Recent success stories across Maine from the Maine Small Business Development Centers
Posts Categorized: Success Stories
Sealander Architects – Ellsworth, Maine
Mike Sealander and his wife Robyn have been running their business, Sealander Architects, since 2007. Sealander Architects is an architecture and interior design firm specializing in well-designed environments that allow people to do their best work. They design buildings to reflect an organization’s mission and culture, and strive to design places where people can thrive.
Spa Voyage – Biddeford, ME
Eliza was experienced in her practice, but had never started her own business. For assistance in these uncharted waters, she worked with Raynor Large, business advisor at the Maine SBDC at Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments. Raynor helped Eliza as she pitched her idea as part of the Maine Center for Entrepreneur’s Top Gun program. He helped her with her business plan and financial projections.
The Cutting Edge Hair & Tanning Salon – Presque Isle, ME
When Karen Cox stopped her car at a stoplight on Main Street in Presque Isle, she knew that the former GiftSmart location would be the ideal place to begin her own hair and tanning salon.
The Mustard Seed Bookstore – Bath, Maine
Six years ago, Julie and Mike Shea approached Maine SBDC with a dream. They wanted to purchase a small bookstore in downtown Bath. They reached out to Brad Swanson, business advisor at the Maine SBDC at CEI, for assistance in developing a business plan and financing proposal. Julie and Mike worked diligently with Brad to… Read more »
C.W. Hunt Photography – Ellsworth, Maine
Charles Hunt has always had a passion and natural talent for photography. When he decided he wanted to make it his career, Charles worked through the Vocational Rehabilitation program to get connected with Shannon Byers, business advisor with the Maine SBDC hosted at CEI. Charles, who has autism, was determined to start his own business.
Illuminated Me – South Portland, Maine
Sharon has accessed assistance from several business development resources in Maine along her entrepreneurial journey. She turned to SBA partners CEI’s Women’s Business Center and the Maine SBDC at the University of Southern Maine for guidance on her business plan and marketing strategy.
Dandelion Catering – Yarmouth, Maine
For ten years, Dandelion Catering has been providing fresh, quality prepared food that celebrates the local resources that Maine and New England have to offer. The business had experienced a surge in growth due to their focus on top shelf service and creative, attractive food offerings. Business owners Christian and Christine Hayes had big plans… Read more »
True North Beauty – Milo, Maine
Heather reached out to Maine SBDC Business Advisor Ann McAlhany in late 2018 for assistance in developing her business plan, creating financial projections and guidance on marketing her products. The pair have worked together extensively over the last year to obtain several rounds of technology-based funding from Maine Technology Institute for her unique Chaga Infused Formula process.
Bub ‘n Muthas – Winter Harbor, Maine
Ever since he can remember, John Fuhrman’s “mutha” had a real knack for cooking. In DownEast Maine, her kitchen skills were almost legendary. One day, after tinkering around with spices in the kitchen, “mutha” developed a special blend of spices that needed to be shared. The blend combined a Maine attitude with local ingredients such… Read more »