Posted by Maureen Petron - I'm just going to put this out there: I have the best job.
I was traveling in New England this past week, and took the opportunity to pop into a member business in Portsmouth, N.H.: the Blue Mermaid Island Grill.
Not only did I get to meet NASE Member and owner Karen Logan (husband and co-owner Scott was out of town, unfortunately), but I was able to drop off the $5,000 NASE Business Development Grant they applied for and received, and have lunch.
Two consultants from the NH Small Business Development Center joined us for lunch, and that made me even more proud to award Karen and Scott the grant check. The NASE is a long-time supporter of SBDCs, and we think the chance of a micro-business succeeding is greatly increased when that business owner seeks out the counsel of a local SBDC.
And that's what Karen and Scott have been doing for years, including asking for advice when they took the business over completely after a partner left, as downtown Portsmouth construction limited customers' access to the restaurant, and now, as they start to take one of their best-known menu items (fire roasted salsa) to market. 
Yes, I did get to taste the salsa, and it was delicious. Even got to take a few pints home, but don't tell my colleagues that... I'm not sure it's ever going to make it back to the office!
If you live in the Portsmouth area, or are driving through, drop by the Blue Mermaid Island Grill for some great food, and to say "hi" to Karen and Scott!
And if you're looking for some local help, for someone to run ideas by or to get advice for your business, use this map to find a small business development center near you.