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.
Posts Categorized: Success Stories
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, a business advisor at the Maine SBDC at CEI, for assistance in developing a business plan and financing proposal. Julie and Mike worked diligently with… 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, a business advisor with the Maine SBDC hosted at CEI. Charles, who has autism, was determined to start his own… Read more »
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 to… 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 »
Science Dogs of New England – Ellsworth, Maine
Lindsay Ware has a passion for wildlife and conservation. That is why she started Science Dogs of New England. This new business creates opportunities and solutions for conservation and environmental research in New England using highly trained dogs for efficient, low-impact data collection and conservation processes.
Grasshopper Academy – Houlton, Maine
Lacey made the decision to leave her business partnership and go out solely on her own. She wanted to purchase this existing daycare and keep the doors open. She turned to Josh Nadeau, Maine SBDC business advisor located at Northern Maine Development Commission.
Freckle Salvage Company – Winthrop, Maine
This business owner had been selling her products online and decided it was time to expand her business. For assistance, she reached out to the Maine SBDC.