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: 18

5 (27.8%): I strongly agree.

8 (44.4%): I agree.

3 (16.7%): I disagree.

1 (5.6%): I strongly disagree.

1 (5.6%): 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: 18

1 (5.6%): I strongly agree.

10 (55.6%): I agree.

4 (22.2%): I disagree.

1 (5.6%): I strongly disagree.

2 (11.1%): I don’t have an opinion.

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

Number of participants: 18

4 (22.2%): I strongly agree.

12 (66.7%): I agree.

- (0.0%): I disagree.

2 (11.1%): I strongly disagree.

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

Number of participants: 18

- (0.0%): I strongly agree.

10 (55.6%): I agree.

3 (16.7%): I disagree.

2 (11.1%): 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: 18

- (0.0%): I strongly agree.

3 (16.7%): I agree.

4 (22.2%): I disagree.

3 (16.7%): I strongly disagree.

8 (44.4%): 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: 18

- (0.0%): I strongly agree.

3 (16.7%): I agree.

6 (33.3%): I disagree.

6 (33.3%): I strongly disagree.

11.

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

Number of participants: 18

- (0.0%): I strongly agree.

3 (16.7%): I agree.

8 (44.4%): I disagree.

- (0.0%): I strongly disagree.

7 (38.9%): 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: 18

- (0.0%): I strongly agree.

4 (22.2%): I agree.

6 (33.3%): I disagree.

1 (5.6%): I strongly disagree.

7 (38.9%): I don’t have an opinion.

13.

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

Number of participants: 18

1 (5.6%): I strongly agree.

3 (16.7%): I agree.

6 (33.3%): I disagree.

1 (5.6%): I strongly disagree.

7 (38.9%): 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: 18

2 (11.1%): I strongly agree.

11 (61.1%): I agree.

5 (27.8%): 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: 18

3 (16.7%): I strongly agree.

8 (44.4%): I agree.

3 (16.7%): I disagree.

1 (5.6%): 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: 18

4 (22.2%): I strongly agree.

10 (55.6%): I agree.

1 (5.6%): I disagree.

3 (16.7%): 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: 18

3 (16.7%): I strongly agree.

11 (61.1%): I agree.

3 (16.7%): I disagree.

1 (5.6%): 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 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

19.

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

Number of participants: 18

4 (22.2%): Not a serious challenge.

8 (44.4%): A little bit of a challenge.

2 (11.1%): A moderately serious challenge.

2 (11.1%): A huge challenge.

2 (11.1%): I don’t know.

20.

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

Number of participants: 18

- (0.0%): Not a serious challenge.

6 (33.3%): A little bit of a challenge.

5 (27.8%): A huge challenge.

3 (16.7%): I don’t know.

21.

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

Number of participants: 18

1 (5.6%): Not a serious challenge.

5 (27.8%): A huge challenge.

2 (11.1%): I don’t know.

22.

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

Number of participants: 18

9 (50.0%): Not a serious challenge.

- (0.0%): A huge challenge.

1 (5.6%): I don’t know.

23.

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

Number of participants: 18

4 (22.2%): Not a serious challenge.

10 (55.6%): A little bit of a challenge.

2 (11.1%): A moderately serious challenge.

1 (5.6%): A huge challenge.

1 (5.6%): I don’t know.

24.

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

Number of participants: 18

5 (27.8%): Not a serious challenge.

8 (44.4%): A little bit of a challenge.

1 (5.6%): A huge challenge.

1 (5.6%): I don’t know.

25.

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

Number of participants: 18

5 (27.8%): Not a serious challenge.

3 (16.7%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

26.

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

Number of participants: 18

3 (16.7%): Not a serious challenge.

7 (38.9%): A moderately serious challenge.

4 (22.2%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

27.

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

Number of participants: 18

4 (22.2%): Not a serious challenge.

7 (38.9%): A little bit of a challenge.

2 (11.1%): A huge challenge.

2 (11.1%): I don’t know.

28.

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

Number of participants: 18

9 (50.0%): Not a serious challenge.

- (0.0%): A huge challenge.

1 (5.6%): I don’t know.

29.

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

Number of participants: 18

10 (55.6%): Not a serious challenge.

2 (11.1%): A moderately serious challenge.

- (0.0%): A huge challenge.

1 (5.6%): I don’t know.

30.

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

Number of participants: 18

7 (38.9%): Not a serious challenge.

8 (44.4%): A little bit of a challenge.

1 (5.6%): A moderately serious challenge.

- (0.0%): A huge challenge.

2 (11.1%): I don’t know.

31.

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

Number of participants: 18

14 (77.8%): Not a serious challenge.

3 (16.7%): A little bit of a challenge.

1 (5.6%): A moderately serious challenge.

- (0.0%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

32.

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

Number of participants: 18

3 (16.7%): Not a serious challenge.

1 (5.6%): A little bit of a challenge.

9 (50.0%): A huge challenge.

- (0.0%): I don’t know.

33.

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

Number of participants: 18

7 (38.9%): Not a serious challenge.

3 (16.7%): A little bit of a challenge.

2 (11.1%): A huge challenge.

3 (16.7%): I don’t know.

34.

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

Number of participants: 18

6 (33.3%): Not a serious challenge.

3 (16.7%): A huge challenge.

1 (5.6%): I don’t know.

35.

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

Number of participants: 18

4 (22.2%): Not a serious challenge.

3 (16.7%): A huge challenge.

3 (16.7%): I don’t know.

36.

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

Number of participants: 18

4 (22.2%): Not a serious challenge.

3 (16.7%): A huge challenge.

2 (11.1%): 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: 18

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

- 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!

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

- 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.

- I don't know.

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

- 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.

- not a huge problem

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

- I don't know

- Not a serious challenge

- Not a serious challenge.

- 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: 18

- No, not a serious challenge

- Moderately serious

- Yes.

- Not a serious challenge

- 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"

- 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.

- A moderately serious challenge.

- NO

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

- not a huge problem.

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

- Once you know the system they aren't - but until you do they definitely are.

- A little bit of a 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

- 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.

- 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.

40.

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

Number of participants: 8

- Better internet

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

- 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.

- 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.

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

41.

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

Number of participants: 18

8 (44.4%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

7 (38.9%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (11.1%): I don’t know.

42.

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

Number of participants: 18

5 (27.8%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (5.6%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

5 (27.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

6 (33.3%): I don’t know.

43.

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

Number of participants: 18

9 (50.0%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (5.6%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

5 (27.8%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (11.1%): I don’t know.

44.

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

Number of participants: 18

3 (16.7%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (5.6%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

4 (22.2%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

10 (55.6%): I don’t know.

45.

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

Number of participants: 18

2 (11.1%): The resources do not exist locally.

4 (22.2%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

1 (5.6%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

11 (61.1%): I don’t know.

46.

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

Number of participants: 18

13 (72.2%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (5.6%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

2 (11.1%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (11.1%): I don’t know.

47.

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

Number of participants: 18

3 (16.7%): The resources do not exist locally.

9 (50.0%): 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.

6 (33.3%): I don’t know.

48.

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

Number of participants: 18

18 (100.0%): 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.

- (0.0%): 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: 18

12 (66.7%): 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.

5 (27.8%): I don’t know.

50.

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

Number of participants: 18

7 (38.9%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

4 (22.2%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

7 (38.9%): I don’t know.

51.

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

Number of participants: 18

9 (50.0%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

2 (11.1%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

7 (38.9%): I don’t know.

52.

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

Number of participants: 18

3 (16.7%): The resources do not exist locally.

6 (33.3%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (5.6%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

2 (11.1%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

6 (33.3%): I don’t know.

53.

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

Number of participants: 18

12 (66.7%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (5.6%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

3 (16.7%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

1 (5.6%): I don’t know.

54.

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

Number of participants: 18

2 (11.1%): The resources do not exist locally.

7 (38.9%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

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

8 (44.4%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

1 (5.6%): I don’t know.

55.

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

Number of participants: 18

4 (22.2%): The resources exist but we have not used them.

1 (5.6%): We have used these resources but they were not helpful.

11 (61.1%): We have used these resources and they were very helpful.

2 (11.1%): I don’t know.

56.

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

Number of participants: 18