Katie Prestridge opened Aura & Hue in Turner to build the kind of salon experience she felt was missing: a calm, private studio where clients can decompress while receiving vivid color work and nail services. Located inside the Skin Hub, Aura & Hue operates as a personal suite within a larger beauty collective, giving clients the option to pair salon services with other self-care appointments in the same building.Read More
Blog
New Tool: Mini Business Plan Generator
🚀 Pilot Program
Help us test this tool and shape Maine SBDC resources!
Welcome to the Startup Spark!
Getting a business idea out of your head and onto paper can be the hardest part of the journey. This easy-to-use interactive AI tool helps you translate your vision into a clear blueprint using the Maine SBDC’s startup framework. This tool can be used in as little as 10 minutes to generate a solid roadmap for your business idea.
⚠️ Privacy & Safety: Do not enter personal sensitive information (SSNs, private addresses). Information entered may be used to train AI models. For confidential business advising, visit mainesbdc.org/advising.
Choose your preferred AI platform to begin:
Option A: Gemini
Requires a Google Account.
Best for clean, guided text chat.
Option B: ChatGPT
Requires a ChatGPT Account.
Best for GPT Plus or Free users.
Who is this for?
This tool is for Maine entrepreneurs ready to pressure-test a business idea. It is designed to help you move from “I have an idea” to a Startup Roadmap by identifying exactly what you need to move forward.
The 3-Phase Journey
- 🟢 Phase 1: The Spark – Your core idea, mission, and pricing logic.
- 🟡 Phase 2: The Reality – Your customers, competitors, and location.
- 🔵 Phase 3: The Engine – Your team, startup costs, and risks.
📋 Your Result: After completing Phase 3, you will receive a Startup Roadmap—a concise summary you can use to jumpstart your full business plan or share with a Maine SBDC advisor. Note: This roadmap is a starting point for planning.
📢 We Need Your Feedback
Which version did you prefer? Your input is vital for this pilot. Please let us know how we can make this tool more helpful for Maine’s small business community.
Sand Island Marine Construction – Friendship
Douglas Blasius launched Sand Island Marine Construction in Friendship to deliver pile driving and marine construction services across Midcoast Maine, including dock and pier construction, shoreline stabilization, and barge-based crane support. A Maine Maritime Academy graduate with an engineering background, Blasius spotted the opportunity after building his own wharf and realizing there was demand for a locally based operator that could respond quickly and reliably on the water.Read More
Sylvester Stump Grinding – Durham
Chris Bean purchased Sylvester Stump Grinding in Durham to create more flexibility for his young family while continuing to earn an income doing hands-on work he enjoys. A lifelong Mainer, Chris brings more than a decade of experience in artificial turf and landscape installation, along with 12 years in mechanical maintenance, to his stump removal business serving residential and commercial customers across the Midcoast region.Read More
Aomori Restaurant and Market – Portland
Reo Miyake opened Aomori Restaurant and Market in Portland as the next chapter in his family’s long history in Maine’s restaurant industry. Located on Hanover Street, the restaurant and market bring together traditional Japanese cuisine and specialty goods through a shared family vision.Read More
News Release: Maine SBDC Releases 2025 Results
February 16, 2025
Maine SBDC Releases 2025 Annual Report
Portland, Maine – The Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of measurable economic impact and continued support for entrepreneurs and small business owners in all 16 Maine counties.
The report, available here, details how Maine SBDC business advisors delivered no-cost, confidential advising to 2,076 entrepreneurs and small businesses in 2025. Advisors spent more than 8,200 hours working one-on-one with clients, helping:
- Start 128 new businesses
- Create and retain 568 jobs
- Access $32.8 million in funding
These outcomes reflect Maine SBDC’s commitment to practical, high-quality advising and education that helps businesses start stronger and grow smarter. The report also spotlights individual success stories that underscore the lasting impact of the program’s business advising and training services.
“Maine’s small businesses continue to demonstrate determination and a drive for success,” said Mark Delisle, Maine SBDC State Director. “Our 2025 Annual Report highlights their achievements and the critical role Maine SBDC plays in providing expert guidance to help them navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and build stronger businesses. We are proud to support Maine’s entrepreneurs on their path toward long-term growth and success.”
To access the full 2025 Digital Annual Report, visit:
www.mainesbdc.org/annual-report/2025
About the Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC):
The Maine SBDC provides no-cost business advising to small businesses throughout Maine. It is a program of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and the University of Southern Maine. The Maine SBDC network is funded by a $777,777 grant from the US Small Business Administration, which is matched dollar for dollar by non-federal funds. The SBDC is accredited by the America’s SBDC.Â
For more information or to request a business advising appointment, visit the website: www.mainesbdc.org. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals. Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the SBDC at (207) 780-4420 or mainesbdc@maine.edu.
Honey Bee Healing Hive, Yoga, and Wellness – Auburn
Melissa St. Pierre opened Honey Bee Healing Hive, Yoga and Wellness in Auburn to bring together modern psychology and the ancient practice of yoga. After years of academic and professional work in psychology and education, she found her personal wellness practice through yoga, and decided to share that experience with others. Now, she is expanding her offerings to include workplace wellness consulting alongside her growing yoga studio.Read More
2026 Federal Tax Deadlines: A Year-Round Guide to Staying on Track
The new year is here, and with it comes a fresh set of federal tax deadlines. Keeping these key dates in mind can help you avoid penalties, reduce stress, and stay compliant all year long. Below is a month-by-month reference guide to the most important federal tax deadlines for 2026.
January
January 15
- Deadline to pay 4th quarter estimated taxes for the prior tax year.
- This is an important date for freelancers, business owners, and others who make quarterly estimated payments.
February
February 2
- Deadline to send W-2s and 1099s to employees and independent contractors.
- Deadline to file W-2s/W-3s and 1099-NECs with the IRS.
- Employers and businesses should plan ahead to ensure all wage and contractor reporting is completed on time.
March
March 2
- Deadline to file paper 1099s and Form 1096 (excluding 1099-NECs).
March 16
- Deadline to file S-Corporation (Form 1120-S) and Partnership (Form 1065) tax returns.
- Deadline to elect S-Corporation status for existing corporations or LLCs.
March 31
- Deadline to electronically file 1099s and Form 1096 (excluding 1099-NECs).
April
April 15
- Deadline to file:
- Individual tax returns (Form 1040)
- C-Corporation returns (Form 1120)
- Last day to make HSA contributions and contributions to most retirement plans for the prior tax year.
- Deadline to pay 1st quarter estimated tax payments.
- This is the busiest tax deadline of the year and a critical one to plan for well in advance.
May
May 15
- Deadline to file most nonprofit tax returns (Form 990).
June
June 15
- Deadline to pay 2nd quarter estimated tax payments.
September
September 15
- Deadline to file extended S-Corporation and Partnership returns.
- Deadline to pay 3rd quarter estimated tax payments.
September 30
- Deadline to file extended trust returns.
October
October 15
- Deadline to file extended individual tax returns.
- Deadline to file extended C-Corporation returns.
November
November 16
- Deadline to file extended nonprofit returns.
Plan Ahead for a Smoother Tax Year
Tax deadlines can sneak up quickly, especially for those juggling multiple filing requirements. Mark these dates on your calendar, keep your records organized, and consider working with a tax professional to ensure everything is filed accurately and on time.
Staying proactive throughout 2026 can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress—so a little planning now can go a long way later.
Emily Carle FNP Mobile Direct Primary Care – Freeport
Emily Carle launched her mobile direct primary care practice in Freeport to reimagine healthcare delivery. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, including work as a medical missionary, EMT, ER nurse, forensic nurse, and now as a nurse practitioner, she knew she wanted to build something different. She envisioned a model rooted in authenticity, community focus, and genuine care, bringing healthcare back to what it simply is: health and care.Read More
Timber Candle Bar & Boutique – Caribou
Located on Route 1 in Caribou, Timber Candle Bar & Boutique is redefining retail in Northern Maine by blending handcrafted home fragrance products with immersive, experience-based retail.Read More