Today the Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a statewide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, announces the annual results for 2021. In 2021, business advisors across Maine provided no-cost, confidential business advising to 2,953 entrepreneurs and small businesses, nearly matching the record-setting volume of 2020 and doubling that of 2019…. Read more »
Posts By: Jennifer Boutin
Tips to Navigating the Labor Shortage
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 »
Why Customer Service Matters This Summer
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 »
Circle Two Disc Golf – Bradford
Disc golf has been rapidly growing in popularity as both a recreational activity and a professional competitive sport. Andrew Kahl is an active member of Maine’s disc golf community and wanted to create his own course on his family’s land. He reached out to the Maine SBDC at CEI for assistance understanding what is involved… Read more »
Maine SBDC Releases 2020 Results: Supporting more small businesses than ever before
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 »
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)
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.
Wandering Goat – Union
Since 2013, Tanya Rudy and her mother Cheryl have been making handcrafted soaps from their family farm in Midcoast Maine. This mother-daughter team located in Union makes their soaps in small batches and uses only the finest quality ingredients. They combine fresh goat’s milk from their own herd with organic oils to create naturally scented… Read more »
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
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 »
Environmentally Conscious Cost Savings
By: Jared Entwistle, Maine SBDC Intern In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important for small businesses to think about ways to conserve cash flow. This often presents a dilemma for those who want to be conscious of their carbon footprint: how can I reduce my business’s environmental impact while maintaining a budget? … Read more »
Sew Rugged – Sedgwick
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Liz Meadows was forced to close the doors of her 17-year-old successful massage therapy business. She could not, in good conscience, put her clients or herself at risk of exposure to the deadly virus. An entrepreneur at heart, Liz took it as an opportunity saying, “there is nothing like the… Read more »