The SNHLocal Standards
What it takes to be a verified Local Star on Southern New Hampshire's curated guide. We don't list everyone.
Every business on SNHLocal has been verified against our standards. We don't auto-import from public lists. We don't list everyone who applies. We list businesses that are genuinely locally owned, operating legitimately, focused on serving Southern NH, and known for treating customers well.
This page tells you exactly what we look for — so business owners know whether they qualify, and customers know what verification actually means.
The Four-Point Standard
Locally Owned
The business owner or owning entity is based in New Hampshire (preferred) or a neighboring New England state. Out-of-region corporate owners, private equity holding companies, and national franchise chains don't qualify — even if the local franchisee is friendly.
How we verify: Public business records, secretary of state filings, owner conversations, local references.
Legitimate Operation
The business is a real, functioning operation with a verifiable address, proper licensing where required, and observable activity. We rule out shell companies, lead-aggregator front-ends, and businesses with serious regulatory or legal issues.
How we verify: Address verification, license and permit checks, BBB and licensing board cross-references.
Community Focused
The business serves Southern NH customers as a primary market. Owners who participate in the community, sponsor local events, hire local people, or genuinely operate as part of the neighborhood get strong consideration.
How we verify: Service area review, owner conversations about local engagement, community references, Chamber membership where relevant.
Quality Reputation
The business has a track record of treating customers fairly. Not perfect reviews — every legitimate business gets unfair complaints — but a pattern of doing right by people. We look at how owners respond to negative reviews as much as the reviews themselves.
How we verify: Review analysis across Google, Yelp, BBB; pattern review for consistent complaints; outreach to recent customers when needed.
What We Don't List
Being clear about what's NOT here is as important as being clear about what is.
- National chain franchises — Even great local franchisees. Our curated guide exists to surface businesses that need it.
- Out-of-state corporate ownership — A business with HQ in Texas isn't a Southern NH local business even with a location here.
- Lead-aggregator front-ends — Sites that capture leads and sell them to other businesses.
- Businesses with active fraud or regulatory issues — License revocations, pending civil action against consumers.
- Adult entertainment, predatory lending, certain MLM operations — Where consumer harm is structurally part of the model.
- Businesses not serving Southern NH — Even great businesses outside our region don't fit our scope.
If a business is rejected, we tell them why. If standards are met later, we re-evaluate.
Common Questions About SNHLocal Standards
What makes a business "truly local"?
Local ownership matters more than local presence. A national chain with a Manchester location is not a local business — the profits flow to corporate. A Manchester-owned business with two locations across Southern NH is local. We follow the ownership, not just the address.
Can a business be on SNHLocal without applying?
Yes. Local Guides can refer businesses through our referral system, and we create unclaimed profiles for businesses we believe meet the standards. Owners can then claim and customize.
What if a business meets some standards but not others?
We rarely list businesses that partially meet standards. The Local Star verification badge means something — diluting that hurts everyone listed. Borderline cases get an honest conversation.
How often are listings re-verified?
Annually as a baseline, plus on triggering events — customer complaints, ownership changes, license issues. Verified status isn't permanent.
Who decides whether a business meets the standards?
Mark B. Marquis personally reviews every business currently. As SNHLocal grows, additional verifiers may join — but the standards stay the same.
Can businesses appeal a rejection?
Yes. We tell rejected businesses what didn't meet the standard. They can address the issue and reapply.
Think Your Business Qualifies?
If you meet the four-point standard, we want to list you. Free, forever.
Apply for Your Free Listing →