Former Seacoast SCORE Mentors Launch Independent New Hampshire Business Mentors
October 15, 2026
Former Seacoast SCORE Mentors Launch Independent New Hampshire Business Mentors
New independent nonprofit will continue a proven local model of free mentoring, education and resources for small businesses and nonprofits.
PORTSMOUTH, NH — Oct 8, 2026 — The leadership team and volunteer mentors behind Seacoast SCORE today announced the formation of New Hampshire Business Mentors (nhbm), an independent nonprofit dedicated to strengthening small businesses and nonprofits through free mentoring, education and resources.
The organization also announced the launch of its new website at nhbusinessmentors.org.
NHBM was formed in response to significant changes in the way SCORE operates nationally, including greater centralization of decision-making, reduced local discretion and less local control over resources. The new organization will carry forward the people, relationships and locally focused model that have made Seacoast SCORE a trusted resource for nearly two decades.
“Seacoast SCORE has been successful because we have always had the ability to understand what our communities need and respond to those needs,” said Peter Stein, Executive Director. “Creating New Hampshire Business Mentors allows us to preserve that local decision-making, continue investing in our communities and build on a model that has served the greater Seacoast so well for nearly two decades.”
Nearly 75 experienced volunteer mentors are expected to continue their work with NHBM, which will maintain free mentoring, educational programming and the strong community partnerships developed through Seacoast SCORE.
The team and mentoring model behind NHBM have supported more than 200 clients each month and delivered nearly 80 educational programs annually. The approach combines pair mentoring, locally developed workshops, practical resources and partnerships with Chambers of Commerce, community banks, educational institutions and other organizations that support small businesses and nonprofits.
“For most clients and community partners, this will feel much more like a continuation than a change,” said Karen Ahern, Director of Administration. “The people you’re working with are staying, mentoring remains free, and our programs and partnerships are continuing. What we’re creating is an organization that gives our mentors, relationships and resources even greater opportunity to make an impact in the communities we serve.”
As an independent, locally governed nonprofit, NHBM will have the flexibility to set its own priorities, develop programs, build partnerships, raise funds and invest resources based on the needs of the communities it serves. That local structure will allow the organization to build on its existing relationships while creating new opportunities to support entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders.
The organization will initially focus on the greater Seacoast region, with a long-term goal of expanding access to its mentoring model for small businesses and nonprofits throughout New Hampshire.
“Our goal is to go deeper,” said Steve Coyle, Deputy Executive Director. “We want to have an even greater impact on local small businesses and nonprofits, continue adding experienced and diverse mentors, and build stronger relationships with Chambers, community banks and other local partners. We’re starting with a model that has worked here for nearly two decades, and over time, we want to make that model available to more businesses and nonprofits throughout New Hampshire.”
For existing clients and community partners, the transition is designed to feel much more like a continuation than a change: the same people, the same commitment to free services, and the same focus on helping local businesses and nonprofits start, grow and succeed. At the same time, NHBM will give that work a new independent platform built around local leadership and community priorities.
About New Hampshire Business Mentors
New Hampshire Business Mentors (nhbm) is an independent, locally governed nonprofit dedicated to strengthening small businesses and nonprofits through free mentoring, education and practical resources. Based in New Hampshire and initially serving the greater Seacoast region, NHBM brings together experienced volunteer mentors and community partners to help entrepreneurs and organizational leaders start, grow and succeed.
Learn more at nhbusinessmentors.org.
Media Contact:
Steve Coyle
Deputy Executive Director
steve.coyle@nhbusinessmentors.org
(978)-985-9883
New independent nonprofit will continue a proven local model of free mentoring, education and resources for small businesses and nonprofits.
PORTSMOUTH, NH — Oct 8, 2026 — The leadership team and volunteer mentors behind Seacoast SCORE today announced the formation of New Hampshire Business Mentors (nhbm), an independent nonprofit dedicated to strengthening small businesses and nonprofits through free mentoring, education and resources.
The organization also announced the launch of its new website at nhbusinessmentors.org.
NHBM was formed in response to significant changes in the way SCORE operates nationally, including greater centralization of decision-making, reduced local discretion and less local control over resources. The new organization will carry forward the people, relationships and locally focused model that have made Seacoast SCORE a trusted resource for nearly two decades.
“Seacoast SCORE has been successful because we have always had the ability to understand what our communities need and respond to those needs,” said Peter Stein, Executive Director. “Creating New Hampshire Business Mentors allows us to preserve that local decision-making, continue investing in our communities and build on a model that has served the greater Seacoast so well for nearly two decades.”
Nearly 75 experienced volunteer mentors are expected to continue their work with NHBM, which will maintain free mentoring, educational programming and the strong community partnerships developed through Seacoast SCORE.
The team and mentoring model behind NHBM have supported more than 200 clients each month and delivered nearly 80 educational programs annually. The approach combines pair mentoring, locally developed workshops, practical resources and partnerships with Chambers of Commerce, community banks, educational institutions and other organizations that support small businesses and nonprofits.
“For most clients and community partners, this will feel much more like a continuation than a change,” said Karen Ahern, Director of Administration. “The people you’re working with are staying, mentoring remains free, and our programs and partnerships are continuing. What we’re creating is an organization that gives our mentors, relationships and resources even greater opportunity to make an impact in the communities we serve.”
As an independent, locally governed nonprofit, NHBM will have the flexibility to set its own priorities, develop programs, build partnerships, raise funds and invest resources based on the needs of the communities it serves. That local structure will allow the organization to build on its existing relationships while creating new opportunities to support entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders.
The organization will initially focus on the greater Seacoast region, with a long-term goal of expanding access to its mentoring model for small businesses and nonprofits throughout New Hampshire.
“Our goal is to go deeper,” said Steve Coyle, Deputy Executive Director. “We want to have an even greater impact on local small businesses and nonprofits, continue adding experienced and diverse mentors, and build stronger relationships with Chambers, community banks and other local partners. We’re starting with a model that has worked here for nearly two decades, and over time, we want to make that model available to more businesses and nonprofits throughout New Hampshire.”
For existing clients and community partners, the transition is designed to feel much more like a continuation than a change: the same people, the same commitment to free services, and the same focus on helping local businesses and nonprofits start, grow and succeed. At the same time, NHBM will give that work a new independent platform built around local leadership and community priorities.
About New Hampshire Business Mentors
New Hampshire Business Mentors (nhbm) is an independent, locally governed nonprofit dedicated to strengthening small businesses and nonprofits through free mentoring, education and practical resources. Based in New Hampshire and initially serving the greater Seacoast region, NHBM brings together experienced volunteer mentors and community partners to help entrepreneurs and organizational leaders start, grow and succeed.
Learn more at nhbusinessmentors.org.
Media Contact:
Steve Coyle
Deputy Executive Director
steve.coyle@nhbusinessmentors.org
(978)-985-9883
Contact:
Kiska Alexandropoulos, Office Administrator
admin@nhbusinessmentors.org
