Littleton Chevrolet’s Non-Profit Business Spotlight – WREN, a community that supports lives and livelihoods.

WREN, which stands for the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network, is a truly remarkable organization deeply rooted in the heart of New Hampshire’s North Country. Founded over 30 years ago, in 1994, it began with a powerful vision from rural women dedicated to fostering better lives and livelihoods in their community. While initially focused on women, WREN has evolved into a vibrant community organization that is open to all, providing a wide array of educational and cultural opportunities within a supportive network.

At its core, WREN’s mission is to support better lives and livelihoods through education, economic development, and community engagement in the North Country. They achieve this through several key programs and initiatives:

• Entrepreneurial Support: WREN is a beacon for aspiring and established entrepreneurs in the region. They understand the unique challenges of rural business and offer a wealth of resources, including:
  • One-on-one coaching and mentoring: Providing personalized guidance to help individuals navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business.
  • Affinity groups: Creating spaces for entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences, and collaborate.
  • Small business summits: Offering valuable training and networking opportunities to help businesses thrive.
  • Administering the CDFA’s CDBG program: This program provides grant funding specifically for low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs, making entrepreneurial dreams accessible to a wider range of individuals.
• Arts Experiences & Cultural Engagement: WREN is a vital cultural hub, enriching the community through the arts.
  • The Gallery at WREN: For over 20 years, this state-of-the-art gallery has set a high standard for fine arts in the North Country. They host new exhibitions every other month, showcasing the incredible talent of local and regional artists. These exhibitions provide a crucial platform for artists to gain visibility and for the public to engage with, appreciate, and support local art. Opening receptions, like the one for Valery Mahuchy and Robert Chapla’s “Colorful Edge of Soul,” are free and open to everyone, fostering a lively gathering place for artists, community members, and visitors alike.
  • Free Programming: In collaboration with community partners, WREN offers a robust schedule of free events and workshops, making artistic experiences and community connections accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
• Community Engagement: Beyond their specific programs, WREN plays a crucial role in building a stronger, more connected community. They organize diverse educational, cultural, and social events that bring people together, contributing to the overall vitality of the North Country. They serve as a meeting point, a place where people can learn, create, and simply connect.

The Shop of Unique Gifts: A Treasure Trove of Local Talent

One of the most beloved and tangible ways WREN supports its mission and the local economy is through The Store and Gallery at WREN. This isn’t just a gift shop; it’s a vibrant marketplace that offers market access for over 120 local and regional artists and makers.

Stepping into the WREN shop is like entering a treasure trove of authentic North Country creativity. You’ll find a wide and ever-changing selection of unique, handcrafted items, including:

• Beautiful Jewelry: From delicate silver pieces to bold statement necklaces, crafted by skilled local artisans.
• Distinctive Pottery: Functional and decorative ceramics, each with its own character and charm.
• Textiles: Handwoven scarves, cozy knitwear, and other fabric creations that showcase traditional and contemporary techniques.
• Fine Art: In addition to the rotating gallery exhibitions, the shop often features smaller pieces of fine art, allowing visitors to take a piece of the North Country’s artistic spirit home.
• Furniture and Home Goods: Unique pieces that add character and local flavor to any home.
• And so much more! You might discover hand-rolled beeswax candles, artisanal soaps, locally sourced food products, unique greeting cards, and countless other delightful surprises.

For emerging artists and makers, the WREN shop is invaluable. It allows them to “test the waters” with new products, gain valuable feedback from WREN staff on presentation and pricing, increase their brand visibility, and generate revenue without the daunting task of opening their own storefront.

Every purchase made at The Store and Gallery at WREN directly supports the local economy and empowers the talented individuals who pour their passion into creating these unique goods. It’s a place where visitors can find truly special gifts, knowing that they are contributing to the livelihoods of their neighbors and the vibrant artistic community of the North Country.

In essence, WREN is a multifaceted organization that goes beyond just one service. It’s a nurturing environment that cultivates creativity, fosters economic growth, and strengthens the fabric of the community, truly living up to its mission of supporting better lives and livelihoods for all in New Hampshire’s picturesque North Country. Want to know more about WREN? You can visit their website by clicking the link…https://www.wrenworks.org/.

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