You are not alone. The labor shortage has been crippling for small businesses across Maine. While the crisis is not new, the pandemic has amplified the problem. There is a variety of contributing factors to the labor situation including the availability of childcare, housing, and foreign workers. While nearly 7 out of 10 pandemic job… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Recovery & Relaunch Resource Center
Shore Path Cottage – Bar Harbor
Shore Path Cottage is located on the coastline in Bar Harbor overlooking Frenchman’s bay and less than two miles from Acadia National Park. They offer one the most comfortable and scenic B&B’s in the State of Maine. Roberta Chester has maintained the history of the 1880 building while incorporating innovations and modernization for her guests…. Read more »
Expose Design LLC – Portland
Since 2008, Victor Rios and his business Expose Design LLC has provided small businesses with customized marketing solutions that help them grow. Expose Design offers all things marketing including graphic design, logo creation, print work, embroidery, screen-printing, and promotional content creation. Like most small businesses, Expose Design took a financial hit during the pandemic. This… Read more »
Why Customer Service Matters This Summer
After a trying year, tourists and locals alike are looking forward to enjoying all that Maine has to offer. Thankfully, things are looking up this summer tourism season and Maine is expected to have a bustling summer. As we prepare, we have to keep in mind the individual struggles people have experienced over the past… Read more »
Circle Two Disc Golf – Bradford
Disc golf has been rapidly growing in popularity as both a recreational activity and a professional competitive sport. Andrew Kahl is an active member of Maine’s disc golf community and wanted to create his own course on his family’s land. He reached out to the Maine SBDC at CEI for assistance understanding what is involved… Read more »
Maine SBDC Releases 2020 Results: Supporting more small businesses than ever before
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a statewide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, announces the annual results for 2020. In 2020, business advisors across Maine provided virtual, no-cost business advising to 2,956 entrepreneurs and small businesses, nearly double the number of businesses assisted in the previous year. This support… Read more »
Trailside Gardens – Abbot
Trailside Gardens evolved from a lifelong interest in the natural world surrounding us, particularly plants and landscape design. For eight years, Trailside Gardens in Abbot has offered an impressive selection of healthy plant material. As a small nursery selling plants, business owner Pauline Eldredge was facing supply issues and decided she was ready and… Read more »
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) was announced as part of the American Rescue Plan, released in March 2021. It contains vital support for small and medium-sized restaurants. Applications will be accepted starting May 3, 2021 at 12 pm. Visit the SBA’s RRF website for full details.
Wandering Goat – Union
Since 2013, Tanya Rudy and her mother Cheryl have been making handcrafted soaps from their family farm in Midcoast Maine. This mother-daughter team located in Union makes their soaps in small batches and uses only the finest quality ingredients. They combine fresh goat’s milk from their own herd with organic oils to create naturally scented… Read more »
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
IMPORTANT UPDATE (4-23-21): Application portal reopens Saturday, April 24 Businesses can now apply for both a PPP loan after Dec 27, 2020 -and- the SVOG! The purpose of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program is to provide aid to small business owners who have been hit hard by COVID-19 related shutdowns. The bill allows for $15… Read more »