Today the Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a statewide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, announces the annual results for 2021.
In 2021, business advisors across Maine provided no-cost, confidential business advising to 2,953 entrepreneurs and small businesses, nearly matching the record-setting volume of 2020 and doubling that of 2019. This support helped business owners to:
- Access $48.8 million in funding, more than in any other year in the program’s history!
- Start 136 new businesses
- Save and create 917 jobs
“As the economic fallout of the pandemic continues, Maine SBDC business advisors worked to help business owners reclaim stability and balance. Business advisors helped entrepreneurs to find their financial footing, increase operational efficiency, and position themselves for success,” commented Maine SBDC State Director Mark Delisle.
In nearly 12,000 hours of advising, Maine SBDC served business owners in communities across Maine to overcome challenges and accomplish their goals. Maine SBDC clients included:
- 52% Women Entrepreneurs
- 23% Young Entrepreneurs
- 19% Entrepreneurs with Low-to-Moderate Income
- 10% Minority Entrepreneurs
- 8% Veteran & Military-connected Entrepreneurs
- 7% Entrepreneurs with disabilities
In addition to no-cost advising, Maine SBDC provided free educational opportunities to empower business owners to start and operate sustainable businesses. In 2021, Maine SBDC offered 99 webinars to 1,513 attendees, created a new digital e-learning platform with 12 on-demand courses, and had over 33,000 views on its growing YouTube channel.
Delisle continued, “Our team continues to step up and find new ways to support Maine’s incredible small business owners. As we move into whatever the next phase of our recovery may be, you can count on our team to be here to support entrepreneurs. We are here to help.”
To access the full 2021 Digital Annual Report, visit:
www.mainesbdc.org/annual-report/2021/