Seacoast Local

Building Community Capital

“Building Community Capital” is a three-part series on how community capital approach to savings, deposits and lending can overcome the deficiencies of the current finance system, help create a Seacoast economy that is local, green and fair, and sustain our vibrant community.

Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alpha Loft in downtown Portsmouth, NH

( or calling 603.766.1775)

Seacoast Local invites potential investors and entrepreneurs to an event that will introduce the advantages of and access to local community capital.

The first two-hour seminar will feature presentations by current leaders in the community capital system, including Steve Scott, vice president of Provident Bank; Joel Moyer, Member and Secretary of Sprout Lenders and former fellow at Investors' Circle and RSF Social Finance; and Bob Marino, chair of Seacoast Local’s Community Capital program and its newly formed Seacoast Local Investment Network. Rian Bedard of EcoMovement will also speak from his successful community capital relationship with local investors. The event is geared toward business owners, potential investors and curious members of the public, who will find topics of interest along with meaningful discussion with all participants.

Friday, Oct. 5, at 9:30 a.m., Join us for a keynote speech by Michael Shuman to kick off the New England Local Business Forum gathering at Portsmouth Public Library. Shuman, a nationally known expert on local economies and author of “Local Dollars, Local Sense,” will share a vision for what a New England economy re-shaped by community capital could look like.

( or calling 603.766.1775)

POSTPONED: Please with any questions. Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Collaborative Office Group (COG) in Dover, NH, will be an intensive, interactive workshop on how to prepare locally owned, independent businesses for local investment, including business plans, financials and leadership.

The first two events are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. The final workshop in the series is $20 for Seacoast Local members and $25 for non-members.

Localize your thinking. During this month we'll be setting you up for a year of shifting your thinking to the seacoast community. Stay tuned for ways to get involved as a business owner or community member.

Localize your finances. We're going to provide you with easy ways to shift to local banking, invest locally, and build community capital.

Localize your home goods and services. From furnishings to cleaning and landscaping, there are some great ways to support your neighbors and improve your home.

Localize your office needs. Improving your supply chain and professional services from printing to accounting. Learn ways to localize your office.

Localize your health and wellness. Yoga studios, local gyms, and wellness centers. We are so lucky to have these fantastic people as neighbors on the Seacoast, improve your health and happiness!

Localize your media and marketing. Indie media is the best way you can truly connect with your community by staying informed and getting involved this year.

Localize your transportation. Our public transportation network is growing, giving you greener ways to have a better commute and get out to your community.

Localize your fun and entertainment. From local lodging for your vacationing visitors to a night out on the town, learn why the Seacoast is THE place to live.

Localize your food and drink. Our local food system is at a critical turning point, we are working toward a self-reliant system of great food and tasty beverages. Learn how you can support the amazing efforts of our local farmers, fishermen, chefs, and brewers.

Localize your arts and culture. Art galleries, museums, and Gundalows, oh my! We have every opportunity here to refine your pottery throwing and have a picnic watching a play in Prescott Park.

Shift Your Shopping and join in on Plaid Friday to localize your holiday shopping by supporting our local independent retailers!