Granite Recovery CEO Named Young Entrepreneur of Year

Eric Spofford, CEO of Granite Recovery Centers (GRC), was honored recently by the United States Small Business Administration as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year for New Hampshire and New England.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” Spofford says. “The importance of the work at Granite Recovery Centers and all of those who are on the front lines battling addiction cannot be overstated. The disease of addiction is painful, and we are in the midst of a crisis. However, there is hope and there is a solution. I am grateful for the chances I have been given to share my story and belief in long term treatment that truly transforms lives, families, and communities. We are in this together and we need to continue to help each other.”

Spofford, 33, has been sober since 2006 and has become a leading voice in the fight against the opioid epidemic. He started GRC in 2008 with a small sober living facility in Derry and has since built it into New Hampshire’s largest substance abuse treatment provider, according to a statement. GRC now operates seven facilities, has more than 200 employees and operates the innovative Pritts Recovery Center in Salem, a community space that offers free support groups and unique programming, including recovery yoga, workshops, speakers’ series and more.

“As a social entrepreneur Eric has built a strong and sustainable organization in a very short period of time,” says John Phelan of Enterprise Bank, who nominated Spofford for the award. “His story is truly inspirational as he continues to change the lives of so many individuals and families affected by this addiction. His impact on our local New Hampshire communities through his efforts is tremendous and we congratulate him on this well-deserved award.”

Greta Johansson, district director for the NH office of the SBA added, “Eric Spofford is an amazing example of the combination of passion, good business sense and a young person with a driving desire to take on a problem head on. The SBA is proud to have been able to support his efforts through our financing programs, and we look forward to his continued success.”