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WHY HINSDALE

More About The Town

Incorporated in 1753, Hinsdale has long long been an unsung hero in trade and technological innovation. The industrial age saw the town thrive with the introduction of wool, and later, paper mills along the Ashuelot River. As the population of the town grew so did industry, with a foundry, machine shops and other supportive businesses. Hinsdale was home to the first automobile, the manufacturer of prized chisels (used to carve Mt Rushmore), Gurian Guitars and wire cables and coatings. Hinsdale is positioned for new economic growth in the 2000's and beyond...

In 2018 the town's Planning Board undertook a major re-zoning on the route 119 corridor in town. The new zoning created two new Roadside Commercial districts. The purpose of this re-zoning effort was to spur economic development and ease the introduction of new business opportunities to our community.
In addition, the Planning Board is also reviewing the town's zoning ordinances to encourage specific types of residential development.
Click here to view Hinsdale's zoning.
The states of NH and VT recently completed work on a new bridge project spanning the Connecticut River. The John Stark Bridge has provided easier access to Interstate 91 and neighboring Brattleboro, VT.
Hinsdale is a New Market Tax Credits eligible community. This is another advantage Hinsdale can offer developers that neighboring communities can not. Click here for more information on New Market Tax Credits.
At the 2025 town meeting, voters passed the adoption of two important tax incentives; RSA 79-E and RSA 72:81.
- RSA 79-E encourages revitalization of underutilized buildings in designated downtowns by offering temporary property tax relief (up to 5 years, with possible extensions for projects that include
  housing).
- RSA 72:81 promotes commercial/industrial development by offering specific tax exemptions on certain
  commercial construction or improvements for up to 10 years. This incentive encourages business
  expansion or modernization. Encouraging commercial growth can enhance the town’s economic base
  and provide essential services.
Also passed at the March Town Meeting were key zoning ordinance changes to support residential
development:
- New, user friendly Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance. The new ADU zoning provisions will provide
  far greater flexibility to homeowners who are looking to expand housing opportunities on their property.
- Creation of a new Cottage Court and Cluster Development Overlay Districts. These types of developments
  will allow for a higher density development while maintaining a rural aesthetic through the allocation and
  conservation of common green spaces within the development.
- Expansion of residential development opportunities into the Roadside Commercial Districts (Zones A and B)
  and the Commercial/Industrial District. This amendment opens up an additional 400+ acres of land to a variety of residential development projects.

Market Entry Assistance Program (MEAP)

The Hinsdale Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) is launching the Market Entry Assistance Program (MEAP) to provide financial support to small and medium-sized businesses looking to establish or expand their operations within Hinsdale, NH.

This microgrant initiative is designed to reduce the financial burden associated with early-stage development by covering critical, often-overlooked startup and expansion costs. The goal is to foster economic growth, attract new investment, and support sustainable local business development in Hinsdale.

Program Overview

MEAP provides flexible microgrants to help qualified businesses overcome market entry barriers. The total annual program cap is $10,000 across all awards. Funds reset on January 1, and any unused funds roll over to the following year.

Key dates: Applications due November 1, decisions within 30 days by a quorum of the HEDC Board.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Small or Medium-Sized Business

Defined as a for-profit enterprise with fewer than 100 employees and less than $5 million in annual revenue. This includes sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations.

Businesses in Early Stages or Expansion

This includes startups, recently relocated businesses, or existing businesses adding a new product/service line or physical expansion in Hinsdale.

Residential Developers (Optional Consideration)

Developers working on residential housing projects that align with town revitalization, workforce housing, or economic development goals may also be eligible.

Physically Located in Hinsdale or Expanding to Hinsdale

Applicants must demonstrate a direct impact on the Hinsdale economy through job creation, foot traffic, tax revenue, or local spending.

Eligible Use of Funds

Grant funds can be used to cover expenses that are commonly prohibitive during business formation or growth. These include, but are not limited to:

Permit and Licensing Fees

Costs for municipal, state, or health-related permits required to operate.

Utility or Service Connection Fees

Expenses associated with setting up electricity, water, internet, or sewer services.

Consultant and Professional Services

Legal fees, accounting services, engineering or architectural consulting, branding and marketing strategies, business planning, etc.

Small Equipment and Fixtures

Non-capital items essential to operations (subject to approval).

Signage and Accessibility Improvements

Costs associated with creating a compliant and attractive physical presence in town.

Note: Capital purchases (vehicles, large machinery, or buildings) and ongoing operating costs (payroll, rent) are not eligible for reimbursement.

For further information or to apply, CLICK HERE to download the application packet.

NEWMARKET TAX CREDITS

Hinsdale is a community that is eligible for New Market Tax Credits. The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) was established in 2000. Congress authorizes the amount of credit, which the Treasury then allocates to qualified applicants.

NMTC investors provide capital to community development entities (CDEs), and in exchange are awarded credits against their federal tax obligations. Investors can claim their allotted tax credits in as little as seven years—5 percent of the investment for each of the first three years and 6 percent of the project for the remaining four years—for a total of 39 percent of the NMTC project. A CDE can be its own investor or find an outside investor. Investors are primarily corporate entities—often large international banks or other regulated financial institutions—but any entity or person is eligible to claim NMTCs.

RSA 79-E TAX INCENTIVE

Community Revitalization Tax Incentive RSA 79-E is a state law that encourages investment in downtowns and village centers. It provides a tax incentive for the rehabilitation and active use of under-utilized older buildings and, in so doing, aims to promote strong local economies and smart, sustainable growth as an alternative to sprawl. RSA 79-E was adopted by the voters in Hinsdale in March of 2025. A property owner who wants to substantially rehabilitate a building located in the community’s designated areas, may now apply to the Board Of Selectmen for this incentive.

To view and download the application packet, click here.

RSA 72:81 TAX INCENTIVE

Hinsdale voters have also adopted RSA 72:82, a new construction property tax exemption for commercial or industrial uses, or both. The intent of the exemption is to provide incentives to businesses to build, rebuild, modernize, or enlarge within the municipality. The exemption shall apply only for municipal and local school property taxes assessed by the municipality which shall exclude state education property taxes under RSA 76:3 and county taxes assessed against the municipality under RSA 29:11, and shall be a specified percentage on an annual basis of the increase in assessed value attributable to construction of new structures, and additions, renovations, or improvements to existing structures, but which shall not exceed 50 percent per year. The exemption may run for a maximum period of 10 years following the new construction.

To view and download the application packet, click here