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Ruff Pine Dog Treats – Waterboro

Emily and Nicholas Conley built Ruff Pine Dog Treats in Waterboro after deciding they wanted better ingredients for their own dogs, Willow and Blue. What began as homemade treats for their pets quickly grew when family and friends saw how much their dogs loved them, inspiring the couple to turn the idea into a business.Read More

Are Small Business Grants Really a Thing?

Short answer: Yes, but probably not in the way you think.

One of the most common questions we hear at the Maine SBDC is:

“How do I get a grant to start or grow my business?”

It’s an understandable question. During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments distributed billions of dollars in grants to help businesses survive an unprecedented crisis. Those programs created the impression that grants are a common source of funding for small businesses.

Today, that’s rarely the case.

The Reality About Small Business Grants

Most small businesses exist to earn a profit, not to fulfill a charitable or public mission. Because of that, grants for general startup costs, operating expenses, or expansion are uncommon.

When grants are available, they are usually designed for a specific purpose, such as:

  • Developing new technology
  • Creating jobs
  • Improving downtown building facades
  • Improving energy efficiency
  • Expanding into international markets
  • Supporting agriculture or food production
  • Supporting arts and creative projects

Many grant programs are highly competitive and often require businesses to contribute matching funds.

The bottom line: Grants can be valuable, but they should not be your primary strategy for financing a business.

Infographic explaining the reality of small business grants

Where Grants Do Exist

Here are some of the most common opportunities available to Maine businesses.

Research & Innovation

Businesses developing new technologies may qualify for federal SBIR or STTR grants. These programs are highly competitive. The Maine Technology Institute provides matching funds for businesses in specific technology sectors.

Downtown & Facade Improvements

Some municipalities offer grants to improve commercial buildings through Community Development Block Grant programs. Check with your local economic development office to learn what may be available in your community.

Workforce Development

Funding may be available for employee training, apprenticeships, or hiring workers from targeted populations. Resources include your local city or town, the Maine Office of Business Development, and the Maine Community College System.

International Trade

Businesses looking to export products may qualify for financial assistance through the Maine International Trade Center.

Energy Efficiency

Efficiency Maine and other state programs offer incentives for equipment upgrades and renewable energy projects.

Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Systems

USDA and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry periodically offer grants to help businesses innovate and improve sustainability.

Disaster Relief

Following federally declared disasters, businesses may be eligible for emergency loans and, in some cases, grants.

Arts & Creative Businesses

Artists and creative businesses can sometimes access project-based grants through state and nonprofit arts organizations.

Accelerators & Pitch Competitions

Maine offers several startup accelerators and business pitch competitions that provide funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities for businesses with strong growth potential.

Infographic showing where small business grants may exist

Where to Start

If you’re looking for grant opportunities, begin with:

Not sure whether a grant is the right fit?

Maine SBDC provides no-cost, confidential business advising to Maine entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Request Advising

Final Thoughts

Grants are real, but they’re the exception, not the rule.

Successful businesses are typically funded through a combination of owner investment, revenue, loans, and strategic financing. If a grant fits your business, it’s a bonus, not a business plan.

Understanding what grants are designed to do will save you time and help you focus on the funding sources most likely to move your business forward.

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Oh, Grow Up! – Bangor

After many years in the restaurant industry and a decade in an office job, Andy Day was ready to build something of his own and reconnect with the energy of downtown. He missed interacting with the public and being part of Downtown Bangor’s vibrant business community. After months of planning and preparation, Andy opened Oh, Grow Up!, a candy and novelty shop at 21 Central Street in Bangor, in January 2026.Read More

Moose Country Graphics – New Sharon

Linda Lidstone turned a practical need into a growing business when she could not find affordable, customizable logo wear for her husband’s logging company. Moose Country Graphics began when Linda set out to create apparel in smaller quantities. Today, the New Sharon business provides embroidery, printed apparel, logo design, business cards, signs, banners, decals, and custom gifts for clients across the region.Read More

Crawford Farm Weddings & Events – Warren

Laurie Murphy and her husband Bart launched Crawford Farm Weddings & Events in Warren as an ambitious new chapter in retirement, combining their love of old architecture, Maine barns, and meaningful gatherings. Laurie retired last year after a lifelong career as a special educator, while Bart continues to work as a highly skilled contractor. Together, they bring their experience, energy, and vision to Crawford Farm, transforming the property into a wedding and event venue where they can share its beauty while helping guests create lasting memories.Read More

Fallen Oak Farms – Lebanon

When MacKenzie Cayford and Josh Bowker found themselves standing on a 20-acre Christmas tree farm in Lebanon, Maine, it felt like every conversation they had ever shared about their future was suddenly within reach. The property that would become Fallen Oak Farms was not part of their original plan, but it quickly became an obvious next chapter in both their love story and their shared vision for community.Read More

Maine Names 2026 State Star

2026 State StarThe Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has selected Christina  Oddleifson as the 2026 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.

Christina (Tina) Oddleifson is a senior business advisor at the Maine SBDC at University of Southern Maine. She works with entrepreneurs and small business owners in Southern Maine to start, sustain, and grow their businesses. In the five years she has been with the Maine SBDC, she has spent over 4,500 hours advising almost 900 clients. She’s helped to start 65 businesses, create and save 222 jobs, and generate almost $10 million in capital. Read More

Saylor DesJardin – Flexit Cafe

After several years working in the coffee shop industry, Saylor DesJardin knew she enjoyed the fast pace, the customer relationships, and the sense of community that comes from serving familiar faces each day. She also had a clear vision to open her own brick-and-mortar coffee and bagel business.Read More

Aroostook Animal Emergency Services – Mars Hill

For decades, Aroostook County residents had to travel several hours to central Maine for their emergency veterinary needs, putting a significant financial strain on pet owners who are already struggling with high veterinary bills.Read More