Graphic reads “Behind The Business – Sharing Our Story.” A woman records a podcast while smiling and gesturing. Includes Collective Agency branding and colorful geometric shapes.
Hi friends,
Ever feel like you’re trying to build something meaningful, but the tools, support, or connections you need are in many places and you don’t know how to string them together for your situation?
You’re not alone. Whether you're a business owner figuring things out as you go, a staffer inside a nonprofit or agency, or an elected official trying to make things better, the fragmentation of the small business support ecosystem in New Hampshire is something many of us have felt.
When we worked inside the system, we kept hearing versions of the same two things:
From business owners: “I wish I had known about that sooner.”
From resource partners: “We’re the state’s best-kept secret - and nothing we do seems to change that.”
We knew it wasn’t just a messaging problem. It was a systems problem.
Why Fragmentation Happens: A Systems View
FSG’s "Water of Systems Change" framework reminds us that lasting change comes not just from programs, but from shifting the underlying conditions that hold the problem in place. In New Hampshire, a few of those underlying conditions show up clearly:
Policies: There’s very little state funding available to begin with, and now, with federal cuts rolling in, the impact hits even harder. The way funding is structured often rewards siloed, program-specific outcomes rather than ecosystem-wide collaboration. Competitive grants can unintentionally put partners in false competition with each other - or force them to prioritize deliverables over real impact and metrics over mission. This structure can make it harder, not easier, to respond creatively or collectively to the needs of our communities.
Practices: Most of our systems were built with good intentions - especially around protecting privacy - but they weren’t designed for today’s levels of complexity or community need. Referral processes vary widely and are often informal, which makes collaborating to support a shared client harder than it should be. With capacity and bandwidth already stretched thin, it can feel nearly impossible to redesign practices while still meeting daily demands. The result is that knowledge tends to live in individuals, not systems - making it hard to build continuity or shared understanding across organizations.
Relationships & Power: There’s no shortage of goodwill or commitment. At the same time, building trust, sharing leadership, and designing with (not just for) business owners does not naturally flow from the systems we’re all in. Like listening sessions, for example - they often begin with genuine intentions. When community members don’t see their input reflected in decisions or practices, though, it can feel harder to stay engaged. Without follow-up, people may feel like their voice was acknowledged but not fully integrated. That applies to business owners when another resource invites them to another listening session, but also happens for the resource organizations when they’re invited to share meaningful insights with policy makers and funders. Meaningful change grows from deep listening, flexibility, shared work and leadership, and systems that make collaboration feel worthwhile.
Mental Models: Many systems still view business success through a binary lens: either scaling or failing. Small and micro-businesses, especially those owned by women, immigrants, or people of color, are often viewed as hobbies or side projects instead of viable enterprises that are vital to our community and economy.
We used the Water of Systems Change framework developed by FSG to organize what we were hearing. It's a helpful way to see how things like policies, practices, relationships, and mental models all impact what’s possible.¹
You can explore the full framework and resource here: FSG's Water of Systems Change
What That Looks Like on the Ground.
Whether you’re inside a resource organization or running your own shop, these disconnects might sound familiar:
A business owner ends up retelling their story every time they meet a new advisor, and the advisor may not know about other programs or services that could lighten the load or open new doors. The result? Missed opportunities for everyone.
An organization launches a great program, but the folks it’s for never hear about it.
A policymaker wants to advocate for change but doesn’t have access to local voices or real-time feedback. And often, they don’t realize current policies focus mostly on job creation and capital infusions, missing the chance to support how most business owners actually operate and grow. When those feedback loops are stronger, it becomes easier to shape policies that reflect the real needs and strengths of our communities.
A resource partner wants to collaborate, but there’s no shared system or capacity to make it easy. So the ideas pile up - brilliant, community-informed, hopeful - and end up in a file somewhere. Without supportive policies or practices, it’s hard to move from ideas to action, even when the will is there. We’ve been there, too. That’s why we designed Collective Agency to be connective tissue - not another silo. ”
Here’s How We’re Doing Business (Way) Differently
Three people sit together in a sunlit café, engaged in lively conversation. One person gestures while speaking, and two others smile and listen warmly. one additional person is in the background on a laptop. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive. A coffee cup and documents sit on the table in front of them. The bottom-right corner includes the Collective Agency logo with bold, colorful graphic shapes.
We didn’t just step out of our old role - we walked right into possibility.
Collective Agency isn’t another “center” or checklist. It’s a living, breathing support system built by and for the people actually using it.
We’re creating a way for business owners, advisors, and resource partners to finally feel like the dots connect.
Here’s what that looks like so far:
Empowered Business Practice (EBP)
Monthly sessions with space to reflect, learn something useful, and walk away actually feeling supported (not overwhelmed).Vision Alignment Lab
Not sure what business path fits you - or just tired of hustle culture and big biz expectations? We help you sort it out and match you with the support that makes sense for you.Groundwork Circles
Small, guided peer groups where accountability feels like teamwork, not shame. More connection, less pressure.Community Pop-Ups
Chill events where business owners and resource partners connect without the awkward “what do you do” elevator pitch energy.Digital Space That Works
A friendly online home where you can find info, support each other, as well as get you on a first name basis with support partners.Tag-Team Support for Resource Partners
We help folks get ready before they land in your inbox so they show up with clarity and understand how the ecosystem works. Plus, we offer contract-based advising under your brand, and Strategic Alignment Labs to support you as you untangle the bigger stuff that’s slowing all of us down.
A joyful woman with curly brown hair smiles brightly with her arms raised in celebration against a blue sky with fluffy clouds. She wears a light pink shirt and a pearl necklace. The bottom-right corner features bold, colorful graphic shapes and the Collective Agency logo.
We’re building this with all of you, the business owners, advisors, neighbors, and local champions.
We know we’re not the only ones doing beautiful work behind the scenes. There’s no one right way to build a business, but we see you showing up with heart, grit, and care. Whether you landed a new client, figured out your fall schedule, helped someone hit a milestone, or just made it through a tough week, we’re cheering you on.
💬 What’s a small win or quiet success you’re proud of this week?
Drop it in the comments, along with any best-kept-secret businesses or resources that deserve some love!
Let’s co-create business support that works, and feels good to be part of.
In Partnership,
Tricia + Chandra
Collective Agency
