Comptus, a producer of wind and environmental sensors, transmitters, and controls in Thornton, is now exporting 64 percent of its product. It credits that success to the US Small Business Administration (SBA) programs and support.
When starting out, Andrew White, who is now president of Comptus, secured an SBA Loan from TD Bank to purchase the business. He says that, since then, he has participated in a number of the SBA programs, which have enhanced his ability to be innovative and to grow and thrive. He says when he acquired the company, he had no idea that Comptus could grow to export more than 60 percent of its products to Argentina, China, Canada, Finland, Greece, India, Jordan, Mexico, South Korea, and five other countries.
Comptus has received SBA State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grants over the past few years. Managed by the NH Office of International Commerce, the STEP Grant funding, according to White, has helped pay for his trips to trade events and to meet clients abroad. STEP Funding also helped him develop foreign language data sheets for his website.
White also attended the SBA Emerging Leaders program in 2016 where he built a network of colleagues that helped him create and implement a three-year strategic growth plan. By having the opportunity to work with experienced mentors, coaches and peers, he says he refined his business planning and management skills and continues to maintain those connections.
“One of the benefits of having a small business in New Hampshire is that program directors from every agency know each other and can direct you to resources you may not have heard about,” he says. White offers, as an example, how his company may be eligible and will apply for SBA HUBZone certification. This federal program gives certified small businesses a mandated first position with government contracting agencies.
Pictured above, from left: Earl Dodge, VP of operations, Andrew White, president/owner of Comptus
Current Issue - April 2024