“Your guidance and help in the business plan and projections helped me accomplish something I have never done.” – Jill Miller, Business Owner
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The Maine Meal – Skowhegan
Mark and Kelly LaCasse have been working with Business Advisor Janet Roderick since February 2011. They planned to purchase a building in downtown Skowhegan, and renovate for businesses on the first floor, one of which would be their new food business, and an apartment on the 2nd floor.
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Maine SBDC Announces 2015 Annual Results
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a state-wide program that helps entrepreneurs to start and expand their businesses, is pleased to announce its annual results.Read More
Maine SBDC Secures Grant to Help Transition Unemployed to Entrepreneurship in the Bucksport Region
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has received funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Portable Assistance Grant Program to develop a program that will provide entrepreneurial advising and training for potential and existing business owners in the Bucksport Bay Area who have been adversely affected by the closure of the Verso Paper Mill.Read More
County Kidz Child Care – Houlton
“We really enjoyed working with Josh, he was very knowledgeable and if he didn’t have the answer he was quick to get one.” Amanda Crane, Business Co-Owner
Open Bench Project – Portland
Jake Ryan initially contacted the Maine SBDC for assistance in writing a business plan, determining the appropriate form of business ownership and management issues. His concept was to create a shared learn/work facility that would, for a membership fee, provide access to work space, tools, resources, instruction and guidance to members for use with their projects. Read More
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month
Protect your business and your customers from growing cybersecurity threats. Small businesses are an easy target for cyberattacks as they have weaker security and therefore it is easier to gain access to their information, systems and networks.
Small Business Cybersecurity Defensive Measures:
Train and educate employees
Establish basic security practices and policies for your employees such as strong passwords, internet use guidelines and established rules detailing the handing and protection of customer data. Train employees to be alert for email and phishing scams. Be clear on the consequences if these policies are not followed.
Protect computers and networks from cyber attacks.
Secure your company computers by ensuring each have malware, spyware and firewall software installed. Prevent access to networks on non-business computers. Also consider encrypting all sensitive data and emails. Keep computers updated.
Back up Data Regularly
Be sure to back up data regularly so that if information is lost or compromised it can easily be recovered.
Why is this important for your small business?
Most businesses are dependent on the internet for day-to-day operations. Just one breach could potentially put you out of business.
A small reminder — cyber threats are not always outside your business. Be sure to have appropriate internal controls in place to prevent employee fraud.
Looking for more info on protecting your business from cyber threats?
The U.S. SBA has compiled a ton of helpful information. The National Cyber Security Alliance also has some helpful information for businesses.
Maine SBDC Announces 2015 State Star
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has selected Ann McAlhany as the 2015 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 an incredible asset to our program and role model among her peers. She is well connected within the small business community and works closely with our partners to ensure the success of her clients,” said Maine SBDC State Director, Mark Delisle.
McAlhany is a certified business advisor at the Maine SBDC at CEI in Bangor. She works with entrepreneurs and small businesses in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties to start and grow their businesses. In the 10 years that McAlhany has been with the Maine SBDC, she has spent 9,649 hours working with 909 clients. She’s helped to start 57 businesses, create/retain 296 jobs, and generate almost $17 million in capital. In addition, McAlhany works closely with related small business programs such as Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development and Maine Technology Institute.
Each year, America’s Small Business Development Centers recognizes top performers from programs around the country at its annual conference. A special reception was held Tuesday, September 8, 2015 in San Francisco, California to honor this year’s award winners.
Blue Ox Malthouse – Lisbon
“In no small part, the ability to leverage this funding and bring the business into pilot production has been a result of the support and resources that Janet Roderick, and more broadly the Maine Small Business Development Centers have provided.”
– Joel Alex, Owner