“Work from home!” “Earn $1,000 a week working one hour a day!” “Make money while you are on vacation!” Too Good To Be True? Shakes, candles, leggings, vitamins, and makeup are just a few examples of direct sales products marketed as “start your own business” ventures. With promises of top earners winning extravagant vacations and… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Small Business Information
Small Business Saturday Prep
This year Small Business Saturday is November 26, 2022! The day is dedicated to supporting and buying from small local businesses. It’s become a holiday shopping tradition over the past twelve years and continues to grow in both sales and participation. But it takes preparation to make the best of the day! Below you’ll find… Read more »
Partnership Pitfalls: Part 2
Partnership Pitfalls: When everyone is in charge, no one is in charge. So… you and your best friend, brother, or spouse want to go into business together? Of course, you agree on everything right now, but what happens when you don’t? In many cases being realistic and pragmatic can be the kindest, most loving thing… Read more »
Partnership Pitfalls: Part 1
Partnership Pitfalls So… you and your best friend, brother, or spouse want to go into business together? Of course, you agree on everything right now, but what happens when you don’t? In many cases being realistic and pragmatic can be the kindest, most loving thing you can do for your partner and yourself. Our very… Read more »
Big Changes to the 1099-K: Is your small business ready?
By Tina Oddleifson If your small business receives income via third-party settlement processors like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp, you may be in for a surprise. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed by Congress in 2021, provided pandemic relief to many small businesses. It also included a bill that significantly changed reporting requirements for third-party… Read more »
Recruiting – Thinking Outside The Box
With the summer season right around the corner, you’ve probably already started thinking about different recruitment techniques for your company. In the last few years, there’s been an ongoing shift towards focusing on the importance of smart recruitment techniques to improve results and the candidate’s experience. There are many ways to attract talented employees to… Read more »
Minimum Wage Increase in 2022
Get Ready for the Minimum Wage Increase: 3 Practical Tips Minimum wage is increasing to $12.75 on January 1, 2022. (Maine law requires minimum wage adjustments annually based on the cost-of-living index.) Here are some practical tips to help you get ready:
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 »
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 »
Environmentally Conscious Cost Savings
By: Jared Entwistle, Maine SBDC Intern In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important for small businesses to think about ways to conserve cash flow. This often presents a dilemma for those who want to be conscious of their carbon footprint: how can I reduce my business’s environmental impact while maintaining a budget? … Read more »