Ellie Hammond launched Boldly Lacquer in Machias after developing a nail allergy during the pandemic and struggling to find polish that met her standards. That experience sparked her passion for creating “10-free” nail lacquers, formulated without many of the harsh chemicals found in conventional products.Read More
Boldly Lacquer – Machias
Maine Compost Co – Lewiston
Joshua and Olivia Flynn founded Maine Compost Co LLC to tackle a growing problem in their community: food waste. Based in Lewiston, the business offers convenient compost pickup services to residential and commercial customers across Androscoggin County. With scheduled weekly or biweekly pickups, the Flynns aim to make composting easy and impactful for local households and businesses.Read More
The Cultivated Thread – Wiscasset
Hilary Crowell is the owner of The Cultivated Thread, a small batch weaving company based in Wiscasset that produces high-quality, handwoven textiles. After more than a decade of farming, she transitioned her weaving hobby into a full-time business in 2020, drawn by the chance to work independently and apply her practical skills in a new way.Read More
Waterville Food Truck Park & Jay’s Dumpling Truck
Zhanpo (“Popo”) Lu wanted to bring more food variety to Waterville, and in May 2025, she did just that by opening the region’s first dedicated food truck park. The Waterville Food Truck Park features six rotating food trucks and operates seven days a week. It’s home to more than 20 vendors offering everything from Thai and Caribbean cuisine to barbecue and baked goods.Read More
Tailz ‘er Waggin’ Barkery – Albion
Mary and Allen Blank launched Tailz ‘er Waggin’ Barkery to blend their passion for pets with their dream of a meaningful retirement. After years of corporate work at Deere & Company, the couple had already run a pet shop in the Midwest before taking a six-year journey across the U.S. in a motorhome with their five dogs. When they relocated to Albion, Maine in 2023, they knew they wanted to reestablish their all-natural dog treat business.Read More
Within the Whale – Topsham
Jessica Woodend turned a lifelong passion for marine education into a traveling business with a unique twist. Based in Topsham, Within the Whale brings marine mammal science directly to Maine schools, libraries, and summer camps, featuring a life-sized inflatable humpback whale named Chunk. Students can step inside the whale to explore anatomy and ocean conservation topics in an immersive and memorable way.Read More
Cuties – Portland
Nick Coffin and a team of seasoned industry veterans opened Cuties in Portland’s Old Port to fill a gap they saw in the local hospitality scene. Cuties is an all-day bar where guests can sip coffee, cocktails, or natural wine from 9 a.m. to midnight. With its seamless transition from laptop-friendly mornings to lively evenings, Cuties has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. Read More
Lehoux Art – Wells
Danielle Lehoux launched Lehoux Art to create a more flexible and fulfilling path—one that could accommodate the ups and downs of managing a chronic health condition while pursuing creative fulfillment.Read More
Unplugged Arcade – Clinton
Sean Sickles of Clinton, Maine, has combined his passion for performance and board games to create The Unplugged Arcade, a mobile event entertainment business that travels across Maine and New England. As an emcee and game facilitator, Sean helps people connect through screen-free fun. Whether he’s at a library, festival, or company event, he brings an expertly curated collection of games and the energy of a seasoned performer to make game day a hit.Read More
Foster Serenity – Portland
After nearly two decades as an esthetician and over a decade practicing Reiki, Amanda Foster had long dreamed of opening her own business where she could combine her passions into a single healing space.
She had a clear vision and a lifetime of skills but bringing it all together required support. At the recommendation of a friend, she reached out to Maine SBDC and began working with Business Advisor Tina Oddleifson.Read More