The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a statewide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, announces the development of small business resources now available in English, French and Somali. Read More
Blog
Ressources disponibles en français
Ressources disponibles en français – Resources available in French
Vous souhaitez réussir et vous sentir compétent et confiant vis-à-vis de ce que vous êtes sur le point de faire. C’est la raison pour laquelle nous avons développé ces outils pour vous. Read More
Khayraadka Lagu Heli karo Af-Somali
Khayraadka Lagu Heli karo Af-Somali (Resources Available in Somali)
Waxaad rabtaa inaad ku guulaysato ganacsigaaga oo aad dareento karti iyo kalsooni inaad u leedahay waxa aad qabanayso. Taasi waa sababta aan adiga kuugu samaynay qalabkan. Read More
Are there grant funds for my business?
Funding a new or existing business using grant funds is often a very attractive prospect for any business owner. Grants seem to be the silver bullet for a business to get funds without having to worry about paying the money back or putting your own money into the business. Grants opportunities seem to be everywhere since the pandemic. The truth is, in most cases, grant funds for for-profit businesses are not widely available and those that are available can be difficult to obtain. Read More
Breggia Sanitation – Portland
Gino Breggia approached the Maine SBDC in July of 2021 seeking financial advice to be able to open his own sanitation business. A Portland native, Gino moved out of state to explore career opportunities. He spent time in New York, where he got his introduction to the world’s largest sanitation department, before spending many years in California. Upon his return home to Maine, Gino saw an opportunity to create a more customer service-friendly sanitation business, with a focus specifically on the construction and restaurant industries. Read More
Maine Adventure Co. – Brunswick
Trevar & David Haefele are a father/son team with a passion for the outdoors and a desire to increase sustainable accessibility to the natural beauty Maine has to offer. With diverse life experience in leadership, personal development, and coaching, both Trevar & David are in an excellent position to bring their passion to others. Read More
Retro Roadtripper – Kennebunk
Joshua Hrehovcik the photographer behind Retro Roadtripper, a photography and media company, reached out to the Maine SBDC for help marketing his business. He connected with Maine SBDC Business Advisor Anne Lancaster, who covers York County, and together they discussed his business plan and whether or not the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) would be a good fit for him. Read More
Rhona Beauty – Biddeford
Rhona Johnson Deah saw an unmet need in the marketplace when she couldn’t find on-trend beauty services specifically designed for style-conscious ethnic women in Maine. With this in mind, she left her job as a medical technician, apprenticed with several beauty salons, and obtained her full cosmetology license in 2021. She started her business by renting space in a Westbrook salon, but her dream was to open a business of her own where women of color could feel understood and appreciated. Read More
Tech Options for Your Small Business
Maine SBDC at NMDC Business Advisor and Center Director Brandon McDonald recently presented on new tech tools small businesses should know about to both a group of Maine small businesses owners as well as at the New England Professional Development (NEPD) conference for business advisors! His experience as a former Video Game Software Developer, IT contractor, and a Maine Technology Institute IT board member have contributed to his understanding of these tools. As a business advisor for Northern Maine, he helps small businesses throughout the county stay connected and understand the tools and resources available to them! However, this list of resources is a broad overview of what is available and the Maine SBDC does not endorse any of these products. You’ll know your small business needs better than anyone and should seek out the tools that best fit your situation! Read More
Little Mainer – Yarmouth
After retiring from teaching in 2020, Kathie Bradeen started using her crafting skills to print Maine-themed designs on toddler and babywear. She wanted an alternative to the ubiquitous “touristy” designs printed on low-quality clothing, to give as gifts to the babies and toddlers in her life. Frustrated by the lack of options she was finding, she saw a need in the marketplace and Little Mainer was born! A successful business must always address a need or solve a problem in the marketplace, and Kathie found her niche. Read More