Business financing in Coos County.

Business financing is money you borrow or receive to start, run, or grow a business — and then repay over time, usually with interest. It can also include grants (money you don't repay) or equity investment (where someone puts money in and takes a share of ownership).

For solo contractors and small real-estate investors in Coos County, the most common types are:

• **Term loans** — A lump sum you repay over months or years. Good for buying equipment, a work truck, or a rental property.

• **Lines of credit** — A revolving pool of money you draw from and pay back as needed. Useful for covering slow seasons or payroll gaps.

• **SBA-backed loans** — Regular bank or credit union loans that the U.S. Small Business Administration partially guarantees, which makes lenders more willing to approve borrowers with limited credit history or collateral.

• **Microloans** — Smaller loans (often under $50,000) offered by nonprofits and CDFIs. Great for people just starting out.

• **Equipment financing** — A loan tied directly to a specific piece of equipment. The equipment itself often serves as collateral.

• **Real-estate investment loans** — Loans used to purchase, renovate, or hold rental properties. In Coos County, these often involve rural property considerations.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to access many of these options. Several local lenders work with borrowers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number.

Coos County's economy is shaped by forestry and timber, outdoor recreation and hospitality (especially around the White Mountains, Bretton Woods, and the North Country trails), construction and skilled trades, agriculture, and small retail. If your business fits into one of these sectors — or supports them — you are likely a strong candidate for local lenders who know this market.

**General qualification factors lenders look at:**

• Time in business (even 6–12 months of records help)

• Personal credit score (though some CDFI and microloan programs work with scores below 620)

• Monthly or annual revenue

• Ability to repay — shown through bank statements or tax returns

• Collateral (assets that back the loan), though some programs don't require it

• A business plan or simple description of how you'll use the money

**If you are a newer business or have limited credit history:** CDFIs and microlenders in the North Country often work with borrowers who don't fit a traditional bank profile. Being self-employed, seasonal, or an immigrant entrepreneur does not automatically disqualify you.

**If you use an ITIN:** Several lenders in and around Coos County will accept ITIN in place of a Social Security Number for business loans. Ask directly when you first contact a lender — there is no penalty for asking.

**Rural designation matters:** Much of Coos County qualifies as a rural area under USDA definitions. This opens doors to USDA Business & Industry (B&I) loan guarantees and other rural-targeted programs that are not available in more urban parts of New Hampshire.

Every lender has a slightly different checklist, but gathering these documents ahead of time will put you in a strong position for almost any application in Coos County:

**Identity and legal status:**

• Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or consular ID)

• ITIN letter (if you don't have a Social Security Number) or SSN

• If incorporated: Articles of Incorporation or LLC Operating Agreement filed with the NH Secretary of State

**Business financials:**

• Last 2–3 years of business tax returns (or personal returns if you're a sole proprietor)

• Last 3–6 months of business bank statements

• A current Profit & Loss statement (your bookkeeper or accountant can prepare this; free templates are available online)

• Accounts receivable and payable summary, if applicable

**Personal financials:**

• Last 2 years of personal tax returns

• Personal financial statement (a simple list of what you own and owe)

• Personal credit report (you can pull this free at AnnualCreditReport.com)

**For real-estate investors:**

• Property address and purchase price or current valuation

• Lease agreements if the property is already rented

• Contractor bids if you plan to renovate

**For the loan itself:**

• A brief written statement of how you'll use the funds and how you plan to repay

• Quotes or invoices for what you're purchasing (for equipment or construction loans)

Tip: If you're missing something, ask your lender before giving up. CDFIs in particular are used to working with borrowers who are still building their paper trail.