Success Stories

Client Success Stories

Fore & Wharf – Portland

Dylan John and his fiancé Ellen turned their passion for style and community into Fore & Wharf, a boutique located in the heart of Portland. Specializing in thoughtfully curated men’s and women’s clothing, the shop embodies the charm and lifestyle of New England. Dylan’s vision was to create a store that celebrates coastal living while offering high-quality, unique pieces to be enjoyed by all.

Fore & Wharf owners

Dylan saw Portland as the ideal place to bring his dream to life. However, as a seasonal business in Portland’s tourist-driven retail market, he needed to carefully balance inventory, anticipate customer preferences, and stay ahead of trends—all while managing the complexities of launching a new business. Recognizing the need for expert guidance, Dylan reached out to the Maine SBDC in March 2023 for support.

Working with Business Advisor Chris Cole, Dylan received personalized guidance on crafting a business plan, managing financial projections, and planning inventory for the seasonal market. These foundational steps gave him the tools and confidence to move forward.

“What I appreciated most was how Chris took the time to truly understand my vision for Fore & Wharf and helped me bring it to life in a way that felt authentic to both me and the Portland community,” Dylan shared.

Fore & Wharf main storeFore & Wharf officially opened in July 2023, offering locals and visitors a personalized shopping experience. The boutique features casual coastal styles, timeless wardrobe essentials, and a growing selection of skincare and fragrance products. Dylan and Ellen have also introduced collaborations with local brands, further embedding Fore & Wharf into the Portland community.

Fore & Wharf clothing selectionReflecting on his journey, Dylan described Chris as “invaluable” in helping Fore & Wharf become a reality. “Her support gave me the confidence to take risks and make decisions that set the foundation for our success,” he said.

Looking ahead, Dylan plans to expand Fore & Wharf’s offerings through community events, exclusive collaborations, and an enhanced online store. At the heart of these efforts is a commitment to maintaining the boutique’s authenticity and ensuring it remains a space where customers feel welcome and inspired.

With its blend of coastal charm, unique style, and heartfelt community connections, Fore & Wharf has already become a standout boutique in Portland. Dylan credits the Maine SBDC as a key partner in this success: “Their guidance has been essential every step of the way.”

FOR MORE INFO, CHECK OUT FORE & WHARF’S INSTAGRAM PAGE OR WEBSITE.

Arranged by Amy – Greater Portland

Amy Smith, an occupational therapist (OT) for nearly 30 years, saw a recurring need among her older adult clients. She noticed many with cognitive and physical challenges struggled to stay organized, impacting their independence and daily functioning. Realizing she was in a unique position to help, Amy decided to start her own professional organizing business in early 2023, Arranged by Amy.Read More

Jerome’s – Portland

Sasha Salzberg, Ian Daly, and Evan Carroll had a vision: to open an authentic New England sports bar in the heart of Portland. With combined expertise in bar management, design, and business management, the trio pooled their skills to make this dream a reality. However, their shared passion for bringing people together sparked the idea for Jerome’s.

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Ground Well Counseling – Bowdoinham

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Gillies Law – Portland

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MainelyNP Primary Care – South Portland

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Maine Coast Creamery – Winslow

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Countryside Kids Childcare – Hiram

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Dreamer Food – Bangor

Business Owner Anik Derphilibossian sitting in front of her food truck Dreamer FoodAnik Derphilibossian is a Registered Nurse (RN), Armenian-born & raised in Lebanon, who immigrated to the United States from Lebanon in 2021. She found herself missing the flavors and food of her homeland. With a love for cooking and encouragement from her fellow nurse and best friend Kara, Anik started sharing her culinary creations –  first with friends and then with the wider community. Thus marked the beginning of Anik’s business, Dreamer Foods. It started as a pop-up restaurant operating one day a week at a shared location, and within months, the public fell in love with her Armenian and Lebanese dishes. Read More

Woof Daycare & Boarding – Glenburn

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