In August 2020, Maine SBDC partnered with Richard Arend from the University of Southern Maine to survey hundreds of Maine small business owners. The survey sought insight into how businesses have been impacted by the pandemic and the steps they have taken as a result.
Here’s our findings…Read More
By: Jennifer Boutin, Maine SBDC
Maine would not be the same without the small businesses that make our communities unique, or without the hardworking business owners who create jobs for our families, friends and neighbors. Small businesses are the core of our economy, making up over 99% of businesses in Maine.
And, these small businesses need you now more than ever. Read More
By: Maine SBDC Business Advisor Alison Lane
As we close the year with the same uncertainty that plagued our Spring, Summer, and Fall, small business owners hope to capitalize on the season that is “merry and bright”. However, changes to consumer behavior, recovering markets, and the scars from many rough months make the success of Black Friday, Christmas, and the other major spending holidays unknown. How can businesses make the best of the 2020 holiday season with their marketing efforts?Read More
With the amount of time the Coronavirus has endured, business owners might have started asking themselves not if a positive case will occur in their business, but when. On the occasion where someone has become infected, it is important to know where to look and what to do. Fortunately, there is guidance out there to help.Read More
The
Long Shot Revival Homestead, in Orland, is a family farm owned and run by Joe and Haley Brown. Joe is an Army National Guard veteran and initially thought farming and raising pigs would be a good therapeutic outlet as he transitioned back to civilian life. Starting off with just a few piglets, Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Shannon Byers helped them get organized and explored options for expansion, leading to the addition of poultry to the farm. Joe also gained support through a nonprofit called United Farmer Veterans of Maine, aimed at helping Maine veterans navigate and succeed in agriculture and business success. Throughout this growth he has continued to show commitment to this community in a variety of way including a 10% discount to fellow veterans.
This year Covid had a unique impact on the homestead due to the national gridlock in the meat processing industry. Having already begun doing small batch meat processing this became the focus and business was actually booming! Working hard to stay positive and continue to provide healthy local food, Joe’s dedication and compassion for keeping people healthy transcended eating habits to a real sense of community in a time when many felt very isolated.
Poultry season is now over but they are looking to begin processing deer later this month. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO FOLLOW THIS GROWING BUSINESS, VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK OR YOUTUBE.
Derek DeFelice is a decorated Purple Heart veteran and owner of Hero’s Pizza & Breakfast in Skowhegan. Derek and his wife Aaron have worked hard to build this local pizzeria since they purchased it in 2018. Through long hours and sheer determination, they have rebranded and remodeled the restaurant, increase sales, and hired new staff.Read More
By: Christina Oddleifson, Maine SBDC Business Advisor
Covid 19 has made it more important than ever for small businesses to have up to date information about their financial performance.
If the Covid 19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that small businesses with up to date and accurate financial information have fared better than those without. The ability to quickly access tax returns and financial statements has meant that these businesses were able to obtain grants and loans much faster. They could also quickly understand the impact of the pandemic on their business, leading to better and faster decision-making.Read More
There are many local relief programs across the state of Maine that are offering small grants, loans, and resources to help you and your small business stay afloat as you cope with the impacts of Coronavirus. There are municipalities, banks, and non-profit organizations offering small business assistance programs throughout the state. If you’re impacted by Coronavirus in any way, it’s likely you are eligible for most of your local programs. Every little bit helps – we encourage you to seek as many opportunities as possible. Read More
Maine Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announces the official launch of a new resource center that will help equip Maine’s small businesses with the tools and training they need to respond, relaunch and recover from the pandemic.Read More
By: Christina Oddleifson, Maine SBDC Business Advisor
Finding the right professionals to advise you is an important step for a small business owner. Understanding what services are worth paying for and what things you can do “on your own” is different for everyone.
At some point, however, you will probably need the advice of someone in a specific industry, like a lawyer or accountant. If you are approaching lenders or investors, these stakeholders will want to know who is on your BAIL team (banker, accountant, insurance agent, and lawyer) to help you navigate the complex issues that inevitably arise when owning a business.
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