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Maine Names 2025 State Star

Chris Cole State Star 2025The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has selected Christine Cole as the 2025 State Star. The award, given annually, recognizes a member of the Maine SBDC staff who has shown exemplary performance and a strong commitment to small business success.

Christine (Chris) Cole is a senior business advisor at the Maine SBDC at University of Southern Maine. She works with entrepreneurs and small business owners in Maine’s Cumberland County to start, sustain and grow their businesses. In the five years she has been with the Maine SBDC, she has spent approximately 4,000 hours advising almost 700 clients. She’s helped to start 44 businesses, create and save 241 jobs, and generate almost $13 million in capital. Read More

Café Luna – Falmouth

Cafe Luna Scarborough LocationAfter living in Maine nearly 25 years, Juliann Joy identified a gap in the local dining scene and stepped up to fill it. She opened Café Luna on Route 1 in Scarborough in early 2024, creating a cozy spot for healthy breakfast and lunch options.Read More

Commercial Leasing Tips for Small Business Owners

One of the final hurdles in starting your own business is finding a suitable location to hang your shingle. At the SBDC, we often see sole proprietors who have just begun their ventures working from home. However, we also work with micro-entrepreneurs (companies with less than 10 employees) who need to rent enough space to sell goods or provide services and have room for a few employees. They need to find a suitable location that will allow them to have a little room to grow but stay within their budget.

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Winnie’s Beauty Salon – South Portland

When Winnie Ogweta opened Winnie’s Beauty Salon in South Portland, she set out to do more than style hair. As the first Black-owned salon in South Portland, and one of just a handful across Maine, her business represents an important milestone and a new opportunity. As a licensed hairstylist, Winnie wanted to create a space where clients could find both quality service and inspiration to pursue their own careers in the beauty industry. Read More

Owlbear’s Rest – Westbrook

For Patty and Matt, Maine is where they built their family and careers. Now, they are preparing to open their dream business. Owlbear’s Rest brings people together through great games, good food, and a welcoming community. With an extensive library of board and roleplaying games, cozy seating, and a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring local producers, Patty and Matt are creating an inviting space where play is encouraged. Read More

Evergreen Grooming – Hampden

For many years, Veronica Page, a Maine native, worked as a dog groomer for others, but she wanted the opportunity to provide better service on her own terms. She dreamed of opening a place of her own but didn’t know where to start.

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Kevin Browne Architecture – Falmouth

Kevin Browne is the founder of Kevin Browne Architecture (KBA), a residential architecture firm based in Falmouth. They focus on thoughtful and lasting designs that cater to their clients’ unique needs.

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News Release: Maine SBDC Releases 2024 Results

February 19, 2025

Maine SBDC Releases 2024 Results: Supporting and empowering entrepreneurs throughout Maine

maine sbdc 2024 annual report decorative graphicPortland, Maine – The Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Annual Report. The report, available here, highlights the Maine SBDC’s impact in supporting Maine’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. The report showcases the tangible outcomes in 2024 and spotlights individual success stories that underscore the powerful effect of the program’s business advising and training services.

In 2024, business advisors across Maine provided no-cost, confidential business advising to 2,227 entrepreneurs and small businesses. They spent nearly 8,800 hours assisting clients which helped to:

  • Start 132 new businesses
  • Save and create 526 jobs
  • Access $34 million in funding

“Maine’s small businesses continue to demonstrate resilience, determination, and a drive for success. Our 2024 Annual Report reflects their achievements and the critical role the Maine SBDC plays in providing expert guidance to help them navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and build stronger businesses. We are proud to support Maine’s entrepreneurs in their journey toward long-term growth and stability,” commented Maine SBDC State Director Mark Delisle.

To access the full 2024 Digital Annual Report, visit:

www.mainesbdc.org/annual-report/2024/

About the Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC):

The Maine SBDC helps build and strengthen small businesses through no-cost, confidential business advising, training, and educational resources.  It is part of a national network of nearly 1,000 centers. The program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and the University of Southern Maine. For more information about Maine SBDC, visit www.mainesbdc.org or call 207-780-4420.