COVID has caused massive disruptions in the way we all do business. Businesses throughout Maine are finding unique and interesting ways to connect with their customers, find new revenue streams, and keep their businesses afloat. Want to share how your business is pivoting? Contact us here.

Joseph Musumeci and Mary Ellms own Farmington Underground Escape Room Center, which offers residents and visitors to the area a chance to fully immerse themselves in one of two (soon to be three!) themed rooms.  Guests have one hour to use puzzles, clues, hints, teamwork, and intuition to figure everything out and achieve victory.  The business brings much-needed recreation to Western Maine and has established a loyal following.  

In early March, the pair recognized the evolving situation of COVID-19 and temporarily closed their doors. They worked with Maine SBDC Advisor, Alison Lane, to analyze their financial situation and develop viable solutions to maintain a pulse while closed.  With a bit of financial relief and understanding the importance of staying connected to customers, they set to thinking about how to pivot operations.  

Today, Farmington Underground offers Choose-Your-Own-Adventure outdoor walking excursions around the Downtown Farmington area.  Small teams traverse the streets and parks in search of clues and puzzles to solve a mission just as they would inside an escape room.  Every team has a different experience depending on their choices.  Locations were selected with social distancing in mind, bookings are limited, and nothing needs to be touched, so participants can be safely entertained.  Breathing fresh air and getting a bit of light exercise is the icing on the cake to this experience.

Joe and Mary are eager to reopen the escape rooms when safe and allowed.  They will continue to work with the Maine SBDC to establish safety protocols and ensure their next indoor visitors are comfortable and well-entertained!

COVID has caused massive disruptions in the way we all do business. Businesses throughout Maine are finding unique and interesting ways to connect with their customers, find new revenue streams, and keep their businesses afloat. Want to share how your business is pivoting? Contact us here.

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 to wine regions around the World.

How Wine Wise Pivoted:

Erica worked closely with her Maine SBDC business advisor to brainstorm ideas on how her business could maneuver the COVID-19 crisis. Using her extensive connections with local restaurant chefs/owners and wine distributors, Wine Wise began offering virtual wine brunches and dinners with incredible local chefs. These packages include carefully curated local food, wine pairings, delivered locally, and virtual event experience with the Chef and other community members. Erica has seen a tremendous response to her events, with most selling out. She is helping her customer relax and enjoy a nice night out, all from the safety of their own home.

Key to Success: Partnerships with other local businesses

More information: www.winewiseevents.com

Maine SBDC Business Advisor: Susan Desgrosseilliers

COVID has caused massive disruptions in the way we all do business. Businesses throughout Maine are finding unique and interesting ways to connect with their customers, find new revenue streams, and keep their businesses afloat. Want to share how your business is pivoting? Contact us here.

Stacey and Jesse Coleman own My-FIT-24, a 24-hour fitness facility located in Gorham.  Started in 2007, My-FIT-24 provides access to fitness equipment, personal training, and group classes. The couple and their team are passionate about creating sustainable fitness solutions for their clients and community. Their programs are based on science to provide safe and effective workouts.Read More

COVID has caused massive disruptions in the way we all do business. Businesses throughout Maine are finding unique and interesting ways to connect with their customers, find new revenue streams, and keep their businesses afloat. Want to share how your business is pivoting? Contact us here.

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.Read More