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Strafford Economic Development Corporation location

Strafford Economic Development Corporation

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Strafford Economic Development Corporation is an active SBA lender in New Hampshire, a development company offering SBA-guaranteed small-business loans.

$3M

in SBA approvals since 2015

23

SBA loans funded

Restaurants & Food Service · General Retail · Manufacturing

Top industries financed

Source: U.S. SBA 7(a) & 504 FOIA loan-approval records (FY2010–present).

About Strafford Economic Development Corporation

Offering comprehensive SBA lending services, this institution specializes in providing financial solutions tailored to small businesses across various industries. With a focus on supporting entrepreneurs, it facilitates access to capital through SBA programs, including the popular 7(a) loan program. Whether you're seeking funding for expansion, equipment purchase, or working capital, this lender offers flexible terms and personalized guidance to help you achieve your business goals. Located at the historic Cocheco Falls Mill in Dover, NH, the bank combines local expertise with a broad understanding of SBA lending requirements. Its experienced team is dedicated to helping small business owners navigate the application process efficiently, ensuring timely access to funds. The institution's commitment to community development is reflected in its support for local businesses and its active participation in regional economic growth initiatives. With a record approval amount of up to $120,000, it is well-equipped to serve a diverse range of small business needs, fostering economic vitality in the Dover area and beyond.

Common questions about Strafford Economic Development Corporation

What is this place and what can I find here?

This is a community-focused financial institution offering SBA loan services to small businesses. You can find assistance with loan applications, business financing options, and guidance on SBA programs tailored to your needs.

Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?

You can walk in for consultations, but scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure dedicated time with a loan specialist and a smoother application process.

What are the hours of operation?

The bank operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm availability or to schedule an appointment.

Is there a fee to use this?

There are no fees to consult with the bank or to begin the loan application process. However, certain loan-related fees such as guarantee fees and closing costs may apply upon approval.

Who is this open to — anyone, or only residents/members?

This lender primarily serves small businesses in the Dover area and surrounding regions, focusing on supporting local entrepreneurs and residents.

Can a non-bank entity provide financing if my personal credit score is below 640?

Yes — non-bank lenders like Strafford Economic Development Corporation often work with borrowers whose personal credit falls below the 640 mark that many banks treat as a floor. They tend to weigh business cash flow, time in operation, and overall fit alongside your credit score. Approval and terms still depend on your full profile, so ask Strafford Economic Development Corporation what minimum it looks for.

Is the loan application and validation pipeline fully digital with this provider?

Many non-bank lenders run a largely online process — application, document upload, and verification handled digitally, often with faster decisions than a traditional branch. Whether Strafford Economic Development Corporation's pipeline is fully digital from start to finish depends on the provider. Check Strafford Economic Development Corporation's website or ask their team how much of the process you can complete online.

Is this open on weekends?

Strafford Economic Development Corporation is a non-bank lender, so there is usually no branch to visit and its team generally works standard weekday hours. Many non-bank lenders do let you start or continue an application online at any time, including weekends. Check Strafford Economic Development Corporation's website or call to confirm when staff are actually available.

How do I get there and where do I park?

Strafford Economic Development Corporation is located at 100 Main Street, Suite 101, Dover, New Hampshire 03820 in the Cocheco Falls Millworks building. Use the Central Avenue entrance adjacent to OTTO Pizza, or use OTTO Pizza as your GPS destination. Please confirm parking and office access when you contact them.

Who owns or operates this listing?

This page is an independent directory listing for Strafford Economic Development Corporation, an SBA-participating non-bank lender (a development company or community fund). It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by Strafford Economic Development Corporation itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at Strafford Economic Development Corporation, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.

How current is the information on this page?

The core details for Strafford Economic Development Corporation — name, location, contact, and lender type — are compiled from public records and reviewed periodically. Rates, programs, credit policies, and hours change often and are not guaranteed here, so always confirm the latest terms directly with Strafford Economic Development Corporation before applying. If you represent Strafford Economic Development Corporation, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.

How do I contact this listing directly?

You can reach Strafford Economic Development Corporation by phone at (603) 749-2211, by email at info@sedcnh.org, or through their online contact form at sedcnh.org/contact. Please confirm current contact details directly with the lender.

How do non-bank lender approval requirements differ from standard commercial institutions?

Non-bank lenders like Strafford Economic Development Corporation usually place more weight on business revenue, cash flow, and time in business, and less on a high personal credit score or hard collateral than a traditional bank. That can mean faster approvals and more flexibility, sometimes at a higher cost. Ask Strafford Economic Development Corporation what it requires and how its criteria compare for your situation.

Am I required to move my primary business checking account to this non-bank lender?

Generally no — non-bank lenders typically do not hold deposit accounts, so Strafford Economic Development Corporation usually cannot and will not require you to move your business checking to them, and you keep your existing bank for day-to-day banking. A deposit-relationship requirement is far more common at traditional banks, but confirm the specifics with Strafford Economic Development Corporation.

Do non-bank options favor asset-light tech fields or online retail brands?

Many non-bank and online lenders are comfortable with asset-light businesses — software, services, e-commerce, and online retail — because they underwrite on cash flow and revenue rather than physical collateral. That said, Strafford Economic Development Corporation sets its own focus and may serve a broad mix of industries. Ask Strafford Economic Development Corporation whether your field and business model fit what it typically funds.

What interest rate structures should I expect from a non-bank financing provider?

Non-bank financing can come as fixed or variable term loans, lines of credit, or revenue-based structures, and rates are often higher than a traditional SBA bank loan to reflect faster funding and looser criteria. The cost may be quoted as an APR or a factor rate. Ask Strafford Economic Development Corporation for the full APR and total repayment amount so you can compare offers fairly.

Can I refinance high-cost merchant cash advances into a term loan with this lender?

Refinancing or consolidating expensive merchant cash advances into a lower-cost term loan is a common goal, and some non-bank lenders and SBA programs allow it when the numbers support it. Eligibility depends on your cash flow and the existing debt. Ask Strafford Economic Development Corporation whether it refinances merchant cash advances and what it would take to qualify.

Do they allow seller notes to count toward the required borrower equity injection?

In many SBA-backed deals a seller note can count toward part of the borrower's required equity injection, often when it is placed on full standby for a set period. Whether Strafford Economic Development Corporation permits this, and on what terms, depends on the lender and the SBA rules in play. Confirm with Strafford Economic Development Corporation how it treats seller notes in your specific deal.

Do they offer international trade or export loan programs?

Some lenders take part in SBA export and trade programs such as the Export Working Capital Program or the International Trade Loan, which support businesses that sell abroad. Availability varies and not every non-bank lender offers them. If you export or plan to, ask Strafford Economic Development Corporation whether it offers export or international trade financing.

What happens if the primary business asset valuation comes back lower than the contracted purchase price?

If an appraisal or valuation comes in below the agreed purchase price, the gap usually has to be covered — by renegotiating the price, the buyer adding more cash, or the seller carrying a larger note — because lenders generally lend against the lower of cost or appraised value. Ask Strafford Economic Development Corporation how it handles a valuation shortfall before you commit.

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