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… Read more »
Posts Categorized: News & Events
Maine Names 2025 State Star
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… 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… Read more »
How Small Businesses Can Strategize During an Economic Downturn
The 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic recession left lasting marks on the Maine small business community. Yet, in each case, some Maine businesses found ways to not only weather the storm but adapt and grow in new directions. Today’s economic climate brings its own set of uncertainties. While the challenges may differ, the… Read more »
Motivating and Managing a Small Team: Strategies for Small Business Success
Team motivation is not just a workplace perk. It plays a critical role in productivity, customer service, employee retention, and innovation. In a recent Maine SBDC webinar, Business Advisor Christina Dodge focused on how small business owners can build a motivated and accountable team with limited time and resources. In this blog, you will find… Read more »
News Release: Maine SBDC Releases 2024 Results
February 19, 2025 Maine SBDC Releases 2024 Results: Supporting and empowering entrepreneurs throughout Maine Portland, 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… Read more »
Navigating 2025: Compliance Updates for Small Businesses
As we begin 2025, staying informed about compliance updates for small businesses is more important than ever. These regulatory changes can significantly impact your operations, and understanding them is key to staying compliant and prepared. During a recent Maine SBDC webinar, Certified Business Advisors Peter Harriman, Ali Lane, and Dan Umphrey shared insights about key… Read more »
Stand Out This Holiday Season: A Small Business Guide to Success
As the holiday season approaches, consumer spending is expected to rise. Even more promising, nearly 50% of shoppers prefer to visit physical stores to “assess products first-hand,” according to a recent Accenture Holiday Shopping survey. In this guide, we share three strategies to help your small business make the most of this shopping season. Tip… Read more »
Maine Names 2024 State Star
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has selected Stephanie Case as the 2024 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. Stephanie Case is the Administrative & Data Manager at the Maine SBDC. In… Read more »
Our Commitment to You
The Maine SBDC is preparing for an upcoming shift in its organizational structure. Rest assured, entrepreneurs and existing small business owners across Maine will continue to receive the same high-quality, no-cost, and confidential Maine SBDC business advising services they rely on. What’s Changing: Starting October 1st, Coastal Enterprises Inc (CEI) will no longer be providing… Read more »