The Maine SBDC/SBTDC is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA's funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All Maine SBDC/SBTDC and SBA-funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities will be made if requested two weeks in advance. Questions and complaints about discrimination in any area, and/or any accommodation requests should be directed to Alma Newell, Maine SBDC/SBTDC Associate State Director, University of Southern Maine School of Business, 96 Falmouth Street – POB 9300, Portland, ME 04104; 207-780-4420.

Federal, state and other funding is made available to the Maine SBDC/SBTDC through the University of Southern Maine to counsel small businesses and individuals (clients) at no cost to the client. The Maine SBDC/SBTDC counselors do not take the place of a lawyer, accountant or otherwise qualified professional. Counselors provide advice, guidance and coaching; however, all decisions are the client’s to make.

Additionally, the Maine SBDC/SBTDC is not a lending agency, but may provide counsel in loan application preparation. However, this type of assistance does not suggest any intent to approve any loan request by any lender or loan guaranteeing institution, public or private. Counselors may provide advice on technique and sources for developing the necessary information for a financial proposal; it is the client’s responsibility to collect the needed information and prepare the necessary documentation.

The Maine SBDC/SBTDC acknowledges that clients from time to time divulge confidential and proprietary information during counseling. Unless otherwise expressly authorized by the client or required by law or federal regulation, Maine SBDC/SBTDC staff will not reveal to any person or entity the identity of any client to whom they have rendered services or any confidential or proprietary information obtained from the client and identified as such by the client.

By use of Maine SBDC/SBTDC assistance services, the client agrees to cooperate, if selected to participate, in surveys designed to evaluate SBA or SBDC/SBTDC assistance services, and to waive all claims against Maine SBDC/SBTDC and SBA personnel, any SBDC and its host organizations, the University of Southern Maine, and any other resource counselors arising from such assistance.

Note the Maine SBDC/SBTDC website may contain hypertext links to information and websites created and maintained by other public, commercial and private entities. This information and these links are not owned or sponsored by the Maine Small Business Development Centers and are provided for the user's convenience. The Maine SBDC/SBTDC is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of any websites or information that may be accessed from this site. Furthermore, the inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the Maine SBDC/SBTDC of any organizations or company, or its opinions, products, or services. Clients and all others should use caution and best judgment when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked website.