relative to making an appropriation for the hiring and training of small business development counselors in rural areas of New Hampshire.

This bill allocates $250,000 from the state's general fund to the Department of Business and Economic Affairs to hire and train small business development counselors specifically for rural areas of New Hampshire. The funds are designated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and are authorized to remain available until June 30, 2026, allowing the department to draw on the money over that period. The department will use these resources to support existing small business development centers by expanding their staff with counselors trained to assist rural entrepreneurs.