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Existing Business Program

Strengthening Portsmouth One Business at a Time.

We consider your business to be one of Portsmouth’s most valuable assets. You’ve been loyal to Portsmouth and you deserve our loyalty in return. The Existing Business Program is here to address your concerns and needs. It is our goal to help your existing businesses thrive, become more competitive and expand within our community. The fact is, national research shows that 60-80% of all new jobs are created by existing businesses and that means when you thrive, so does Portsmouth. Therefore, we’re committed to the retention and expansion of enterprises within the City of Portsmouth — office, industrial, retail, hospitality and others. If you own a business, The Existing Business Program is your program.

Business Outreach

We strive to retain your business by staying apprised of key issues and concerns affecting your success. Through visitations, phone calls or mail correspondence, our staff can:

• Inform businesses about seminars and new developments
• Identify issues and opportunities to support your business
• Optimize communications between your business and city government

Business Liaison

A very important part of our role as business development managers is to act as a liaison between Portsmouth businesses and city agencies, non-government entities and business resource organizations.

Expansion and Relocation Assistance

Our comprehensive database of available office, commercial and industrial land and buildings can quickly identify and assess potential locations for your growing business.

Business Resources

Our department maintains close ties with a wide range of professionals and companies that provide counseling and support services. Our network of consultants is available to provide advice on a variety of topics, including:

• Business Counseling
• Financing Alternatives
• Workforce Training Assistance
• Incentives

Business Education and Networking

Our department partners with a number of economic development related agencies to provide educational opportunities throughout the year. These networking events have proven to be extremely successful in educating local businesses, fostering business awareness and creating business opportunities.

Economic Development Programs

Locating within designated incentive zones may offer tax incentives for your business. The program can provide information about:

• Enterprise Zones
• Empowerment Zones
• Foreign Trade Zones
• HUBZones
• Historic Districts