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: 21

1 (4.8%): I strongly agree.

4 (19.0%): I agree.

7 (33.3%): I disagree.

1 (4.8%): I strongly disagree.

8 (38.1%): 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: 21

3 (14.3%): I strongly agree.

8 (38.1%): I agree.

4 (19.0%): I disagree.

1 (4.8%): I strongly disagree.

5 (23.8%): 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: 21

2 (9.5%): I strongly agree.

5 (23.8%): I agree.

9 (42.9%): I disagree.

1 (4.8%): I strongly disagree.

4 (19.0%): I don’t have an opinion.

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: 21

7 (33.3%): I strongly agree.

8 (38.1%): I agree.

3 (14.3%): I disagree.

1 (4.8%): I strongly disagree.

2 (9.5%): 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: 21

3 (14.3%): I strongly agree.

12 (57.1%): I agree.

3 (14.3%): I disagree.

1 (4.8%): I strongly disagree.

2 (9.5%): I don’t have an opinion.

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

Number of participants: 21

6 (28.6%): I strongly agree.

12 (57.1%): I agree.

- (0.0%): I disagree.

3 (14.3%): 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: 21

3 (14.3%): I strongly agree.

10 (47.6%): I agree.

3 (14.3%): I disagree.

2 (9.5%): 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: 21

1 (4.8%): I strongly agree.

1 (4.8%): I agree.

6 (28.6%): I disagree.

2 (9.5%): I strongly disagree.

11 (52.4%): 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: 21

1 (4.8%): I strongly agree.

4 (19.0%): I agree.

8 (38.1%): I disagree.

5 (23.8%): I strongly disagree.

11.

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

Number of participants: 21

2 (9.5%): I strongly agree.

3 (14.3%): I agree.

7 (33.3%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

9 (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: 21

1 (4.8%): I strongly agree.

3 (14.3%): I agree.

6 (28.6%): I disagree.

2 (9.5%): I strongly disagree.

9 (42.9%): I don’t have an opinion.

13.

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

Number of participants: 21

2 (9.5%): I strongly agree.

7 (33.3%): I agree.

4 (19.0%): I disagree.

1 (4.8%): I strongly disagree.

7 (33.3%): 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: 21

4 (19.0%): I strongly agree.

11 (52.4%): I agree.

5 (23.8%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

1 (4.8%): 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: 21

4 (19.0%): I strongly agree.

11 (52.4%): I agree.

2 (9.5%): I disagree.

1 (4.8%): 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: 21

5 (23.8%): I strongly agree.

9 (42.9%): I agree.

4 (19.0%): I disagree.

2 (9.5%): I strongly disagree.

1 (4.8%): 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: 21

5 (23.8%): I strongly agree.

10 (47.6%): I agree.

3 (14.3%): I disagree.

1 (4.8%): I strongly disagree.

2 (9.5%): 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: 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 has been economically stagnant at best since the late 1990s. The reality is bsiiness and industry have left the region and relocated elsewhere or simply ceased operations. The region is a wonderful place to call home but it it's very difficult to find gainful employment that provides an ocome to afford the cost of living here.

- 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 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.

19.

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

Number of participants: 21

3 (14.3%): Not a serious challenge.

8 (38.1%): A little bit of a challenge.

5 (23.8%): A huge challenge.

3 (14.3%): I don’t know.

20.

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

Number of participants: 21

1 (4.8%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (19.0%): A little bit of a challenge.

6 (28.6%): A huge challenge.

7 (33.3%): I don’t know.

21.

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

Number of participants: 21

2 (9.5%): Not a serious challenge.

5 (23.8%): A little bit of a challenge.

6 (28.6%): A huge challenge.

5 (23.8%): I don’t know.

22.

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

Number of participants: 21

10 (47.6%): Not a serious challenge.

3 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

2 (9.5%): I don’t know.

23.

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

Number of participants: 21

6 (28.6%): Not a serious challenge.

8 (38.1%): A little bit of a challenge.

4 (19.0%): A huge challenge.

1 (4.8%): I don’t know.

24.

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

Number of participants: 21

4 (19.0%): Not a serious challenge.

8 (38.1%): A little bit of a challenge.

6 (28.6%): A moderately serious challenge.

3 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

25.

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

Number of participants: 21

7 (33.3%): Not a serious challenge.

7 (33.3%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

26.

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

Number of participants: 21

4 (19.0%): Not a serious challenge.

8 (38.1%): A moderately serious challenge.

6 (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: 21

4 (19.0%): Not a serious challenge.

9 (42.9%): A little bit of a challenge.

4 (19.0%): A huge challenge.

2 (9.5%): I don’t know.

28.

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

Number of participants: 21

13 (61.9%): Not a serious challenge.

1 (4.8%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

29.

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

Number of participants: 21

13 (61.9%): Not a serious challenge.

5 (23.8%): A little bit of a challenge.

1 (4.8%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

30.

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

Number of participants: 21

8 (38.1%): Not a serious challenge.

9 (42.9%): A little bit of a challenge.

1 (4.8%): A moderately serious challenge.

2 (9.5%): A huge challenge.

1 (4.8%): I don’t know.

31.

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

Number of participants: 21

11 (52.4%): Not a serious challenge.

7 (33.3%): A little bit of a challenge.

1 (4.8%): A moderately serious challenge.

1 (4.8%): A huge challenge.

1 (4.8%): I don’t know.

32.

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

Number of participants: 21

5 (23.8%): Not a serious challenge.

5 (23.8%): A moderately serious challenge.

7 (33.3%): A huge challenge.

1 (4.8%): I don’t know.

33.

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

Number of participants: 21

8 (38.1%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (19.0%): A little bit of a challenge.

3 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

4 (19.0%): I don’t know.

34.

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

Number of participants: 21

9 (42.9%): Not a serious challenge.

3 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

3 (14.3%): I don’t know.

35.

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

Number of participants: 21

6 (28.6%): Not a serious challenge.

3 (14.3%): A huge challenge.

5 (23.8%): I don’t know.

36.

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

Number of participants: 21

5 (23.8%): Not a serious challenge.

4 (19.0%): A little bit of a challenge.

6 (28.6%): A huge challenge.

2 (9.5%): 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

- i don't know

- 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.

- Not serious

- Not significant.

- 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!

- 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

- A little bit of a challenge. Mostly roads and bridges needing repair.

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

- I don't know. I work from my home.

- not a huge problem

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

- not a serious 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.

- Not a serious challenge.

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

- accessing affordable housing for (potential) employees is difficult

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: 21

- i don't know

- Yes, permits in Keene a huge barrier

- Moderately serious

- Yes.

- Not a serious 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.

- A moderately serius challenge. Town permitting and code enforcement can be overwhelming and confusing.

- NO

- I have had no issues with getting licenses.

- 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 serious challenge - local town works with us

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

- Not a serious challenge

- Not to my knowledge are licenses and permits a challenge

- fees for very small scale businesses can be a deterrent

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

- 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.

- 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.

- As an employer of 20-25 seasonal workers, I support a higher minimum wage, mandatory sick leave, and employer-funded single payer health care!

40.

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

Number of participants: 7

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

- More internships needed, more people need to stay in Keene, more shoppers need to support local businesses.

- 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.

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

- Not to my knowledge

41.

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

Number of participants: 21

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

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

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

6 (28.6%): 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.

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

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

9 (42.9%): I don’t know.

43.

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

Number of participants: 21

11 (52.4%): 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.

4 (19.0%): I don’t know.

44.

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

Number of participants: 21

3 (14.3%): 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.

14 (66.7%): I don’t know.

45.

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

Number of participants: 21

- (0.0%): 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.

21 (100.0%): I don’t know.

46.

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

Number of participants: 21

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.

47.

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

Number of participants: 21

4 (19.0%): The resources do not exist locally.

8 (38.1%): 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.

9 (42.9%): I don’t know.

48.

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

Number of participants: 21

11 (52.4%): 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.

6 (28.6%): 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.

7 (33.3%): 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.

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

13 (61.9%): 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.

13 (61.9%): I don’t know.

52.

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

Number of participants: 21

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.

11 (52.4%): I don’t know.

53.

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

Number of participants: 21

2 (9.5%): The resources do not exist locally.

14 (66.7%): 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.

3 (14.3%): I don’t know.

54.

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

Number of participants: 21

8 (38.1%): 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.

3 (14.3%): I don’t know.

55.

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

Number of participants: 21

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

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

12 (57.1%): 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