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
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Pumpkin Patch Preschool & Child Care – Baldwin
Monique Beaulieu had successfully managed and run daycare centers for others for years and was ready to take the leap and do so for herself. The process of determining value, negotiating and purchasing an existing business and real estate, however, was daunting. She worked closely with Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Raynor Large to explore a myriad of options – starting from scratch, buying existing centers of various sizes, to leasing. The tight real estate market proved to be another hurdle, with multiple opportunities falling through in the negotiating process. Throughout it all, Monique kept her eyes on her goal – being the Director of her own Center, so that she was truly the beneficiary of her hard work and care. Read More
Reflections From Our Team on SBDC Day
SBDCs work with hundreds of thousands of small businesses in local communities across the country each year. While our impact is quantifiable, what’s behind those numbers comes straight out of the hearts and minds of our business advisors. For SBDC Day this year, we asked the Maine SBDC business advisors about their own experience and the impact our clients have on them. Though they are scattered across the state, with diverse backgrounds and experiences, their responses were similar: YOU – you and your business inspire our team each and every day. Read More
Portland Yoga Collective – Portland
Jess Fadale dreamed of owning her own Yoga studio! The vision was to open a collective of yoga instructors with a variety of specialties, giving their clients a holistic, well-rounded experience. After a decade-long career in sports business, she pivoted her strong marketing and business backgrounds to her passion for yoga.
Jess is a certified yoga instructor and has been teaching classes for the last couple of years in the Providence and Boston area. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher certification to share her love of movement with others. “My classes involve building strength, trying new things, laughing, falling down and getting back up.” All things we, small business owners included, need to learn to do more flexibly. Read More
Fryeburg Kitchen and Market – Fryeburg
This pandemic has had us all reassessing our future plans; personally, professionally, and in some cases geographically! Tom Sturdevant and his family decided that relocating from New Jersey to Maine was the right next step for them. Having summered here over the years they were ready to make it home full time and were looking to open a dual restaurant and market. He explored several options before settling on a property in Fryeburg, and when he approached Franklin Savings Bank for financing he was referred to the Maine SBDC for help with his application. Read More
TuneTown Music Gear – Wells
John and Pam Edwards have owned TuneTown Music Gear in Wells for 18 years. They brought decades of musical industry experience to a vision of providing positive and nurturing experiences within music instruction, service, and sales. Their business features nine large state of the art lesson studios, a recording studio and a live performance stage. In the showroom, they offer a selection of instruments, keyboards, amplification, PA and recording gear, print music and accessories at competitive prices. Audio visual installations have been designed and completed in schools, churches, restaurants and Pease AFB. TuneTown also provides repairs and maintenance on most instruments and some electronics. Read More
Boosting Small Business Sales During Slower Months
This is a challenging time of year for many companies. Sales are down as a result of the COVID pandemic in addition to normal decreases in spending during the winter and spring months in Maine. In this unprecedented time, there are a number of ways to boost sales when you really need it. Read More
Bad Little Brewing – Machias
Kathryn Toppan and husband Sean Lent, of Bad Little Brewing Company, are an excellent example of how important persistence is when it comes to starting a small business. They have been working with Maine SBDC advisors throughout our network to get their brewery and restaurant open since 2019! Moreover, throughout the process there has been an incredible amount of teamwork between our business advisors. As new roadblocks popped up, different business advisors stepped in to help navigate the next stage. Read More
Time To Do Your 2021 Taxes!
Tax season can be stressful, especially after another year dealing with Covid related funding from the PPP, EIDL, state and local grants, to unemployment income and other sources. While many people procrastinate when it comes to their taxes, the IRS has announced that it will begin to accept returns starting on January 23rd. For tips on getting your tax returned filed without delays, visit the IRS Website. The sooner you start, the easier (and less stressful) it will be. Read More
Something to Wag About – Ellsworth
Elissa Nally began working with Shannon Byers, Maine SBDC at CEI Center Director and Business Advisor, in 2019 as she started her dog grooming business. Byers was able to help her lay the groundwork for a solid business plan and financial projections, as well as offer a unique perspective as the previous owner of a similar dog grooming business! Byers advised Nally through the CEI Wicked Fast Microloan application process which led to the funding needed to open their doors! Read More