🚀 Pilot Program Help us test this tool and shape Maine SBDC resources! Welcome to the Startup Spark! Getting a business idea out of your head and onto paper can be the hardest part of the journey. This easy-to-use interactive AI tool helps you translate your vision into a clear blueprint using the Maine SBDC’s… Read more »
Posts Categorized: News & Events
News Release: Maine SBDC Releases 2025 Results
February 16, 2025 Maine SBDC Releases 2025 Annual Report Highlighting Statewide Impact Portland, Maine – The Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of measurable economic impact and continued support for entrepreneurs and small business owners in all 16 Maine counties. The report, available here, details how… Read more »
2026 Federal Tax Deadlines: A Year-Round Guide to Staying on Track
Jump to Month: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Sep Oct Nov The new year is here, and with it comes a fresh set of federal tax deadlines. Keeping these key dates in mind can help you avoid penalties, reduce stress, and stay compliant all year long. Below is a month-by-month reference guide to… Read more »
The Power of Collaboration & Team Building
By: Chris Cole, Maine SBDC Business Advisor & 2025 State Star “Success is best when it’s shared” Howard Schultz As we wrap up the year, one consistent theme for me has been teamwork.  None of us succeeds alone. Collaboration and connection make the work stronger, more sustainable, and far more impactful. As a Maine SBDC… Read more »
Taking Your Marketing from Effort to Impact
By Alison Lane, Maine SBDC Center Director and Business Advisor We all know that marketing is essential in small business, but many owners still find it overwhelming. According to Constant Contact’s 2025 State of SMB Marketing Report, small businesses are investing more time and money in marketing and trying out new tools. Yet confidence has… Read more »
Preparing for the Maine Winter Tourism Season
Winter in Maine is Changing. Here’s How Businesses Can Adapt. Maine’s winters have always been a magnet for visitors. From skiing and snowmobiling to ice fishing and holiday festivals, the season fuels billions in economic activity. But as anyone who lives here knows, winter is changing, and with it, the way we approach tourism.
Choosing the Right Business Entity: What Maine Sole Proprietors Need to Know
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 »
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.