Success Stories

Client Success Stories

Mountain Side Powersports – Wilton, Maine

Daniel Daigle dreamed of owning his own Powersports dealership. This is why he bought, remarketed, and opened Mountain Side Powersports in Wilton. Located near some of the best trails in Maine, this family-owned and run business will continue the long tradition of selling and servicing snowmobiles, ATV’s and UTV’s, snowblowers, and landscaping equipment.

After first being denied, Dan worked with his bank, Infinity Credit Union, and the Maine SBDC to make needed improvements. Working alongside Business Advisor Peter Harriman, Dan worked to re-analyze his original proposal, together they did more research, and dug deeper to really understand what was going to be involved and what it would take to make it work. The results – a business plan that Infinity Credit Union could trust and back with the loan approval.Read More

Long Shot Revival Homestead

The Long Shot Revival Homestead, in Orland, is a family farm owned and run by Joe and Haley Brown. Joe is an Army National Guard veteran and initially thought farming and raising pigs would be a good therapeutic outlet as he transitioned back to civilian life. Starting off with just a few piglets, Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Shannon Byers helped them get organized and explored options for expansion, leading to the addition of poultry to the farm. Joe also gained support through a nonprofit called United Farmer Veterans of Maine, aimed at helping Maine veterans navigate and succeed in agriculture and business success. Throughout this growth, he has continued to show commitment to this community in a variety of ways including a 10% discount to fellow veterans.

Literacy Tech Inc. DBA ReMo – Lewiston, Maine

Michelle DeBlois and Kathryn Lariviere, both full-time middle school teachers, tri-founded LiteracyTech, Inc. with Peter Janett, a web application developer in December 2019. Their vision was to create a web-based application that would bring educators and students together in the independent reading process. The app, which they named ReMo, streamlines the cumbersome and obsolete data management associated with literacy education and helps students engage with books they’ll love.Read More

Cape Whoopies, Maine’s Gourmet Whoopie Pie – South Portland, Maine

Marcia Wiggins founded Cape Whoopies, Maine’s Gourmet Whoopie Pie in 2012. Located in South Portland, Maine, Cape Whoopies offers gourmet, unique whoopie pies that feature ingredients from all over the globe, such as chocolate from the Netherlands and vanilla from Madagascar. Cape Whoopies has seen explosive growth, outgrowing their space multiple times.

Acupuncture Clinic of Rhonda Feiman – Belfast, Maine

Like many small business owners, Rhonda Feiman, acupuncturist, wonders how long it will be before her clinic experiences some level of normalcy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns of safety, logistics, and compliance prevent Rhonda from reopening her practice to in-person care. She’s been serving her clients through telehealth for several months, but a lack of personal contact left a void in her offerings and her bank account.Read More

TuneTown Music Gear | Retail & Service

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 stage. In the showroom, they offer a selection of instruments, keyboards, amplification, PA and recording gear, audiovisual installations in schools, churches, and military bases, print music and accessories at competitive prices. TuneTown also provides repair and maintenance on instruments and electronics.Read More

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 to wine regions around the World.

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.Read More

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.Read More

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.

“I actually wasn’t looking to start a business. I was pretty content with where I was,” Cox said. “But then I looked over at this building and it seemed like the perfect location.”Read More

Recent Success Stories