By Tina Oddleifson The fourth part of an ongoing series of blog posts on lessons learned from Covid 19. This week we focus on how the pandemic created new opportunities for small businesses to expand their customer base and increase sales. E-commerce has been steadily increasing for years, but when the pandemic hit in 2020… Read more »
By Tina Oddleifson The third in a series of blog posts on lessons learned by small businesses throughout Covid 19 As more pandemic restrictions are lifted and a return to normal operations is in reach, employers and employees are both wondering what the new normal will look like. The question on everyone’s mind is, “what… Read more »
By Tina Oddleifson The second in a series of blog posts of what the small business community learned from COVID-19. This week we are exploring what it takes to pivot successfully? And why can some businesses in the same industry do this better than others? The word “pivot” was heard repeatedly throughout the pandemic. And… Read more »
You are not alone. The labor shortage has been crippling for small businesses across Maine. While the crisis is not new, the pandemic has amplified the problem. There is a variety of contributing factors to the labor situation including the availability of childcare, housing, and foreign workers. While nearly 7 out of 10 pandemic job… Read more »
By Tina Oddleifson The first in a series of blog posts of what the small business community learned from Covid 19 Economic downturns have been a regular but painful part of small business ownership. Yet unlike other recessions, Covid 19 hit Main Street businesses first and hit them hardest. When it comes to financing your… Read more »
By Tina Oddleifson Over the last 16 months, Maine small business owners were put to the test by a global pandemic. Over the next few months, the SBDC will offer a series of articles focused on the lessons learned from one of the most challenging years in our collective history. Look for posts on how… Read more »
After a trying year, tourists and locals alike are looking forward to enjoying all that Maine has to offer. Thankfully, things are looking up this summer tourism season and Maine is expected to have a bustling summer. As we prepare, we have to keep in mind the individual struggles people have experienced over the past… Read more »
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a statewide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, announces the annual results for 2020. In 2020, business advisors across Maine provided virtual, no-cost business advising to 2,956 entrepreneurs and small businesses, nearly double the number of businesses assisted in the previous year. This support… Read more »
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) was announced as part of the American Rescue Plan, released in March 2021. It contains vital support for small and medium-sized restaurants. Applications will be accepted starting May 3, 2021 at 12 pm. Visit the SBA’s RRF website for full details.
IMPORTANT UPDATE (4-23-21): Application portal reopens Saturday, April 24 Businesses can now apply for both a PPP loan after Dec 27, 2020 -and- the SVOG! The purpose of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program is to provide aid to small business owners who have been hit hard by COVID-19 related shutdowns. The bill allows for $15… Read more »
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