Blog

Campfire Booking – Windham

 Campfire Booking Photo of Owners, Mandy Caruso and Ashley Hanson standing in front of Sebago LakeWhile the Covid-19 pandemic caused a large-scale economic disruption for most small businesses, it also fueled a historic surge in entrepreneurship. According to the US Census Bureau, new business starts in 2021 were the highest on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2020. 

For good friends Mandy Caruso and Ashley Hanson, the pandemic provided the impetus they needed to leave their careers in teaching and disability insurance. Combined with a background in hotel revenue management they knew they could follow their dream of opening a vacation rental business in the Lakes region of Maine.  As homeowners and real estate investors on Sebago Lake themselves, Mandy and Ashley each bring a deep knowledge of the area and an understanding of the level of service that homeowners are looking for from a rental management company. Their value proposition is to offer a more modern and tech-focused marketing and management program, along with a higher level of hands-on service than is currently being offered by competitors in the area. Read More

Partnership Pitfalls: Part 2

Partnership Pitfalls: When everyone is in charge, no one is in charge.

So… you and your best friend, brother, or spouse want to go into business together? Of course, you agree on everything right now, but what happens when you don’t? In many cases being realistic and pragmatic can be the kindest, most loving thing you can do for your partner and yourself.

We asked our very own Maine SBDC Business Advisor Chris Cole to speak to what happens when partnerships break down based on her experience from an employee’s point of view and as a co-owner of a business. 

Part 2

An Employees’ Viewpoint:

chain of paper dolls in a circle with a blue light creating shadows of the people

Partnerships can consist of a financial backer with a skilled partner, people who have complementary skills, multiple members with equal abilities, spouses, family, or friends.  With any of these scenarios, there should be a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each partner. Read More

Partnership Pitfalls: Part 1

Partnership Pitfalls

So… you and your best friend, brother, or spouse want to go into business together? Of course, you agree on everything right now, but what happens when you don’t? In many cases being realistic and pragmatic can be the kindest, most loving thing you can do for your partner and yourself.

Our very own Maine SBDC Business Advisor Chris Cole has personal experience with a scenario that ended very differently than she thought it would. Over the course of the next month, we’ll be sharing a 3-Part series exploring the pitfalls of partnership and how you can protect yourself and your business.

We asked Chris to speak about what happens when partnerships break down based on her experience from an employee’s point of view and as a co-owner of a business. Read More

Big Changes to the 1099-K: Is your small business ready?

By Tina Oddleifson

If your small business receives income via third-party settlement processors like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp, you may be in for a surprise.

Top of 2021 1099-K Tax Form

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed by Congress in 2021, provided pandemic relief to many small businesses.  It also included a bill that significantly changed reporting requirements for third-party settlement organizations like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp.  The new ruling also affects platforms like Etsy, Uber, E-Bay, Upwork, etc., that provide settlement services on behalf of self-employed workers. Read More

Maine SBDC names Raynor Large as 2022 State Star

Portland, Maine –The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has selected Raynor Large as the 2022 State Star. The award, given annually, recognizes a member of the Maine SBDC staff that has shown exemplary performance and a strong commitment to small business success.  Read More

Ressources disponibles en français

Ressources disponibles en français – Resources available in French

Vous souhaitez réussir et vous sentir compétent et confiant vis-à-vis de ce que vous êtes sur le point de faire. C’est la raison pour laquelle nous avons développé ces outils pour vous. Read More

Khayraadka Lagu Heli karo Af-Somali

Khayraadka Lagu Heli karo Af-Somali (Resources Available in Somali)

Waxaad rabtaa inaad ku guulaysato ganacsigaaga oo aad dareento karti iyo kalsooni inaad u leedahay waxa aad qabanayso. Taasi waa sababta aan adiga kuugu samaynay qalabkan. Read More

Are there grant funds for my business?

Federal grants graphic - Maine SBDC

Funding a new or existing business using grant funds is often a very attractive prospect for any business owner. Grants seem to be the silver bullet for a business to get funds without having to worry about paying the money back or putting your own money into the business. Grants opportunities seem to be everywhere since the pandemic. The truth is, in most cases, grant funds for for-profit businesses are not widely available and those that are available can be difficult to obtain. Read More

Breggia Sanitation – Portland

Breggia Sanitation Logo - Maine SBDCGino Breggia approached the Maine SBDC in July of 2021 seeking financial advice to be able to open his own sanitation business. A Portland native, Gino moved out of state to explore career opportunities. He spent time in New York, where he got his introduction to the world’s largest sanitation department, before spending many years in California. Upon his return home to Maine, Gino saw an opportunity to create a more customer service-friendly sanitation business, with a focus specifically on the construction and restaurant industries. Read More