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How Can We Truly Support Small Businesses?

How Can We Truly Support Small Businesses?

Written by Millicent AlhamisSmall businesses are more than just storefronts and service providers; they’re the soul of our communities. They bring vibrancy to neighborhoods, provide essential goods and services, and often offer a personal touch that larger corporations simply can’t. Yet, when it comes to accessing resources, these businesses face challenges that can feel impossible especially when navigating programs designed to help them.Take the ARPA Small Business Support initiative in Manchester, for example. This program aimed to help businesses recover from the pandemic and build capacity through a three-phase approach, culminating in the 360 Business Success Program. On paper, it sounds straightforward: here’s a framework, follow the steps, and access the benefits. But the reality on the ground paints a different picture. For many small businesses, particularly those owned by people from minority communities, even knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. This isn’t a failure of effort; it’s a lack of tailored support. And that’s where the real work begins.The truth is, most small businesses don’t have the luxury of an administrative team to handle paperwork or the know-how to navigate complex application systems. When grant requirements call for detailed documentation, certifications, or registrations often with no clear instructions, business owners are left juggling these tasks on top of running their day-to-day operations. For seasonal businesses or those with limited staff, this can mean making impossible choices: do I spend my time filling out forms, or do I serve my customers and keep my doors open? It’s not enough to say, “Here’s a grant or resource; go get it.”, instead, support needs to meet businesses where they are literally and figuratively. That means offering hands-on guidance to help owners understand what’s required, walking them through processes like setting up federal registrations, and ensuring they feel confident completing applications.Programs like the 360 Business Success Program thrived because consultants work directly with business owners, filling gaps in knowledge and capacity rather than expecting them to figure it out alone. Not all businesses have the same starting point. Many minority-owned and immigrant-run businesses, for instance, face additional barriers such as language differences, lack of access to networks, or unfamiliarity with local systems and it’s not enough to hand over a list of requirements and hope for the best. Support could include providing translation services, technical assistance, or even helping businesses prioritize their goals to ensure they’re focusing on what will benefit them most in the long term.One of the most rewarding aspects of this work for us has been helping businesses uncover needs they didn’t even realize they had. Many initially sought funding for equipment or physical upgrades, but with a bit of guidance, they discovered other areas that would create more lasting impact like improving their digital marketing, streamlining their operations, or building stronger customer engagement strategies. By offering tailored advice and consistent support, we’ve seen business owners thrive in ways they didn’t think were possible.The question we need to ask ourselves is this: how can we show up better for our small businesses? It starts with recognizing that what they often lack isn’t ambition or talent—it’s support. Whether it’s simplifying processes, providing step-by-step assistance, or simply asking, “What do you need most right now?” The key is to create systems that are as inclusive and flexible as the businesses they’re meant to serve. Small businesses are resilient, but they shouldn’t have to carry the weight of bureaucracy alone. When we invest in helping small businesses succeed, we’re investing in the health and vitality of our communities. And that’s a win for all of us. The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.
Deepening Community Impact Through Humility and Creativity: Insights from Non-Profit Visionaries

Deepening Community Impact Through Humility and Creativity: Insights from Non-Profit Visionaries

Written by Andrea BruneauThe Maximize Positive Impact Conference brought together a diverse group of small business owners, cultural change leaders, and non-profit visionaries to share their stories. Central to the discussion was how these leaders are deepening their relationships with customers and employees, fostering inclusivity, and maximize the positive impact they have on the communities they serve. Our non-profit panelists, Nicole Reimer, Chief Engagement Officer for Granite United Way, and Sal Prizio, Executive Director for the Capitol Center for the Arts, shared how they are fostering authentic relationships to drive meaningful change. By redefining their roles and embracing innovative approaches, these organizations are connecting with their communities in deeper, more impactful ways. Through shifting perspectives, addressing systemic barriers, simplifying processes, and creatively leveraging resources, they have transformed their ability to serve.Shifting Identity to Expand ImpactFor the Capital Center for the Arts, the transformation began with a simple yet profound shift in self-definition: from “We are a performing arts center” to “We are a community service organization with a focus on the arts.”This new identity moved them beyond being just a venue, opening doors to initiatives that served a broader audience. It also challenged them to take an honest look at legacy habits, biases, and gaps in their programming and partnerships. With the arrival of a new director, fresh eyes brought clarity to long-standing issues, such as the lack of diversity among patrons and a need for strategies to connect with new audiences.Learning From the CommunityBoth leaders emphasized the importance of humility and active listening when engaging with underserved communities. The Capital Center for the Arts, for example, sought input from minority and underserved communities in their area and discovered they have unique and unmet needs that become access barriers:Transportation Challenges: Many potential patrons simply couldn’t get to the theater. To address this, productions were brought to them. Lack of Diverse Programming: Their existing lineup catered to a narrow demographic, leaving other audiences unrepresented. Re-envisioning programming was prioritized.Granite United Way had similar revelations. They found that their grant-making approach was overly transactional, and community organizations wanted genuine relationships instead of just funding. One request stuck with them:“Please just show up.”Removing Barriers to InclusionTo make meaningful change, both organizations began addressing structural roadblocks:Simplify Processes: Legacy systems like cumbersome grant applications discouraged partnerships and limited access to critical services. Simplifying these processes became a priority.Reimagine Resources: The performing arts center creatively used its fully functioning kitchen to support local entrepreneurs. One woman started by making food in the space, eventually earning enough to launch her food truck business.These efforts demonstrate how rethinking existing resources could unlock new ways to support the community.Meaningful RepresentationThe panelists stressed that relationship-building is a must in order to bring underserved community members into leadership roles. Establishing trust, meeting people where they are, and ensuring their voices are heard create a strong foundation for meaningful representation.Key Takeaways for Non-ProfitsRedefine Your Role: A shift in identity can lead to transformative initiatives and new ways to serve.Engage with Humility: Be willing to learn from the community and adapt based on their needs.Challenge Your Status Quo: Simplify processes and rethink legacy practices that hinder inclusion.Leverage Resources Creatively: Existing assets can create unexpected opportunities for community impact.By going beyond transactions and positioning themselves as allies, these organizations showed how non-profits can foster deeper, more authentic relationships with the communities they serve—leading to lasting, positive change. The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.
Can We Advocate for Our Interests While Respecting Others with Competing Views?

Can We Advocate for Our Interests While Respecting Others with Competing Views?

It’s not easy to navigate work or community gatherings when the people around us hold opposing social and political views—and are vocal about them. These preferences are expressed through what they say, what they wear, how they decorate their homes, and even more prominently, through their digital footprints on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. These perspectives can trigger strong emotions in us, especially as we wrestle with our own beliefs and visions for how we want the world to be.With the 2024 presidential election upon us, it’s important to stay grounded.. We must avoid becoming so defensive that we see those who hold different beliefs as enemies. Once we start viewing them as enemies, we lose the ability to see them as fellow human beings. When opposing beliefs surface, our focus often shifts to how those differences are expressed, rather than understanding the root causes driving people’s beliefs and what they hope their candidates or political affiliations will achieve to meet their needs.In 2016, before the election, DMC hosted community discussions that explored divisive topics such as women’s rights, immigration, religion, policing, poverty, and housing. These forums brought together people from various walks of life—different age groups, religions and non-religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, and political affiliations. The focus was on discussing the root causes of their beliefs, rather than the surface-level topics. This approach gave attendees the chance to engage in deep, small-group discussions and share the themes in a larger setting. It provided an opportunity for people to articulate their fears, concerns, and desires.At the end of each session, participants would often say, “We don’t have the right people here.” When I asked why, they’d explain that they wanted those with opposing views to be present. I’d always respond by reminding them that the “others” they were referring to were, in fact, already in the room. I’d point out that the audience included Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Christians, Muslims, atheists, LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated people, politicians, and more. The room would fall silent. It was a reminder not to jump to conclusions or assume that everyone present shared the same worldview. It was always refreshing to see participants realize this and engage in meaningful conversations afterward.I encourage you to continue seeing the other person as a human being and to try to understand what drives their position beyond the position itself. Viewing others as fellow human beings reduces fear and limits the hatred or bitterness you might feel toward them for having a different political or social perspective. Fear, anger, and bitterness can trap us and prevent us from thinking rationally and approaching complex issues with thoughtfulness and reflection. Striving for understanding doesn’t mean accepting or converting to the other person’s belief system. Instead, it helps you comprehend the root causes influencing their views and reduces the negative emotions you might harbor toward those with different perspectives. The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.
Building Bridges: Supporting Our Community Amid Global Turmoil

Building Bridges: Supporting Our Community Amid Global Turmoil

When we think about our community, it is important to consider the diverse representation of nationalities and how global issues and conflicts might impact our neighbors who have ties to these nations. For example, in New Hampshire, DMC has had the pleasure of working with people from various nationalities, including Bhutanese, Iraqi, Afghan, Ukrainian, Bosnian, Somali, Rwandan, and Congolese communities. Our neighbors who have family members in these countries are affected daily by the events in their homelands.As a community, it is crucial to understand that even though individuals may feel safe here, they might still experience past and present trauma due to ongoing conflicts in their countries of origin. We must support our community members by learning about their experiences and perspectives to find ways to assist them effectively.Today, global conflicts have significant impacts on many of our neighbors. Show curiosity and humility in learning how these issues affect people and discover what you can do to build a supportive community for them, even if they sometimes feel like outcasts. In times of celebration, we should celebrate with our neighbors from various nations. In times of sorrow and hardship, we must stand by them, mourn with them, and find ways to show solidarity and amplify their voices to address the challenges their families and friends face.Here is an example: In Manchester and Concord, NH, there are many natives of the Democratic Republic of Congo who have made New Hampshire their new home. The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced numerous conflicts since its first civil war in 1997, when Mobutu Sese Seko was ousted after a rebellion. Today, the country is in the news due to conflicts in the eastern region, where minerals like coltan and cobalt are extracted and traded for manufacturing batteries, LCD screens, and chips. Although the Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in natural resources, not everyone benefits from this wealth. Many people have died, and families have lost loved ones due to these conflicts.Our community members from the Congo and other troubled regions are struggling and in pain. It is our duty as a community to support them during their challenging times, helping them navigate their identities in the US and cope with the negative impacts on their loved ones back home. Reach out in solidarity, learn about their struggles, and find ways to be a good neighbor.By coming together and showing genuine care and support, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic community. Let’s work together to ensure everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or the challenges they face. The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.
Community Transformation: Daunting but Rewarding

Community Transformation: Daunting but Rewarding

Written by Deo Mwano Transforming a community can often feel like a daunting task, especially when faced with numerous challenges and limited resources. Organizations and individuals working tirelessly to bring about positive change may feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of problems they encounter. However, it's crucial not to let these challenges discourage you from the vital work you are doing to make a difference in your community.Your efforts and those of your organization are essential. Many people have already benefited from the impactful work you are undertaking. Maintaining a positive and determined attitude when facing the challenges in your community and addressing them through your work is crucial.At Deo Mwano Consultancy (DMC), we have been collaborating with Granite United Way of New Hampshire for the past year. We've partnered with 22 equity-focused organizations across New Hampshire, providing them with resources to support their valuable work in their respective communities. These organizations range from those serving youths, LGBTQIA communities, social justice, immigrant populations, addressing homelessness, supporting people with disabilities, and more.Our role involved visiting these organizations, learning about the communities they serve, and understanding the significant impact they are making. What we discovered during our on-site visits was that the impact these organizations were having on their communities far exceeded what they initially described during our video interviews. Witnessing their programs firsthand and hearing direct testimonies from the people they serve highlighted the substantial impact of their work.The equity program initiated by Granite United Way during the COVID-19 pandemic recognized the critical role of these small organizations in making a substantial impact at the grassroots level. To support their continued impact, Granite United Way provided funding with minimal strings attached, eliminating cumbersome requirements and conditions. While the funding deployment in small increments caused some frustration, it was crucial for these organizations' sustainability.Recently, DMC organized a gathering that brought together grant recipients from across New Hampshire for Granite United Way. This event provided an opportunity for organizations to share their experiences, foster relationships, and collaborate with similar organizations in their areas.The key takeaway from our discussions was the critical role these small organizations play in their communities. Granite United Way acknowledged the need to continue and integrate this program into their regular funding structure. Despite the challenges faced by these communities, the positive impact of these organizations is evident in the significant improvements they are making.It's important to remember that regardless of the size of the problems or the negative aspects within your community, your active involvement and contributions matter. Let the testimonials from the people you serve motivate you to continue this important work and make a positive impact on your community. The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.
Empowering Success: Strategies for Nonprofits to Stay Motivated and Impactful

Empowering Success: Strategies for Nonprofits to Stay Motivated and Impactful

Non-profit organizations often find themselves operating with deficits, constantly concerned about their programs' positive impact on the communities they serve. Even when making a tangible difference within their communities, it can be challenging to focus on these successes amidst financial worries and the anticipation of future funding rounds from grant-makers or supportive donors. However, it's crucial to acknowledge and celebrate these impacts to draw inspiration from the positive changes being brought about in the community.Shifting perspective is key to recognizing and amplifying positivity. Allow the successes and breakthroughs within the community you serve to fuel your organization's work. Celebrate alongside the individuals you serve, acknowledging their resilience in overcoming challenges. This celebration serves as a source of motivation and revitalization as you continue your impactful efforts.Remember, your organization exists to serve the community and address the needs of its people. Capture their stories and experiences to forge deeper connections with the services you provide and the successes and breakthroughs achieved. Each small breakthrough attributed to your services plays a critical role in reinvigorating your organization's sense of purpose and highlighting the impact being made.Counting and celebrating successes doesn't mean neglecting the challenges or hardships faced by the community or your organization. It signifies an acknowledgment of the impact being created. Make sure to tangibly and visibly recognize these achievements within your organization, whether digitally or physically. Every small win is essential in maintaining the momentum needed to propel your organization forward.Here are some bullet points outlining what organizations can do to count their success and stay motivated: Capture Stories: Document and share success stories from the community you serve to showcase the impact of your organization's work.Measure Impact: Use metrics and data to quantify the outcomes and positive changes brought about by your programs and services.Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to acknowledge progress and keep morale high.Engage Stakeholders: Involve stakeholders, including beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and donors, in discussions about success and impact.Reflect on Goals: Regularly review organizational goals and assess progress towards achieving them to stay focused and motivated.Share Testimonials: Collect testimonials and feedback from beneficiaries and partners to highlight the value of your organization's efforts.Acknowledge Team Efforts: Recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of your team members, fostering a positive work environment.Visualize Success: Create visual representations, such as infographics or charts, to illustrate the positive outcomes and successes achieved.Seek Feedback: Solicit feedback from stakeholders to gain insights into areas of improvement and further success.Learn from Challenges: Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and celebrate the resilience and adaptability demonstrated by your organization.Implementing these strategies can help organizations effectively count their successes, stay motivated, and continue making a positive impact on the communities they serve.