Short answer: Yes, but probably not in the way you think. One of the most common questions we hear at the Maine SBDC is: “How do I get a grant to start or grow my business?” It’s an understandable question. During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments distributed billions of dollars in grants to help businesses survive… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Small Business Information
New Tool: Mini Business Plan Generator
🚀 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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
Choosing the Right Business Name
Part 7 of the “Things we wish we knew” blog series By: Tina Oddleifson, Business Advisor Your business name can be a cornerstone of a successful and memorable brand, or it can lead to unforeseen complications. For some clients, choosing the wrong name has resulted in administrative hassles, marketing missteps, and even cease-and-desist orders. To… Read more »
Cybersecurity Basics for Small Businesses
Part 6 of the “Things we wish we knew” Blog series By: Tina Oddleifson, Business Advisor Most small business owners don’t spend time worrying about cybersecurity attacks. Who would want to pick on your small business anyway, right? Wrong! As business advisors in Maine, we have heard many stories from our clients about attempts and… Read more »
Things to Know Before Signing a Lease
Part 5 of the “Things we wish we knew” Blog series By: Tina Oddleifson, Business Advisor You’ve got a business idea that you’ve been thinking about for a while and suddenly you see the perfect location. You’re convinced your business will not work anywhere other than in that adorable shop on the corner of… Read more »
How to Reach Your Customers
Part 4 of the “Things we wish we knew” Blog series By: Tina Oddleifson, Business Advisor “If you market to everyone, you’ll market to no one” – Famous Marketing Guru As business advisors, we review a lot of business plans. One thing we see regularly are marketing plans with vague references to social media… Read more »
Create realistic financial projections
Part 3 of the “Things we wish we knew” Blog series By: Tina Oddleifson, Business Advisor We get it, you’re an artist, a baker, or love working on cars. You’ve decided to start a business doing what you love, and you plan to let someone else worry about the financial details later. But when… Read more »