Hannah Grimes Center

The Hannah Grimes Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Monadnock Region of the United States. Founded in 1997, the center plays a crucial role in supporting innovative entrepreneurs by providing them with necessary resources and connections to build strong businesses and contribute to vibrant local communities.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: The Hannah Grimes Center supplies space, tools, and connections that help innovative entrepreneurs build resilient businesses, thriving local economies, and lively communities.
• Vision: The center envisions a sustainable, thriving local economy and community rooted in the region's heritage, culture, and natural resources, leveraging the civic-minded entrepreneurial spirit of its residents.

Programs and Services

The Hannah Grimes Center offers a variety of programs, including signature incubator and business acceleration initiatives that have proven successful in supporting entrepreneurs. Notably, businesses that have completed the incubator program show a significantly higher survival rate compared to the national average. Additionally, the center provides consulting services to share its entrepreneurial support models with other non-profit organizations across the country.

Hannah Grimes Marketplace

A key component of the Hannah Grimes Center is the Hannah Grimes Marketplace, a dynamic retail store focusing on local products. Established in 1997, the Marketplace serves as a hub for locally made goods, helping to connect businesses with regional customers and supporting the growth of local economies.

Structure

The Hannah Grimes enterprise operates through two legal entities: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship, and a for-profit entity, the Hannah Grimes Marketplace, which is wholly owned by the Center. This structure allows the organization to stay grounded in business operations while providing comprehensive support for entrepreneurs.

Impact

The Hannah Grimes Center's efforts have been recognized for their significant impact on the local economy. Businesses participating in its cohort-based programs have contributed substantial revenue to the region annually. In 2019, the contribution from these businesses was estimated to be approximately $26.1 million.

Financial Overview

The organization derives its primary revenue from contributions and program services. Donations to the Hannah Grimes Center are tax-deductible, reflecting its status as a 501(c)(3) organization classified under education. The center's financial foundation is strong, with significant assets and minimal liabilities.

Leadership

Mary Ann Kristiansen has been a key figure in the organization's development, serving in leadership roles throughout its history. Other members of the leadership team and board have played crucial roles in guiding the organization's strategic direction and community engagement.

Overall, the Hannah Grimes Center plays a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship and economic vitality in its region, with a lasting impact on both local businesses and the broader community.