After nearly two decades as an esthetician and over a decade practicing Reiki, Amanda Foster had long dreamed of opening her own business where she could combine her passions into a single healing space.
She had a clear vision and a lifetime of skills but bringing it all together required support. At the recommendation of a friend, she reached out to Maine SBDC and began working with Business Advisor Tina Oddleifson.Read More
When Amber Nachreiner and her partner, Cameron Rodrigues, set out to purchase Hot Suppa, they weren’t just acquiring a restaurant—they were inheriting a Portland institution. Housed in an 1860s Victorian on Congress Street, Hot Suppa has been a beloved destination for Southern comfort food since 2006, thanks to founders Alec and Moses Sabina.Read More
After graduating with a Master of Social Work in 2020, Liz Kovarsky faced the challenge of beginning a new career during a time of social isolation. She found herself craving deeper human connection and a more sustainable work-life balance. As she spoke with others facing similar struggles, an idea began to take shape: What if there was a place that prioritized community, creativity, and collective wellbeing?Read More
If you’re a sole proprietor in Maine considering formalizing your business or just starting out, it’s important to understand the basic business structures available. The right structure can affect your taxes, liability, and credibility.
In a recent webinar hosted by the Maine SBDC in partnership with Opticliff Law, Business Advisor Jenn Dobransky and attorney Andrew Krauss explained the most common structures.Read More
Nikki Girroir spent years teaching, choreographing, and mentoring dancers, but she had always envisioned something more. When the opportunity arose to take over the studio where she had been working, Nikki saw a chance to fully step into her vision. Studio ownership would allow her to make both creative and strategic decisions and to build a space that truly reflected her values and voice.Read More
After working in telehealth and seeing firsthand how deeply COVID affected people’s mental well-being, Annette Williams knew she wanted to do more. When a friend offered her space to expand her practice, she launched Simply Breathe Therapy, a Lewiston-based counseling and consulting agency focused on helping individuals across Maine work through both current and historical life challenges.Read More
After just one visit to Belgrade Lakes, Lyndee Waldbauer knew she had found something special. That moment led to a cross-country move, and eventually, the launch of The Belle of Belgrade. The concierge-style business curates extraordinary experiences that celebrate the beauty, creativity, and calm of lakeside Maine living.Read More
The 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
After 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
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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