The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has selected Christine Cole as the 2025 State Star. The award, given annually, recognizes a member of the Maine SBDC staff who has shown exemplary performance and a strong commitment to small business success.
Christine (Chris) Cole is a senior business advisor at the Maine SBDC at University of Southern Maine. She works with entrepreneurs and small business owners in Maine’s Cumberland County to start, sustain and grow their businesses. In the five years she has been with the Maine SBDC, she has spent approximately 4,000 hours advising almost 700 clients. She’s helped to start 44 businesses, create and save 241 jobs, and generate almost $13 million in capital.
Clients consistently praise Chris for her kind, supportive, and responsive approach to business advising. They value her deep knowledge and the way she offers clear, step-by-step guidance—always at a pace that suits their individual needs. Among colleagues, Chris is known for her thoughtfulness, generosity, and genuine care—consistently sharing her expertise, building inclusive relationships, and bringing warmth, humor, and support to the team.
Before joining the SBDC, Chris brought extensive experience from the restaurant, hospitality, and consumer trade show sectors. Her background also encompasses work in the nonprofit field and ownership of multiple businesses, including food ventures and a property management company.
“Chris has deep expertise across many business areas, and intuitively knows how to direct and relate to her clients,” commented Mark Delisle, Maine SBDC State Director. “She leverages her network to connect clients to valuable resources and her door is always open to mentor new business advisors. We are incredibly happy to have her on our team.”
Each year, America’s Small Business Development Centers recognizes top performers from programs around the country at its annual conference. A special reception will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in Orlando, Florida to honor this year’s award winners.