Start Your Ovens! The 17th Annual Gingerbread House Competition Returns December 4
Exeter, NH — The sweetest event of the season is back! The 17th Annual Gingerbread House Competition will take place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Exeter Congregational Church, 21 Front Street, as part of Exeter’s beloved Festival of Trees celebration. This year’s theme, “A Storybook Christmas,” invites bakers, builders, and dreamers of all ages to bring their favorite tales to life in gingerbread form. Whether you’re a first-time decorator or a seasoned confectionery
Catapult Seacoast young professionals focus on building bridges
If you’ve been to a ribbon cutting, a local chamber event, or community celebration, you’ve probably met them. The people who seem to know everyone, who remember your name after one introduction, who make you feel welcome before you’ve even picked up your nametag. That’s the spirit of Catapult Seacoast and it’s why they just earned the Stay Work Play Rising Stars Award for Young Professional Program of the Year on Thursday, Oct. 16 at The Venues at The Factory in Manchester. Read the column from
Thirsty Moose Taphouse & Exeter Brewing Company Repeat as People’s Choice Winners at Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival
The Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce and Exeter Parks and Recreation Department are thrilled to announce the winners of People’s Choice Awards for Best Brewery and Best Chili at the 13th Annual Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival, held on October 4, 2025. Exeter Brewing Company took home the People’s Choice award for the best brewery for the 2nd year in a row, and Thirsty Moose- Exeter won the People’s Choice Chili Award for the 3rd year in a row. Read the Press Release: Thirsty Moose Taphouse & Exeter
Importance of Setting Goals and Milestones to Guide Your First Year in Business
Starting your first year in business is both exciting and daunting. The difference between surviving and thriving often comes down to how well you set goals and milestones. By establishing a clear roadmap, you not only track progress but also ensure your time and resources are directed toward sustainable growth. Why Milestones Matter Milestones are checkpoints that help measure progress. Instead of chasing vague goals like “grow sales,” you can break them into concrete actions such as “secure 10 new
Opening an Auto Repair Shop: Costs, Licenses, and Setup Tips
Opening your own auto repair shop is a powerful leap—from turning wrenches for someone else to building a business with your name on it. Whether you're a seasoned technician or transitioning from a related field, this guide walks you through the key requirements, paperwork, setup steps, and tech tools that can simplify the journey. 1. What Kind of Auto Repair Shop Will You Run? Before investing in equipment or signing a lease, define your shop type: General Auto Repair (cars, trucks,
Framing the Future: How Visual Storytelling Moves Small Businesses Forward
The small business landscape has never been more saturated, and in that noise, attention has become currency. With limited budgets and fierce competition, entrepreneurs often face a difficult question: how do you get someone to care? The answer, increasingly, lies not in more ads or clever slogans, but in better stories—ones told through images, colors, movement, and mood. Visual storytelling isn't just a marketing buzzword; it’s a strategy that levels the playing field for businesses that can’t outspend
The Media Kit Isn’t Dead, You’re Just Using It Wrong
Before people believe in your product, they have to believe your story. That’s where a media kit kicks in—not as a press release replacement, but as a strategic, high-caliber handshake. It’s not a formality or a folder of fluff. It’s the clearest, cleanest way to show you’re ready for the spotlight and capable of owning it. Companies that treat media kits as an afterthought often miss the critical opportunity to shape perception before a single article gets written or a mic gets turned on. A Portal to
Financial Planning Made Simple for Aspiring Business Owners
The journey of entrepreneurship brings both excitement and challenges. For a new business owner, building a strong financial base is essential for stability and growth. Thoughtful decisions around structure, financial management, and legal responsibilities play a crucial role in shaping the business's future. Every choice influences how the business develops and sustains itself over time. With strategic planning and careful financial practices, a new venture can build a lasting foundation for
