Jim Denz’s passion for brewing started in 1994, when he began making his own beer in the basement of his home. Before long, he was the go-to beer supplier for friends and family, producing three different beers. Jim began visiting local craft breweries, exploring the craft beer industry and imagining what it would be like to be part of it all. He knew his beer was good and he wanted to be able to share it with everyone, not just those closest to him.Read More
Blog
Mill Cove Baking Company – Portland, Maine
When Nina Murray decided she wanted to start her own bakery making homemade crackers, she gave herself plenty of time to do it right. She came in to the Maine SBDC at the University of Southern Maine in Portland and met with Business Advisor Peter Harriman who advised her on many steps of starting and running a successful business.Read More
Small Business Essentials Series offered in Madison and Jay
Small Business Essentials Series in Madison & Jay
Learn if business ownership is right for you or refresh your business skills with these comprehensive workshops series
Maine SBDC Secures Grant to Help Promote Entrepreneurship in the Madison and Jay Regions
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has received funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Portable Assistance Grant Program to develop a program that will provide entrepreneurial advising and training for potential and existing business owners in the Madison and Jay, Maine regions who have been adversely affected by the layoffs and closures of the Androscoggin Mill and Madison Paper Industries.Read More
Acknowledging the achievement of Business Advisor Betty Egner, retiring December 1
Please join us in celebrating the career of Betty Egner, who is retiring from the Maine SBDC on December 1, 2017.
Joe Lane Lobsterman – Damariscotta, Maine
Izzy Nelson and Joe Lane have owned Joe Lane Lobsterman since 2014, operating their business from various temporary Damariscotta locations such as the farmers market. Their business specializes in live and cooked whole lobsters, which Lane, who is a fourth-generation lobsterman, catches from his boat, the Spirit of ’76.
After taking the summer of 2016 off, the couple saw an opportunity to reopen their restaurant in a more permanent location – the former home of Skidompha Second Hand Book Shop, which had recently relocated. In order to do this, the couple needed to transform the space into a restaurant and purchase the necessary equipment for a commercial kitchen. They turned to Maine SBDC Business Advisor David Hill for assistance in obtaining financing with hopes of opening the restaurant in early summer 2017, which was a little over 2 months away.Read More
Steps to Success: New video series from the Maine SBDC
Series focuses on key info to start or grow your small business
Maine SBDC is pleased to announce a new video series that gives entrepreneurs and small business owners key information about starting, operating and growing their businesses. Five short videos feature Maine SBDC business advisors and small business clients. They provide information on starting a business, business planning, financing, marketing, and financial analysis. Read More
Integrity Services of Maine – Poland, Maine
Bill Bouchard of Poland has 20 years experience in the HVAC industry. After years as a technician, supervisor and project manager with the largest HVAC service company in Southern Maine, Bouchard wanted to start his own business. While he had all the necessary licensing and experience, he needed assistance in getting his business started and turned to Larry Giroux, a certified business advisor with the Maine SBDC at AVCOG in Auburn.Read More
Maine SBDC at CEI hires Rose Creps as Business Advisor
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a state-wide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Rose Creps as Business Advisor in their Waterville office located at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI). Creps will provide business advising to new and existing entrepreneurs and small businesses in Somerset and Kennebec Counties. Read More
U.S. SBA & Maine SBDC Tours Small Business Successes in Bucksport
On August 16, 2017, leaders from the Maine District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) joined the Maine SBDC on a tour of recent small business successes as part of a grant initiative in the Bucksport Bay Area.
SBA District Director Amy Bassett and Senior Area Manager James Pineau along with Maine SBDC’s Betty Egner and Jennifer Sherwood met with several Main Street business owners who shared stories about their businesses, the Maine SBDC’s role in their success, and about the determination of the towns in this area to redefine themselves after the Verso Paper Mill abruptly closed.
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