): I agree.

5 (35.7%): I disagree.

1 (7.1%): I strongly disagree.

3 (21.4%): I don’t have an opinion.

Our region has done serious CED planning that includes proposals to plug economic leaks, promote tourism, create great places, and expand local businesses. *		.jpeg .png .pdf .xls .csv

Number of participants: 14

2 (14.3%): I strongly agree.

2 (14.3%): I agree.

7 (50.0%): I disagree.

2 (14.3%): I strongly disagree.

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: 14

6 (42.9%): I strongly agree.

6 (42.9%): I agree.

1 (7.1%): I disagree.

1 (7.1%): I strongly disagree.

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

Number of participants: 14

2 (14.3%): I strongly agree.

8 (57.1%): I agree.

2 (14.3%): I disagree.

1 (7.1%): I strongly disagree.

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

Number of participants: 14

7 (50.0%): I strongly agree.

5 (35.7%): I agree.

1 (7.1%): I disagree.

1 (7.1%): I strongly disagree.

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

Number of participants: 14

2 (14.3%): I strongly agree.

7 (50.0%): I agree.

1 (7.1%): I disagree.

2 (14.3%): I strongly disagree.

2 (14.3%): I don’t have an opinion.

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

Number of participants: 14

1 (7.1%): I strongly agree.

2 (14.3%): I agree.

3 (21.4%): I disagree.

2 (14.3%): I strongly disagree.

6 (42.9%): 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: 14

1 (7.1%): I strongly agree.

1 (7.1%): I agree.

5 (35.7%): I disagree.

5 (35.7%): I strongly disagree.

2 (14.3%): I don’t have an opinion.

11.

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

Number of participants: 14

2 (14.3%): I strongly agree.

2 (14.3%): I agree.

4 (28.6%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

6 (42.9%): 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: 14

1 (7.1%): I strongly agree.

3 (21.4%): I agree.

2 (14.3%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

8 (57.1%): I don’t have an opinion.

13.

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

Number of participants: 14

2 (14.3%): I strongly agree.

1 (7.1%): I agree.

2 (14.3%): I disagree.

1 (7.1%): I strongly disagree.

8 (57.1%): 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: 14

3 (21.4%): I strongly agree.

8 (57.1%): I agree.

2 (14.3%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

15.

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

Number of participants: 14

5 (35.7%): I strongly agree.

4 (28.6%): I agree.

1 (7.1%): I disagree.

1 (7.1%): I strongly disagree.

3 (21.4%): I don’t have an opinion.

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: 14

5 (35.7%): I strongly agree.

7 (50.0%): I agree.

1 (7.1%): I disagree.

1 (7.1%): I strongly disagree.

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: 14

4 (28.6%): I strongly agree.

7 (50.0%): I agree.

2 (14.3%): I disagree.

1 (7.1%): I strongly disagree.

18.

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

Number of participants: 5

- 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.

- This region does not support small business, the importance of shopping local, nor do town officials work to boost their local economies. We need business owners to work together, not against each other. We need town officials to encourage new businesses, not just say No all the time to new ideas and developments. We need programs that help boost local economy, get more customers shopping and make this region a real destination. We need a stronger defense against online shopping. Most of all, we all need to work together on these initiatives.

- 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.

- 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: 14

4 (28.6%): Not a serious challenge.

2 (14.3%): A moderately serious challenge.

3 (21.4%): A huge challenge.

1 (7.1%): I don’t know.

20.

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

Number of participants: 14

1 (7.1%): Not a serious challenge.

2 (14.3%): A moderately serious challenge.

7 (50.0%): A huge challenge.

1 (7.1%): I don’t know.

21.

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

Number of participants: 14

2 (14.3%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (28.6%): A huge challenge.

1 (7.1%): I don’t know.

22.

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

Number of participants: 14

7 (50.0%): Not a serious challenge.

2 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

1 (7.1%): I don’t know.

23.

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

Number of participants: 14

3 (21.4%): Not a serious challenge.

8 (57.1%): A little bit of a challenge.

2 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

1 (7.1%): I don’t know.

24.

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

Number of participants: 14

4 (28.6%): Not a serious challenge.

5 (35.7%): A little bit of a challenge.

1 (7.1%): A moderately serious challenge.

2 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

2 (14.3%): I don’t know.

25.

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

Number of participants: 14

5 (35.7%): Not a serious challenge.

5 (35.7%): A little bit of a challenge.

2 (14.3%): A moderately serious challenge.

2 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

26.

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

Number of participants: 14

3 (21.4%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (28.6%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

27.

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

Number of participants: 14

3 (21.4%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (28.6%): A huge challenge.

1 (7.1%): I don’t know.

28.

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

Number of participants: 14

8 (57.1%): Not a serious challenge.

1 (7.1%): A moderately serious challenge.

1 (7.1%): A huge challenge.

1 (7.1%): I don’t know.

29.

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

Number of participants: 14

9 (64.3%): Not a serious challenge.

1 (7.1%): A huge challenge.

1 (7.1%): I don’t know.

30.

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

Number of participants: 14

5 (35.7%): Not a serious challenge.

6 (42.9%): A little bit of a challenge.

1 (7.1%): A huge challenge.

2 (14.3%): I don’t know.

31.

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

Number of participants: 14

11 (78.6%): Not a serious challenge.

1 (7.1%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

32.

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

Number of participants: 14

- (0.0%): Not a serious challenge.

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

14 (100.0%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

33.

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

Number of participants: 14

3 (21.4%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (28.6%): A moderately serious challenge.

3 (21.4%): A huge challenge.

2 (14.3%): I don’t know.

34.

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

Number of participants: 14

6 (42.9%): Not a serious challenge.

2 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

1 (7.1%): I don’t know.

35.

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

Number of participants: 14

6 (42.9%): Not a serious challenge.

1 (7.1%): A moderately serious challenge.

2 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

3 (21.4%): I don’t know.

36.

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

Number of participants: 14

2 (14.3%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (28.6%): A moderately serious challenge.

4 (28.6%): A huge challenge.

1 (7.1%): 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: 13

- i don't know

- Low speed internet is a big challenge. Bad roads are a challenge

- 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.

- A little bit of a challenge. I would like another option for high speed internet in addition to Comcast. Public transportation - the Greyhound bus goes through Peterborough but does not stop!

- I don't know.

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

- not a huge problem

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

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

- Not a serious challenge

- Not a serious challenge.

- 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: 14

- i don't know

- No, not a serious challenge

- Yes, permits in Keene a huge barrier

- Not a serious challenge

- A moderately serious challenge.

- NO

- not a huge problem.

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

- Not a challenge

- i dont know

- A little bit of a challenge

- Not a serious 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: 2

- Rents are too high in this area, it's prohibitive to starting a business, especially a retail store front shop. Advertising rates (Monadnock Table, Sentinel, Ledger, Shopper News, etc) are way too high - small businesses, especially new businesses, cannot afford these rates...which means that they cannot place ads and market their businesses.

- 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: 8

- Better internet

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

- High speed internet

- Better advertising rates!!!!!!!!!!!

- 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

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

- 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: 13

3 (23.1%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

6 (46.2%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

4 (30.8%): I don’t know.

42.

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

Number of participants: 13

3 (23.1%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

2 (15.4%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

4 (30.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

3 (23.1%): I don’t know.

43.

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

Number of participants: 13

6 (46.2%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

4 (30.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (15.4%): I don’t know.

44.

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

Number of participants: 13

2 (15.4%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

4 (30.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

7 (53.8%): I don’t know.

45.

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

Number of participants: 13

3 (23.1%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

2 (15.4%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

7 (53.8%): I don’t know.

46.

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

Number of participants: 13

7 (53.8%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

3 (23.1%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (15.4%): I don’t know.

47.

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

Number of participants: 13

4 (30.8%): The resources do not exist locally.

5 (38.5%): 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.

4 (30.8%): I don’t know.

48.

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

Number of participants: 13

9 (69.2%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

2 (15.4%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

1 (7.7%): 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: 13

8 (61.5%): 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.

4 (30.8%): I don’t know.

50.

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

Number of participants: 13

4 (30.8%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (7.7%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

2 (15.4%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

6 (46.2%): I don’t know.

51.

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

Number of participants: 13

5 (38.5%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (7.7%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

1 (7.7%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

5 (38.5%): I don’t know.

52.

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

Number of participants: 13

5 (38.5%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (7.7%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

2 (15.4%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

4 (30.8%): I don’t know.

53.

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

Number of participants: 13

8 (61.5%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

2 (15.4%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (15.4%): I don’t know.

54.

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

Number of participants: 13

3 (23.1%): The resources do not exist locally.

5 (38.5%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (7.7%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

2 (15.4%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (15.4%): I don’t know.

55.

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

Number of participants: 13

3 (23.1%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (7.7%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

7 (53.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (15.4%): I don’t know.

56.

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

Number of participants: 13