John and Pam Edwards have owned TuneTown Music Gear for 16 years in Wells. They bring generations of musical industry experience with the vision of providing a positive and nurturing experience in music instruction, service, and sales. Their business features nine large state of the art lesson studios, a recording studio, and a live performance… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Success Stories
Wine Wise in Portland | Events & Experiences
Erica Archer owns Wine Wise. In normal times, Wine Wise provides wine, food, and spirit-based experiences. She and her team host group events that help connect customers to Maine’s vibrant food and beverage scene. Wine Wise hosts these wine and food events on sailboats and on walks through Portland’s bustling downtown. She also hosts trips… Read more »
Acacia House Inn in Bar Harbor | Lodging & Hospitality
Anna Durand and her husband own Acacia House Inn located in downtown Bar Harbor. Housed in a 10th-century building, this classic B&B features 9 rooms with soft linens, private baths, hardwood floors, and some with balconies. Full breakfast is served every morning with local ingredients.
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.
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, 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 »
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.