SBA NH 2024 NH Minority Owned Business of the Year - Bunny’s Convenience, Manchester, NH

Pramod Nyaupane and Bibhuti Thapa immigrated to the U.S. from Nepal in 2002 as strangers in search of new opportunities. Pramod was in his late 20s at the time and with little more than some clothes and limited cash first landed in Florida before deciding to move to New Hampshire for employment reasons. Bibhuti came to the U.S. on a student visa attending Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island and later transferred to Southern New Hampshire University (SHNU).

Pramod worked hard to establish himself starting as a server at a local restaurant and then moving to a 7-11 Convenience store where he found his niche and eventually moved to a management position. In 2007, he earned his U.S. citizenship and in that same year made the leap into entrepreneurship by purchasing his first store. Meanwhile, Bibhuti studied full-time earning her MBA while working simultaneously at the same convenience store as Pramod. Over the years, their professional and personal relationship flourished and in 2010 they joined forces to purchase a second store, well-known Bunny’s Superette in Manchester. A short year later, another opportunity presented itself and in 2011 the couple purchased a third location acquiring an Elm Street property through the proceeds of an SBA 504 loan with the help of Capital Regional Development Council (CRDC) and third-party lender Primary Bank. This new facility is home to Bunny’s Convenience Store, maintaining the renowned local name. The owners are in the process of converting the second floor of this downtown facility into residential space which is in great demand.

Pramod and Bibhuti have become pillars of the Manchester community, known for their hard work, kindness, and positive impact. In addition to his daily work managing the company’s two locations, Pramod also serves as a board member of the NH Grocers Association and volunteers for the Bhutanese Community Refugee Group. He is also working together with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and the Manchester National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to promote change and growth for people of color. Bibhuti is a master at maintaining the vast inventory and quality of the products offered at Bunny’s two locations customizing the offering based on the needs of the community. She is present every day interacting and listening to customers often adding items within a week when she hears of special requests.

The couple’s success story exemplifies the American Dream. After only 5 years of arriving in the U.S., they were able to purchase their first store and together have built a thriving business model through hard work, preservation, and entrepreneurial drive. This determination along with the growth and success achieved over the years, resulted in Bunny’s Convenience Store being selected as the 2024 SBA NH Minority Owned Business of the Year.

“Pramod and Bibhuti are shining examples of the American Spirit; they work hard and smartly invest in new opportunities. All the while, they are kind, considerate, and generous in their community and with their neighbors and friends”, said nominator Jen Boulanger of CRDC.

Award winners were honored at the SBA’s 2024 Small Business Week celebration on Tuesday, April 30th, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Tupelo Music Hall, Derry, NH.