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
Tailz ‘er Waggin’ Barkery – Albion
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
Hot Suppa – Portland
When Amber Nachreiner and her partner, Cameron Rodrigues, set out to purchase Hot Suppa, they weren’t just acquiring a restaurant—they were inheriting a Portland institution. Housed in an 1860s Victorian on Congress Street, Hot Suppa has been a beloved destination for Southern comfort food since 2006, thanks to founders Alec and Moses Sabina.Read More
Electric Cottage Collective – Brunswick
After graduating with a Master of Social Work in 2020, Liz Kovarsky faced the challenge of beginning a new career during a time of social isolation. She found herself craving deeper human connection and a more sustainable work-life balance. As she spoke with others facing similar struggles, an idea began to take shape: What if there was a place that prioritized community, creativity, and collective wellbeing?Read More
Dance Conservatory of Southern Maine – Sanford
Nikki Girroir spent years teaching, choreographing, and mentoring dancers, but she had always envisioned something more. When the opportunity arose to take over the studio where she had been working, Nikki saw a chance to fully step into her vision. Studio ownership would allow her to make both creative and strategic decisions and to build a space that truly reflected her values and voice.Read More
Simply Breathe Therapy – Lewiston
After working in telehealth and seeing firsthand how deeply COVID affected people’s mental well-being, Annette Williams knew she wanted to do more. When a friend offered her space to expand her practice, she launched Simply Breathe Therapy, a Lewiston-based counseling and consulting agency focused on helping individuals across Maine work through both current and historical life challenges.Read More