50 Businesses, 50 Solutions — Granite State News Collaborative

Increased Demand For Tilton HR Firm

Increased Demand For Tilton HR Firm

With the deluge of regulations, staffing challenges and policy changes that have faced small businesses over the past year, many businesses have needed a human resources professional in a way that never did in the past. And yet most small businesses don’t employ an HR staff person — let alone department — in house.

That’s where HR2Fit comes in. The company, with offices in Tilton and in Walpole, Massachusetts, offers outsourced HR services to companies throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts, even before the pandemic. Since coronavirus hit, demand for their services has grown almost 20%.

Remote Learning Lab, Masks for All, At Manchester Indoor Play Space

Remote Learning Lab, Masks for All, At Manchester Indoor Play Space

Customers come in and tell Kelly Pearson, who owns Cowabunga’s along with her husband Matthew, that they’re excited to see so many families visiting. But after a year of trying to keep the business together amidst COVID, Pearson finds it hard not to focus on all the customers who aren’t there.

“Running a business has such high expenses,” Pearson said. “Just to be able to cover those expenses you need more people.”

Streamlined Operations for Salem Ink and Printer Supplier

Streamlined Operations for Salem Ink and Printer Supplier

Normally, business at Cartridge World in Salem is ramping up during March. Tax season is the busiest time of year for the business, which provides ink and printer solutions for individuals and businesses. But last year, after a stellar first-quarter, tax time was a bust.

“April was terrible because none of that happened,” said Brian Gallagher, president of Cartridge World.

As tax deadlines were extended and offices closed, Cartridge World saw a major shift in business. Years earlier, Gallagher realized that it was more profitable to focus on a business to business sales strategy, rather than business to consumer.

Year-Round Outdoor Dining, Take Out, Push Portsmouth Restaurant Into the Black

Year-Round Outdoor Dining, Take Out, Push Portsmouth Restaurant Into the Black

Cutting opened Cure in January 2014, providing upscale comfort food to the seacoast region. Before the pandemic, she had about 20 staff. When her daughter was born two years ago, Cutting moved out of the kitchen and spent more time managing and hosting the restaurant than preparing food. She was in a good routine, until the pandemic turned it upside down.

“The restaurant was at a point where it would run itself,” Cutting said. “Then, you’re back to trying to throw things against the wall to see what will stick to keep you in the green.”

New Protocols, Longer Waitlist for Wilmot Daycare

New Protocols, Longer Waitlist for Wilmot Daycare

In a year when most people are trying to keep their contact with others to a minimum, Shandi Elliott, owner of Sweet Beginnings Daycare in Wilmot, has a steady stream of 3-7 children, plus their parents, in and out of her home each day. Since work and home are blended, Elliott needs to be on top of COVID precautions, not just to protect her own kids, but also those she’s caring for.

Merrimack Dance Studio Expands Clientele Through Online Classes

Merrimack Dance Studio Expands Clientele Through Online Classes

Normally, Lopez teaches 30-35 dance and fitness classes a week at the studio. The pandemic interrupted that, and even after reopening Lopez has offered a Zoom option for people who are not comfortable with in-person classes. With an online option for almost every class, she’s learned a lot in the past year.

Boloco Learns Value of Separate Business Entities, Balances Mission and Profit

Boloco Learns Value of Separate Business Entities, Balances Mission and Profit

Boloco had locations in Boston that were on the brink of bankruptcy. Its Hanover location, however, was thriving, so Pepper decided to separate the New Hampshire location from the Massachusetts stores, making them different business entities that shared the same name.

While the Boston locations stumbled along, Hanover ran, serving up to 500 customers a day.

Extended Camp Season, More Local Customers, For Portsmouth Sailing Season

Extended Camp Season, More Local Customers, For Portsmouth Sailing Season

Last spring, Andy Goodell, operations managed at the Gundalow Company, was excited for the upcoming season. He and his staff had been working to get more students out on the river on field trips, and the 2020 season was nearly completely booked, with students coming to sail starting in March.

“Kids are a hearty bunch, so we get them sailing on the river before the public,” Goodell said.

Unfortunately, as the pandemic worsened, it became clear that most spring field trips would be cancelled. Goodell didn’t have time to dwell on that loss, because he had to figure out how to handle the Gundalow Company’s popular summer camp program and public sailing.