Blog

Twinkle Time Cleaning – Millinocket

Elizabeth Pio launched Twinkle Time Cleaning in Millinocket to create the kind of opportunity she once struggled to find herself. In recovery for over a decade, she overcame significant personal challenges to rebuild her life. Today, she uses that experience to support others through employment and compassionate service.Read More

The Power of Collaboration & Team Building

By: Chris Cole, Maine SBDC Business Advisor & 2025 State Star

“Success is best when it’s shared” Howard Schultz

Quote "Success is best when it's shared" Howard Schultz, on decorative backgroundAs we wrap up the year, one consistent theme for me has been teamwork.  None of us succeeds alone. Collaboration and connection make the work stronger, more sustainable, and far more impactful.

As a Maine SBDC business advisor, collaboration has been essential to my growth and ability to better serve small business owners. I benefit from having trusted colleagues to bounce ideas off, share resources, and problem-solve. Teamwork within our organization leads to broader perspectives, meaningful referrals, and more thoughtful guidance for our clients.Read More

Lynne Stewart Designs – Kennebunk

Lynne Stewart operates Lynne Stewart Designs, a custom sewing workroom based in Kennebunk that blends fine home décor craftsmanship with imaginative soft-sculpture creations. With a BFA in Textiles from the Rhode Island School of Design and over 2 decades of experience, Lynne balances her days between client commissions—cushions, pillows, and window treatments—and a line of fabric sculptures crafted from upcycled materials.Read More

Factory 3 – Portland

In 2019, Patrick Walker Russell opened Factory 3 in Portland’s Libbytown neighborhood with a bold vision: to create a makerspace that would lower the barriers to entrepreneurship for artists, artisans, and tradespeople. Located in a 4,400-square-foot warehouse on Saint James Street, Factory 3 provides tools, training, and workspace for woodworking, welding, sewing, 3D printing, and more. For a monthly fee, members gain access to specialized equipment, private studios, and a collaborative community designed to help them turn ideas into businesses.Read More

Amy Lewis Photography – Brunswick

Amy Lewis launched Amy Lewis Photography in Brunswick in 2022 after a slow and steady rollout the year prior. Her business now serves clients across Southern and Midcoast Maine, offering family portraits, senior pictures, weddings, and a growing list of commercial services such as real estate and marketing photography.Read More

Root 2 Salon – Wilton

In December 2023, Madisyn Smith lost everything when devastating floods swept through Farmington, destroying the salon where she worked as an independent contractor. The building was left with no insulation, frozen pipes, ruined floors, and a landlord unwilling to help. What had once been a dream became unsustainable. “I was so unhappy in a building that was making me bankrupt,” she said. “Everything happened for a reason.”Read More

Perakis Ironworks Group – Portland

Sam Perakis is the owner of Perakis Ironworks Group in Portland, where he specializes in architectural ironwork such as railings, fences, and gates. His work also includes sculpture, historical reproduction, repairs, and tool making. With a decade of blacksmithing experience and active membership in regional and national blacksmithing associations, Sam brings deep craft knowledge and creativity to every project.Read More

Taking Your Marketing from Effort to Impact

By Alison Lane, Maine SBDC Center Director and Business Advisor

We all know that marketing is essential in small business, but many owners still find it overwhelming. According to Constant Contact’s 2025 State of SMB Marketing Report, small businesses are investing more time and money in marketing and trying out new tools. Yet confidence has slipped.

Only 18% of business owners feel “very confident” in their marketing effectiveness, down from 27% in 2024.

How sure are you that you are getting a return on the valuable hours you spend thinking about and executing marketing efforts?

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Mourning Ventures – Dover-Foxcroft

Lisa Joy White, LMSW, MThanatology, CT founded Mourning Ventures of Maine in Dover-Foxcroft to offer personalized, evidence-based grief care and advance life planning support to individuals and communities as well as workplace consultations rooted in grief-informed practices. With fifteen years’ experience, Lisa holds a master’s degree and certification in thanatology. She is also a licensed master social worker.Read More