Posts By: Jennifer Boutin

Our Commitment to You

SBDC logo with text that say "Committed to Your Success". No cost, statewide, high quality, confidential and professional business advising, training, and resources.

The Maine SBDC is preparing for an upcoming shift in its organizational structure. Rest assured, entrepreneurs and existing small business owners across Maine will continue to receive the same high-quality, no-cost, and confidential Maine SBDC business advising services they rely on. What’s Changing: Starting October 1st, Coastal Enterprises Inc (CEI) will no longer be providing… Read more »

Gillies Law – Portland

Jennifer Gillies, owner of Gillies Law in Portland, Maine

Jennifer Gillies completed her law degree at the University of Maine before dedicating nearly 10 years to serving Maine’s immigrant community as an immigration attorney at a local firm. During her time at the University, Jennifer was introduced to immigration law through the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic, igniting her passion for assisting asylum seekers… Read more »

Maine Coast Creamery – Winslow

Originally from Haiti, Ismael Thadal immigrated to Maine in 2007. He met Molly Hodgkins, a Maine native, in 2014, and they bonded over their shared love of ice cream. Ismael and Molly began making ice cream at home, working on perfecting their unique recipes with the help of friends, family, and community members who served… Read more »

Countryside Kids Childcare – Hiram

Outdoor playground at the new facility at Countryside Kids

Karen Bachelder established Countryside Kids Childcare, a home-based daycare in Hiram, in 2020. After two years in operation and with several families on her waitlist, she recognized an opportunity to expand to better serve the growing needs of her community and support more families needing childcare. She envisioned relocating to a new building that would… Read more »

Dreamer Food – Bangor

Business Owner Anik Derphilibossian sitting in front of her food truck Dreamer Food

Anik Derphilibossian is a Registered Nurse (RN), Armenian-born & raised in Lebanon, who immigrated to the United States from Lebanon in 2021. She found herself missing the flavors and food of her homeland. With a love for cooking and encouragement from her fellow nurse and best friend Kara, Anik started sharing her culinary creations –  first… Read more »

Intro to Using ChatGPT in Your Small Business

Decorative image with computer and AI chat screen.

For small business owners, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) can be a game-changer. Among the various AI tools available, ChatGPT stands out as an accessible and helpful tool. ChatGPT specializes in generating text and having human-like conversations. It can assist with various tasks, including writing, brainstorming, planning, and more. In this blog post, we’ll explore how… Read more »

Woof Daycare & Boarding – Glenburn

Group of dogs playing at Woof Daycare & Boarding

Peter Richmond has always been passionate about dogs. When he learned that a well-established dog-focused business was on the market, he saw it as the perfect chance to pursue his dreams. For guidance, his bank recommended he work with the Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).

Eido Bar Company – Winslow

Eido Bar Company's bar trailer with Business Owner Rochelle Albert inside

Rochelle Albert has spent years honing her craft in bartending and catering, learning the ins and outs of creating memorable experiences and delicious cocktails. In 2023, her priorities shifted significantly when she gave birth to her son. As a single mother, she wanted to find a way to be with her son full-time and provide… Read more »

4Health Family Medicine – Windham

Business owner Su-Anne Hammond with Business Advisor Peter Harriman

Su-Anne Hammond is a lifelong Mainer who has spent the last 20 years providing primary care to families in Southern Maine. She has always prioritized creating genuine doctor-patient relationships that allow her to treat the whole person. She envisioned opening her own private practice that would offer affordable, accessible, and direct care to patients. This… Read more »

Ferda Farms – Brunswick

Max Burtis of Ferda Farms in Brunswick

Established in 2018, Ferda Farms is an oyster farm nestled along the picturesque New Meadows River in Brunswick. Committed to sustainable and responsible farming practices, Ferda Farms specializes in cultivating fresh, high-quality Bombazine Oysters that capture the essence of the pristine Maine waters. Business owners Maxwell Burtis and his father Chris are experienced mariners with… Read more »