Olivia Luedee opened Keepsake Bridal in Thomaston after returning home to Midcoast Maine. She had nearly a decade of bridal industry experience and a clear vision for a boutique that felt personal, distinctive, and rooted in care. After years in the wedding world, and after going through the dress shopping process as a bride herself, Olivia saw an opportunity to bring something different to the region.Read More
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Skills for Life – South Portland
Dr. Ashley St. John and Dr. Nicole Heal founded Skills for Life to address a critical need for early childhood special education services in southern Maine. Their South Portland preschool provides specialized education and early intervention for young children with developmental disabilities.
Both founders brought extensive experience to the venture. Nicole has worked in behavior analysis, linical leadership, research, and professional training. Ashley holds a doctorate in developmental psychology and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with experience developing clinical systems and supporting staff. The two previously worked together at a special purpose private school, where Nicole served as Ashley’s mentor.
Ashley and Nicole wanted to create a preschool where they could utilize their combined skills and knowledge to ensure that every student received compassionate, evidence-based instruction. Building the organization from the ground up was rewarding, but it also meant taking responsibility for financial planning, funding, operations, and every other part of the launch.
Ashley contacted Maine SBDC after her husband recommended the program through a personal connection. Business Advisor Peter Harriman helped the founders examine their financial projections, revise their pro formas, and explore different funding models. His ongoing availability also gave them confidence as new questions emerged.
“SBDC was so instrumental. Knowing that Peter was there to answer our questions and meet when things came up was such a feeling of security,” Ashley said.
This financial preparation became especially valuable when Skills for Life was ready to pursue financing. Peter helped Ashley and Nicole refine their projections so they could approach the loan process with clear, well-supported numbers. Skills for Life ultimately worked with CEI to secure its loan. The founders also participated in CEI’s Child Care Lab, which provided additional resources for launching the preschool.
“When it came time to applying for a loan, we were 100% ready to go,” Ashley said.
Skills for Life plans to open its doors to students in Fall 2026 and eventually serve 36 children at its South Portland building. The preschool and its mission were also featured on News Center Maine in July 2026 as Ashley and Nicole prepared for the opening. They remain focused on providing high-quality education, supporting their staff, and building a program that gives young children the individualized services they need.
They are currently accepting applications for new students! To learn more or enroll, reach out to Ashley (ashley.stjohn@skillsforlifemaine.com) or Nicole (nicole.heal@skillsforlifemaine.com) or call 207-248-8517.
For more about Ashley and Nicole’s business, check out their website!
Turning Tides – Biddeford
Aubrey Jane launched Turning Tides Ocean Education in 2025 to give people more opportunities to learn directly from environmental scientists while exploring Maine’s coast. A marine biologist specializing in the ecology and physiology of marine invertebrates, Aubrey saw an opportunity to help people appreciate the smaller species that are often overlooked in favor of whales, sharks, and other large marine animals.
Through Turning Tides, Aubrey offers private guided tide pooling experiences along the Maine coast, community events in Biddeford Pool, and educational programs developed with local businesses and organizations. As she prepared to launch the business, however, decisions about legal structure, insurance, banking, and other fundamentals began to slow her progress.
Aubrey connected with the Maine SBDC for guidance and began working with Business Advisor Anne. Anne helped her navigate the process of establishing the business, identify local banking and insurance resources, and develop tools for tracking growth and business goals. She has also kept Aubrey informed about relevant local ocean education opportunities.
Aubrey said, “Anne is deeply supportive, and I always feel more grounded and confident in my business when I meet with her.”
Since launching, Turning Tides transitioned to an LLC and has tide pooled with more than 100 people during summer 2026 alone. Several community tide pooling events sold out, and Turning Tides partnered with nine local businesses and nonprofits on a dozen ocean focused programs ranging from invasive species education to coastal retreats and beach cleanup events.
Aubrey has also begun offering consulting services. Her first consulting client, the Monhegan Museum, hired her to train a summer intern to lead guided tide pooling and to review a field guide for accuracy. Turning Tides was also named the best guided tour and rental company in Biddeford and Saco in the Portland Press Herald’s inaugural local awards.
Aubrey hopes to develop a model that allows other scientists to use the Turning Tides platform to offer additional ocean education experiences across Maine and, eventually, along the East Coast. With events already being booked for 2027, she is continuing to build toward a broader network of scientist-led coastal education.
For more about Aubrey’s business, head to her website, Facebook, or Instagram!
Maine SBDC Announces Leadership Transition
The Maine Small Business Development Center (Maine SBDC), hosted by the University of Southern Maine, announces the upcoming retirement of State Director Mark Delisle. Mark will retire on February 1, 2027, following nearly two decades of dedicated service to Maine’s small business community.
Celebrating Mark Delisle’s Leadership and Impact
Since becoming State Director i
n 2008, Mark has guided the Maine SBDC through a period of significant growth and change. He has consistently led the organization with steadiness, adaptability, and a strong focus on impact for entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state.
Under his leadership, the Maine SBDC strengthened its statewide network, expanded partnerships, and supported thousands of Maine entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and sustaining their businesses. Since 2008, the Maine SBDC team has assisted nearly 25,000 individuals, helped launch almost 2,500 new businesses, contributed to the creation or retention of more than 14,000 jobs, and facilitated access to nearly $710 million in funding.
Mark has been a steadfast advocate for Maine’s entrepreneurs and small businesses, and his leadership and commitment to strong partnerships have helped position the Maine SBDC as a trusted statewide resource.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Mark for his extraordinary service and leadership. His impact will be felt for years to come, and the strong foundation he has built will continue to guide the Maine SBDC into its next chapter.
Looking Ahead: Search for Maine SBDC’s Next State Director
As we prepare for this leadership transition, the Maine SBDC and the University of Southern Maine are launching a nationwide search for the organization’s next State Director.
The State Director will provide strategic leadership for the Maine SBDC network, cultivate key partnerships across the state, and ensure entrepreneurs in all 16 counties continue to have access to high-quality, confidential business advising and resources.
We are seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking leader with a strong commitment to economic development, partnership building, and small business success.
Search Timeline
USM will begin accepting applications on September 2. Interviews are expected to take place in October and November to ensure a seamless leadership transition before Mark’s retirement in early 2027.
Learn More and Apply Here
Heirloom Consignment – South Portland
Carlos Toledo purchased Heirloom Consignment in South Portland in November 2025, beginning a new career as the owner of a longtime Knightville neighborhood business. After spending two decades as a health scientist at the CDC, Carlos retired in April 2025 and began looking for a new challenge rooted in creativity and community.Read More
Southern Maine Athlete Academy – Portland & Saco
Working as an admissions counselor at the University of New England, Jeremy Longchamp was in a 9-5 job for the first time in his career. But he quickly realized he wasn’t using the skillset he truly loved: coaching.Read More
Gallery 35 – Westbrook
Jen and Julian Vance, owners of Gallery 35 in Westbrook, create laser engraved artwork ranging from layered wall décor and ornaments to bookmarks, maps, and custom pieces. What began as a creative experiment soon became a business.Read More
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.
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