When Stacie LeClerc, MLADC, LCMHC, and founder of Blue Heron Neurofeedback and Counseling, opened at the end of 2019, she was clear in her vision of what her business would be. The former Clinical Director for North Country Consortium was ready to do something on her own and pictured a small, one-office business. Little did she know that fate and the increasing need for mental health services in the North Country had other plans.

Blue Heron Neurofeedback and Counseling Services provides Outpatient Counseling, Neurofeedback Therapy, EMDR (a non-invasive psychotherapy), and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders. They are also a New Hampshire-approved Impaired Driver Care Management provider.

Stacie opened doors in North Conway at the end of 2019, and today, just shy of two years later, Blue Heron also provides services at locations in Littleton and Gorham.

When COVID hit shortly after opening, Blue Heron went the telehealth route, and Stacie "thought it would go nowhere." It turned out to be the opposite. COVID's mental health toll meant that Blue Heron's clientele was growing faster than expected. With offices already in North Conway and Littleton, it was time for Blue Heron to expand, but Stacie needed some financial support to make that happen.

Stacie contacted the CEDC, where she was able to attain both a loan and a grant to open their newest location in Gorham.

The loan was important for expansion. As Stacie explained, when you're starting a new office, the counselors don't have a full caseload just yet, so the funds are really tight. "The funds were really helpful," says Stacie. "Without that loan, I don't think I would've been able to expand."

With that loan, Blue Heron was able to cover expenses associated with opening a new location, such as furniture, electronics, etc. It also allowed her to hire two full-time employees and one part-time employee.

In addition, Blue Heron's Gorham location needed a new sign to get optimal visibility to the heavy traffic along its road. So, Stacie and her team turned to CEDC again where they were approved for the Community Business Beautification Grant. The grant helped them purchase a large sign and spruce up the outside with two planters.

Stacie expressed the ease involved in both the loan and grant application process, recalling, "It's not over the top at all." She adds, "Lise is very supportive and helpful. We felt supported through the whole process.

Stacie credits CEDC with being a big part of the success of Blue Heron's Gorham space. She concludes, "Without a doubt, other businesses should work with CEDC. It's nice that there are organizations like this to help businesses like ours."

For more information on what loans and grants are available through CEDC, click HERE.