By: Anne Lancaster, Business Advisor Feeling overwhelmed? Exhausted? 2020 has been a year of accentuated anxiety, seemingly endless stress, and unparalleled uncertainty. Keeping a positive outlook can be challenging with daily updates of COVID-19; local, state, and federal mandates; personal and professional changes. We live with this dynamic tension ALL the time. It’s natural, it’s… Read more »
Posts Categorized: News & Events
Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program
Select your status: NEW, FIRST TIME PPP LOAN SECOND DRAW PPP LOAN Updated: 1/14/2021 FIRST TIME PPP LOAN: What is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)? PPP provides small businesses with funds to pay payroll costs and other eligible expenses. In order to be forgiven, no less than 60% of the loan needs to be used… Read more »
Grants for Micro-Enterprise Businesses
The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) in partnership with the Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) will provide grants of up to $5,000 for businesses with five or fewer employees, with an owner whose income is in the low to moderate range as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development… Read more »
Local Relief for Maine Small Businesses
There are many local relief programs across Maine that are offering small grants, loans, and resources to help you and your small business stay afloat as you cope with the impacts of Coronavirus.
What the New Stimulus Bill means for Small Businesses
1/7/2021 Help is on its way! We’ve highlighted what the new coronavirus relief bill might mean for your small business. Please note: Updates to these programs are likely as details are finalized. Once passed, agencies may require some time to launch and implement these programs. As always, Maine SBDC will keep you posted as details… Read more »
The PPP Dilemma: 24 vs 8 Weeks
By: Business Advisor Peter Harriman Nothing is as confusing as when a newly rolled out program experiences the growing pains of change. Many business owners had just become comfortable with the 8-week PPP Covered Period when suddenly they were confronted with an unexpected twist – 24 weeks? Many of my clients at the Maine Small… Read more »
Reflections on a Challenging Year
By: Brad Swanson, Business Advisor For many small businesses, 2020 was a year that started with promise and great potential for continued growth and success. As we reflect on the year, it is very easy to get caught up in thoughts about the world health crisis that swept into our lives in March. In particular,… Read more »
COVID’s Impact on Maine’s Small Businesses
In August 2020, Maine SBDC partnered with Richard Arend from the University of Southern Maine to survey hundreds of Maine small business owners. The survey sought insight into how businesses have been impacted by the pandemic and the steps they have taken as a result. Here’s our findings…
Why *YOU* should shop small this holiday season
By: Jennifer Boutin, Maine SBDC Maine would not be the same without the small businesses that make our communities unique, or without the hardworking business owners who create jobs for our families, friends and neighbors. Small businesses are the core of our economy, making up over 99% of businesses in Maine. And, these small businesses… Read more »
How to Survive and Thrive this Holiday Season
By: Maine SBDC Business Advisor Alison Lane As we close the year with the same uncertainty that plagued our Spring, Summer, and Fall, small business owners hope to capitalize on the season that is “merry and bright”. However, changes to consumer behavior, recovering markets, and the scars from many rough months make the success of… Read more »