For 20 years Phillip Browne has been on the water, between sailing and lobstering, he has developed a deep love for the ocean and the way of life here in Maine. For years he’s watched the same routine boat tours and imagined a day when he could offer customizable experiences to others who wanted to see the coast he had come to know and love. Slowly Maine Coast Cruising (MCC) came together, first as a dream, then an idea, and eventually a plan which became an actualized business! Read More
Blog
Where’s the Money Hiding?!?
For most small businesses there is some form of funding necessary to get started. Your options are both broad but also limited depending on your type of business and what you bring to the table! We’ve put together a breakdown of things to consider when looking for funding, for more information check out the full webinar presentation by Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Ann McAlhany, viewable HERE! Read More
Katharine Jane Jewelry – Morrill
There are so many reasons to shop small, especially when looking for a special or unique gift! Small-scale production means you’ll be supporting a specific small business and supporting a more local economy. Focusing in even further, you’ll be supporting a small business owner; like Katharine Mason, of Katharine Jane Jewelry! Read More
Maine SBDC Business Advisors Receive Certifications
Certified Business Advisors Cole, Oddleifson, Lancaster, Allen, Ramsdell, McDonald, Lane, & Piconi recognized
Top – Chris Cole, Tina Oddleifson, Anne Lancaster, Lori Allen
Bottom – Christina Ramsdell, Brandon McDonald, Alison Lane, Peter Piconi
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a state-wide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, recognized eight (8) business advisors who received their Core Competencies Certification from the New England Professional Development (NEPD) group on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Newly certified advisors include Christine Cole (Portland), Tina Oddleifson (Portland), Anne Lancaster (Biddeford), Lori Allen (Auburn), Christina Ramsdell (Auburn), Brandon McDonald (Caribou), Alison Lane (Bangor), and Peter Piconi (Waterville). Read More
Fish & Whistle – Biddeford
Fish & Whistle was conceptualized by husband and wife duo Jason Eckerson and Kate Hamm. They dreamed of a small neighborhood restaurant that could showcase the best of Maine’s seafood while remaining approachable and fun. Kate and Jason have worked in the restaurant industry for over 20 years and felt it was time to try and venture out on their own. They connected with the Maine SBDC business advisor Susan Desgrosseilliers, who helped them work through many aspects of their restaurant, including financial, managerial, and legal matters. Read More
Elder Law Offices – Lewiston
Mia Poliquin Pross began her career in the non-profit sector, developing a skill set (and a heart) for supporting more vulnerable populations. As she shifted to private law practice at the Elder Law Offices of Kathleen Kienitz, she continued to focus on those in need, helping families plan for long-term care needs, transitions, and other matters important to an aging population. In January 2022, she acquired the law firm, and it became the Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. She worked closely with Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Raynor Large to finalize her business plan and projections, they considered multiple financing options, and smoothly transitioned into the new ownership, all while keeping the office disruption to a minimum and maintaining the high-quality service and care the firm’s clients deserve and expect. Read More
Recruiting – Thinking Outside The Box
With the summer season right around the corner, you’ve probably already started thinking about different recruitment techniques for your company. In the last few years, there’s been an ongoing shift towards focusing on the importance of smart recruitment techniques to improve results and the candidate’s experience. There are many ways to attract talented employees to your company but you might be surprised at how much you can accomplish by trying a few different strategies. Read More
Five Tips to Keep Customers Happy This Summer
Another busy summer is expected, providing both an opportunity and a challenge for small businesses across Maine. The ongoing labor shortage means that many businesses will again need to do more with less. Below are some basic customer service tips that can help businesses stand out.
Maine SBDC Releases 2021 Results: Supporting and empowering entrepreneurs throughout the state
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. This support helped business owners to:
- Access $48.8 million in funding, more than in any other year in the program’s history!
- Start 136 new businesses
- Save and create 917 jobs
Midcoast Comics – Brunswick
When Steven Thanos first began working with Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Bradshaw Swanson, he had a vision of building a successful comic book store in downtown Brunswick. With a wide collection of current issues, historic collector’s editions, and graphic novels there would be something to attract both long-time fans and new hobbyists. Brad & Steven worked together to fine-tune his business plan and understand the financial viability of the vision. Read More