Blog

Dancing Jaguar Inspirations, LLC. – Waterville, Maine

By: Business Owner Eva Goulette
Eva Goulette is the owner of Dancing Jaguar Inspirations, which seeks to empower children to connect to their authentic selves through a mix of ancient traditions, nature experiences, and modern holistic techniques. They host a five-day summer program for children ages 5-10, which offers a myriad of ways to explore, express and honor Spirit. For more info, visit Dancing Jaguar Inspirations or follow them on Facebook!

In January of 2017, my company, Dancing Jaguar Inspirations, LLC received a loan in the amount of $5,000 to be paid back over an extended period of time.  I have no doubt that the reason I received the loan is because of all of the work I have done with Janet Roderick over the past two years. 

Janet helped me focus on my business plan, to really understand the scope of what I was trying to birth into the world, and gently guided me when my vision was starting to steer off course.  With her constant attention to detail and my passion for the work I do, we have created a strong team to continue taking the steps necessary to develop and maintain a successful business.Read More

KV Tooling Systems, LLC – Augusta, Maine

By: Business Owner Brian Beland
Brian Beland is the owner of KV Tooling Systems located in Augusta, Maine. KV Tooling Systems provides the finest quality carbide cutting tools and sharpening services to manufacturing companies throughout New England. For more information, visit their website!

I started my cutting tool manufacturing business in 2001 in my basement with zero revenue. Brad was there right form the start to encourage me and help me to manage and grow. Since then, we have moved to our own facility in the Kennebec Valley, grown to 5 employees and $500K in annual revenue. Working with Brad has been extremely helpful to me since I did not have any previous business and financial management experience. I now have the confidence and expertise to continue to grow and thrive here in Central Maine. With SBDC we are ready to take it to the next level! I don’t know where we would be without SBDC and Brad!

I can recall working with Brian from the start when he was in the basement and his wife’s day care was upstairs – he had a vision of what he wanted to do and the determination and drive to make it happen. Hard to believe that he has trusted me to help him grow for 16 years – that’s amazing! – Brad Swanson, Maine SBDC Business Advisor

 

Client Highlight: Maine Milling, LLC – Blue Hill, Maine

WHAT IS OLD IS NEW AGAIN:

Foster and Loretta Smith of Blue Hill are fourth generation Mainers.  Their family business Maine Milling, LLC was born recently when they purchased from a retired woodsman a radial mill that makes clapboards in the “old style.”  Clapboards from this mill were used in the Paul Revere House in Boston when it was recently restored.

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5 Common Questions about Small Business Financials

Understanding your financials is key to operating a healthy and profitable business. We help small business owners get a better understanding of their financials so that they can make good decisions about the future of their business. Below are 5 common questions we get from the entrepreneurs and small businesses:Read More

News Release: Maine SBDC celebrates 40 years of helping Maine’s businesses succeed

SBDC 40 LogoMaine SBDC State Office (Portland, ME) – The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) is celebrating 40 years of helping build and strengthen Maine’s small businesses through no-cost business advising and training.

In 1977, the University of Southern Maine (USM) was among eight pilot sites funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to test the concept of leveraging federal, state and higher education resources to assist entrepreneurs and spur economic growth. The program proved successful. Beginning in 1980, small businesses nationwide could access the services provided by the SBA’s Small Business Development Centers.Read More

Starting a business? We have a guide for that!

You have an idea and want to start a business.  Starting a business is challenging – there are many things to think about, decide upon and do.  At the Maine SBDC one of the most frequent requests we get is for assistance with starting a business. Our goal is to make sure you are on the right track with access to helpful information, resources and expert advice. 

Cover Graphic : A guide to starting a business in MaineA Guide to Starting a Business in Maine will help you with your questions, planning, research and preparation to launch a business.  The Guide will answer your questions about determining the probable success of your business, selecting a business entity, finding financing, writing a business plan, registering your business, getting insurance, selecting a name, reporting taxes and much more.

The 24-page Guide provides basic information about starting a business in Maine and contents include:

  • Business Startup Checklist
  • Doing a Feasibility Study
  • Common Business Entities
  • Business Plan Guidelines
  • Financing Your Business
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Where to Get Assistance
  • Maine SBDC locations

 

This Guide is intended to provide basic information about starting a business in Maine. Your business may have additional requirements or needs that are specific to your type of business that are not covered in this Guide.  It is best used in conjunction with a Maine SBDC business advisor or other business professional.  Call us at 800-679-7232 or email: mainesbdc@maine.edu if you would like assistance.

Downloadable PDF Guide available in English, French, and Somali. 

Maine Small Business Development Centers announce record year for client success in securing capital

February 1, 2017

It was a record year for Maine small businesses securing capital to start and grow their companies in 2016, according to a recently released annual report compiled by the Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC).

2016 Program Results with Map of MaineMaine SBDC provided no-cost business advising to 1,583 entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Maine in 2016. Fourteen certified business advisors across Maine helped clients secured an unprecedented $47.1 million in capital to start and grow their businesses, more than in any other year in Maine SBDC’s 39 year history. In addition, the Maine SBDC helped these clients create and save 1,006 jobs and start 120 new businesses. Read More

Hiding in Plain Sight – The IRS Website

By: Business Advisor Peter Harriman

Often small business owners scour the internet trying to find information or answers. ​Often they resign themselves to hiring an accountant, and other times they call me up hoping that I can offer some wisdom. I work for the Maine Small Business Development Center in Portland, a free and confidential business advising service. More often than not, because I am not an accountant, I end up first guiding my clients to a wealth of information that can be found​ for free​ at the IRS website. Read More