Starting or Expanding a Business? Start Here!
Starting a Business
Welcome to the City of Rochester, NH. We appreciate your consideration of Rochester as the location for your business. One of the best resources for starting a New Hampshire business is the State of New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development.
The NH Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is also an excellent resource. SBDC’s team works with small businesses to help them grow, create jobs, remain resilient, and always be prepared to respond to the unexpected. Their team of certified business advisors provides highly individualized, confidential advising at no charge. They guide clients on issues that impact their businesses, such as financing, marketing, improving operations, best practices, or bringing new products to market. We have partnered with the SBDC to bring business advising services directly to you here in Rochester. An SBDC advisor will be available the first Tuesday of each month from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Annex (Isinglass Conference Room). You can Request advising here and add Rochester Economic Development in the “Referred by” question, and SBDC will respond to you promptly.
Business Registration
Business registration is not required at the City level, however, depending on the type of business, registration is required at the Secretary of State's Office.
Planning & Community Development and Building, Zoning & Licensing Services Departments
Permits from the City may be required for change of building use, renovation, land use approval and site review, and health & safety. Visit the below links for more information:
Early Stages
The Economic Development Office is here to help you review your business, marketing, and financing plans. They can also help you with site selection, connect you to available resources and provide advice on any incentives that might be available! Learn more about these and other resources here. Click here for our "Guide to Starting a Business in Rochester."
Contact
Jenn Marsh
Economic Development Specialist
(603) 335-7522
jennifer.marsh@rochesternh.gov
Permitting
Our goal is to simplify the application process for you! To begin submit a Project Narrative Form to the Planning and Economic Development Department. This form outlines your plans for the property to the city staff. It is important you include enough information about your business goals for a use determination to be made. This could include uses, typical equipment, number of employees, business hours, etc. Staff will determine what (if any) applications are required and provide you with a permitting road map to opening day! Contact our office at (603) 335-1338 with any questions.
Submit
Completed forms can be mailed, dropped off or emailed using the information below:
Planning & Development Department
City Hall Annex
33 Wakefield Street
Rochester, New Hampshire 03867-1917
Phone (603) 335-1338
Economic & Community Development Office
City Hall Annex
33 Wakefield St
Rochester, New Hampshire 03867-1917
Phone (603) 330-0023
jennifer.marsh@rochesternh.gov
** Please note, most Project Narratives are reviewed very quickly - however, please allow up to two weeks depending upon the level of review and staff caseload.**