Blog

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

Frenchman Bay Oyster Company – Sullivan

Graham Platner was born and raised in Maine before he went on to serve 8 years in the military, with 4 infantry tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Returning to Afghanistan to work for the Department of State, while on leave he was able to return to his roots and got a peek into the world of oyster farming, working beside Jock Crothers of Waukeag Neck Oyster farm in his hometown of Sullivan. Crothers was looking to the future and suggested Platner take on the farm to see where he could go in the world of aquaculture, but it took some time for Platner to take the idea seriously and make his way back to Maine. Read More

Part II – Real Estate Investment and Rental Property Income: is it right for you?

Most affordable properties need some help and Maine has the oldest housing inventory in the country. According to the Maine Association of Realtors, the average age of a home in Maine is 42 years. As much as 24% of the housing stock was built prior to 1939.  And although the older homes and apartment buildings have charm, they are more likely to have outdated systems, termite damage, foundation issues, contain asbestosis, and mold.

Shows like Fixer Upper, Flip or Flop, This Old House, Property Brothers, and more have made DIY (Do It Yourself) projects seem romantic and attainable for the average person. In just one episode they can renovate the most dilapidated property and turn it into a desirable piece of real estate. The stars of these series have the skills, education, and financing to do the projects. Many of them are licensed experienced contractors, interior designers, or realtors. Likewise, renovating an older property and bringing it back to its former beauty while doing the required updates can be very gratifying. Read More

Lucinda’s Day Spa & Hair Studio – Cumberland

Marissa Elliott has worked at Lucinda’s Day Spa & Hair Studio for nine years, both in management and as an aesthetician, and recently had the unique opportunity to step into the owner’s shoes, as the owner looked to retire. However, the transition itself – putting together financial projections, negotiating the lease, purchase price, and gift card liability holdover, and obtaining the commercial loan – was complicated, with many factors to consider.  She worked closely with Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Raynor Large to carefully think through her options and make sure the business was able to both handle its seasonal fluctuations and service the debt. Read More

Part I – Real Estate Investment and Rental Property Income: is it right for you?

Real estate is HOT right now just about everywhere! There are many factors contributing including pent-up demand, low-interest rates, and the US savings rate hitting a record high at 33%, more than it has been since the previous high of 17.3% set in 1975, at the same time wages have been rising.

These factors have both experienced and novice investors purchasing single-family homes and multi-units to add to their portfolio and create passive income. But is it right for you? Read More

West Maquoit Vinegar Works – Brunswick

Making our resources known and accessible to the small business owners of Maine is a goal of the Maine SBDC, so we love seeing our business advisors customize the help their clients need! We work with all stages of business to help them understand and apply our help. Like Brad Messier and Elizabeth Guilbault, of West Maquoit Vinegar Works, who have been making small-batch craft vinegar in Brunswick Maine, since 2018. Their vinegars are unique in flavors and focused on quality ingredients, many of which they source locally.  Their business has now become a full-time job for Brad who sought out help in strategically scaling up while still working full time. He connected with Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisors Brad Swanson who helped him identify marketing gaps, specifically with digital marketing, eCommerce, and packaging.  Swanson then introduced Messier to fellow Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Jenn Stein, who specializes in hospitality and food businesses, so they could dive even deeper. Read More

Ignite PI – Presque Isle

Clint Deschene began 2020 at MSAD #1 as their Business Manager. As a Rotarian and a staple Presque Isle community member, Clint was no stranger to Central Aroostook and the challenges and opportunities in the region. After a visit with the philanthropic Rodney & Mary Smith Family Foundation, it was clear that Clint would make a transition to formally serve the entrepreneurial community in Presque Isle. After several calls with community stakeholders, Clint got to work with Northern Maine Development Commission, a Certified Community Development Financial Institution and the host of Maine SBDC @ NMDC to create a new foundation and acquire the Northeastland Hotel to convert into a business co-working space and upscale lodging facility for business travelers. Read More