Revised 6/16/2020
THIS PROGRAM IS HAS BEEN REOPENED FOR ALL ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES.
The U.S. SBA is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19. Through this process, SBA is providing an emergency cash advance of up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee, $10,000 max) that you will not need to pay back. Read More
Mike Sealander and his wife Robyn have been running their business, Sealander Architects, since 2007. Sealander Architects is an architecture and interior design firm specializing in well-designed environments that allow people to do their best work. They design buildings to reflect an organization’s mission and culture, and strive to design places where people can thrive.Read More
Eliza Conley-Lepene had a dream. She wanted to start a spa in Southern Maine. Not just any spa, she wanted to create a high-end, Hawaiian-themed experience that helped her customers escape and relax.
Eliza was experienced in her practice but had never started her own business. For assistance in these uncharted waters, she worked with Raynor Large, business advisor at the Maine SBDC at Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments. Raynor helped Eliza as she pitched her idea as part of the Maine Center for Entrepreneur’s Top Gun program. He helped her with her business plan and financial projections.Read More
When Karen Cox stopped her car at a stoplight on Main Street in Presque Isle, she knew that the former GiftSmart location would be the ideal place to begin her own hair and tanning salon.
“I actually wasn’t looking to start a business. I was pretty content with where I was,” Cox said. “But then I looked over at this building and it seemed like the perfect location.”Read More
Six years ago, Julie and Mike Shea approached Maine SBDC with a dream. They wanted to purchase a small bookstore in downtown Bath. They reached out to Brad Swanson, a business advisor at the Maine SBDC at CEI, for assistance in developing a business plan and financing proposal.
Julie and Mike worked diligently with Brad to make sure each aspect of the plan was carefully thought through and that the financial projections were realistic and obtainable. Securing the financing they needed, the couple opened their dream business, The Mustard Seed Bookstore, in February 2015.Read More
Charles Hunt has always had a passion and natural talent for photography. When he decided he wanted to make it his career, Charles worked through the Vocational Rehabilitation program to get connected with Shannon Byers, a business advisor with the Maine SBDC hosted at CEI. Charles, who has autism, was determined to start his own business.Read More
Sharon Herrick started her jewelry business Illuminated Me to honor the unique elements that define us. Inspired by history and nature, her jewelry is designed to help us feel elevated, empowered and adored. Each piece of jewelry is locally sourced and intricately created by hand. Sharon has collaborations with Anthony Manfredonia, a New York-based luxury fashion brand, and Venn + Maker, an online retail business that features carefully curated handmade goods.Read More
By: Susan Desgrosseilliers, Business Advisor
Are you are considering selling your business? Perhaps you are ready for retirement or for a change of pace? How can you prepare your business to get the most value out of the sale? It takes a lot longer to sell a business than it does to buy a business.
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a statewide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, is pleased to announce its annual results.
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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In 2019, certified business advisors across Maine provided no cost business advising to over 1,500 entrepreneurs which helped them to:
For ten years, Dandelion Catering has been providing fresh, quality prepared food that celebrates the local resources that Maine and New England have to offer. The business had
experienced a surge in growth due to their focus on top-shelf service and creative, attractive food offerings. Business 
owners Christian and Christine Hayes had big plans to scale up the operation and reached out to Brad Swanson, business advisor at the Maine SBDC at CEI, for guidance.Read More
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