Learn what makes doing business in Bristol different.
While rich in history, Bristol also has made substantial investments in recent years that have made it a great contemporary community. We’re spurring new business growth, making Bristol more walkable, and investing in infrastructure projects, while also restoring the historic properties and improving the local parks that have long made us great.
A small town with big amenities
Here are some of the amenities businesses can access in Bristol:
People
- Downtown Central Square beautification and revitalization projects
- Close proximity to health care services, including three hospitals
- Safe Routes to School sidewalk investment
- Revitalization and workforce housing expansion program
- Tight-knit business community
Utility Services
- Bristol Broadband Now initiative to expand high-speed internet access
- Extensive public water and sewer
- Ayers Island Hydro Dam property, providing development opportunities and clean energy
- Downtown Eagle Creek hydro dam properties
- Access to nearby biomass energy generation
Transportation
- Access to Interstate 93
- 90 miles of well maintained town roads
- Extensive network of bicycling and hiking trails for recreation and commuting
Economic Incentives
- Four economic revitalization zones for tax credits
- Community Revitalization Tax Incentive program
Close-knit business community
Here in Bristol, business owners are our friends and neighbors. That’s helped foster our supportive business culture, both within Town Office, the town square and the lake district.
Some of the business resources in Bristol include:
- Dedicated town staff and boards ready to help
- Newfound Independence business owners group
- Small Businesses on Newfound Lake Facebook group
- Newfound Professional Network
- Grafton Regional Development Corporation
- Grafton Small Business Development Center
- NH Business Finance Authority
Better work-life balance
The remote nature of work today has increased the emphasis on workplace and work-life balance. Bristol offers people of all ages a scenic, tight-knit community they can call home, raise their children, and enjoy the outdoors year round.
Some of the amenities in Bristol include:
- High speed internet network connected to the University System of New Hampshire
- Centrally located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region
- Two town beaches on Newfound Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the world
- Access to four rivers, including the stunning Pemigewasset River
- Extensive network of hiking and bike trails
- Recent investment in upgrading town parks and beaches
- Boating, fishing and other water recreation opportunities
- Close to ski mountains, snowmobile trails and other winter recreation activities
- Downtown and lake district with restaurants, breweries and winery
- Close to shopping, arts venues and a state college
- 90 minutes to Boston, 50 minutes to Manchester, 2 hours to Portland
About the Economic Development Committee
Bristol’s Economic Development Committee is an all-volunteer board that seeks to promote a positive business climate that showcases Bristol as a business-friendly community with a superior quality of life. The members are residents and business owners who are passionate about our beautiful town by the lake and want to see the community thrive.
Part of the EDC’s mission is to create employment opportunities for residents, expand and diversify the tax base, support existing businesses, and encourage the development and expansion of business activity.
We work with the larger Bristol community, in coordination with the Town Administrator, Land Use Office, Planning Board and state and regional economic development organizations, to encourage growth consistent with the Town’s Master Plan and Zoning Requirements.
The EDC created this website to help both new and existing businesses grow here in Bristol.
