Established in 2018, Ferda Farms is an oyster farm nestled along the picturesque New Meadows River in Brunswick. Committed to sustainable and responsible farming practices, Ferda Farms specializes in cultivating fresh, high-quality Bombazine Oysters that capture the essence of the pristine Maine waters. Business owners Maxwell Burtis and his father Chris are experienced mariners with a deep-rooted connection to Maine’s working waterfront and coastal environment.
Seeking to expand and enhance their operations, Max and his father turned to the Maine Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the suggestion of the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs. They began working with Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Peter Piconi to refine Ferda Farms’ business strategy and secure vital financing for growth. With Peter’s guidance, Max honed his business plan and financial projections, positioning Ferda Farms to approach lenders and access grant programs.
Ferda Farms secured a loan and a grant from the Island Institute which allowed them to implement solar and battery power solutions, furthering their commitment to sustainable and responsible farming practices. The farm now operates quietly, free from the constant hum of generators, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Drone shot of Ferda Farms oyster farm in Brunswick
Max and Chris have ambitious plans for Ferda Farms. They plan to double the farm’s output within the next five years. Max comments, “Every day I go to sleep excited about how I will make the business better tomorrow.” He notes that the biggest challenge of running a business is how stressful making financial decisions can be, but he feels confident in their future with resources like the SBDC by his side.
He continues, “You may be surprised by how familiar the [SBDC] advisors are to your industry and how many resources they have to help you plan the growth of your business.”