After losing their father to cancer in 2016, Renée Ledoux began to question her career choice as an emergency room nurse. Jason Ledoux began to question his career path after spending time working a desk job, quickly realizing pushing papers was not for him. Neither felt passionate about their career paths and wanted more. One night over dinner with their mother, they were discussing how their father had worked for himself for many years and they got an idea. Why couldn’t they start their own business? The business could combine Jason’s talent and knowledge of woodworking with Renée’s outgoing personality and attention to detail, it would be the perfect partnership. They decided to give it a shot!Read More
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Swanson Consulting & Associates – Trenton, ME
Terri Swanson has successfully held several professional roles over her career. In March 2018, she decided it was time to fulfill her dream and utilize her experience in a new way. With a passion for helping people, she started her own Human Resources consulting business, Swanson Consulting & Associates.
Terri was in the beginning stages when she met Certified Business Advisor Shannon Byers. In Shannon, Terri found someone who could give feedback, ask questions that would generate ideas, and be supportive of her new business. Together, the pair worked through the Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition. This work together provided a visual guide to better understand the business and helped identify critical areas of focus in order to be successful.Read More
Maine SBDC names Ann McAlhany as 2019 State Star
Bangor, Maine –The Maine SBDC has selected Ann McAlhany as the 2019 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.
“Ann is dedicated to the success of her clients and the Maine SBDC program. She is a leader and role model among her peers and we are lucky to have her as part of our team,” said Maine SBDC State Director, Mark Delisle.
Allen Family Stables – Caribou, ME
After one successful business venture, Lauren Allen approached Center Director & Business Advisor Josh Nadeau for a second time with a larger business idea that was close to her heart. Lauren had always dreamed of owning her own horse stable. She had found an existing stable that was not being utilized to its potential and she wanted to buy it. She turned to the Maine SBDC to walk her through the process.Read More
Want to Exit Smoothly? Start Now
By: Raynor Large, Business Advisor
Too often, a Seller lets external forces push them out. Unfortunately, selling a business isn’t like selling a home; a buyer’s due diligence looks deeper than the fresh coat of paint and some curb appeal. Instead, the Seller needs to start their planning years in advance for an ideal outcome.Read More
Ammo Self Storage (E&S Properties) – Hampden, Maine
Eddie and Susan Rideout are experienced business owners. They own Hampden Redemption Center as well as a Rideout Enterprises, a commercial cleaning service in the Hampden area. They had the opportunity to purchase another business – a storage unit business in Ammo Industrial Park, a former military location in Hampden from the 1960’s. They already rented several spaces at this location for their current enterprises, and did some maintenance and snow plowing for the owners. They were present on the property and had skill-sets to make ideal owners.Read More
News Release: Maine SBDC to Celebrate 3rd Annual SBDC Day
Small Business Development Centers Around the Country Celebrate Impact on Small Business on Wednesday, March 20th
For over 40 years the Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) has helped aspiring and emerging business owners achieve the American dream of entrepreneurship. On Wednesday, March 20, the Maine SBDC will join SBDCs around the country for one special day to celebrate their work, impact and most importantly their clients – America’s small businesses.
“SBDC Day is a great opportunity to highlight the amazing work our clients and advisors do together, and to celebrate their successes in Maine and across the country,” commented State Director Mark Delisle.
With nearly 1,000 locations across the country, SBDCs provide local businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. In Maine, business advisors helped over 1,500 entrepreneurs to start 136 businesses, create and save 810 jobs and access $38.7 million in capital in 2018 alone.
“[With] proven ROI and stellar client ratings it’s clear that America’s SBDCs are the nation’s most trusted small business resource,” said Charles “Tee” Rowe, President & CEO of America’s SBDC.
To celebrate the collective impact and success SBDCs have across the nation and in local communities each year, America’s SBDCs are hosting the third annual SBDC Day on March 20th. SBDC Day is a national movement to help share the small business success stories and notable impact SBDCs have fostered in communities nationwide.
To learn more about SBDC Day, and to join the movement, visit http://www.americassbdc.org/SBDCDay
Wilcox Wellness & Fitness – Bangor & Brunswick, Maine
When Paige Wilcox and her husband Mike first opened Wilcox Wellness & Fitness six years ago, they worked extensively with Maine SBDC business advisor Tom Gallant. Tom helped the Wilcox’s to create a business plan in order to obtain the necessary financing which allowed them to open the doors of their 4,000 square foot facility in Bangor. Tom challenged them to think through the value proposition and the transition process. With that, they were set up for success from the beginning. Paige remembers, “Tom was amazing for us – 1 part business advisor, 2 parts marriage counselor, and 100% amazing.”Read More
Acknowledging the achievements of Business Advisor Larry Giroux, retiring February 28th
Please join us in celebrating the career of Larry Giroux, who is retiring from the Maine SBDC on February 28, 2019.
On-demand, online seminars to prepare you for your next trade show
Exhibiting at a trade show is an investment. Learn how to make the most of your next trade show at one of our online seminars!
These seminars are especially helpful for those exhibiting at the New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show, but are open to anyone interested in learning more about trade shows.