Posts Tagged: Business Plan

Bolton Electric – Windham

Well lighted room with book shelves, lighting done by Bolton Electric

Edward Bolton started his electrical journey in high school vocational training. After working in the industry for many years as an employee, he was more than ready to start his own business. Eddie wanted to take his knowledge and work ethic and focus it on a business that he could proudly call his own. His… Read more »

Cadillac Mtn. Summit Shuttle – Bar Harbor

Ellen Finn of Cadillac Mtn. Summit Shuttle and Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Ann McAlhany in front of the shuttle van

The best business ideas solve a problem for their customers and Ellen Finn of Cadillac Mtn. Summit Shuttle definitely does that! She has lived and worked as a local tour guide on Mount Desert Island for many years, just outside Acadia National Park. A few years ago, the National Park System instituted a reservation system… Read more »

Sixberry Solutions – Skowhegan

Noah and Ashley Sixberry, a young couple stand close to each other outside in front of a Maine background.

Making the transition to digital marketing has not been easy, especially for rural Maine. With a lack of internet infrastructure and old-school mentalities, small businesses need to be inventive with their marketing strategies. Noah and Ashley Sixberry know this all too well, both having grown up in Maine. So they started Sixberry Solutions in 2020… Read more »

MotoResto – Portland

Krystal Stone and Andrew Furbush came to the Maine SBDC in June of 2021. Andrew, a knowledgeable mechanic with a passion for antique and classic car restoration and Krystal who is great with managing all of the aspects of the auto business wanted to start their own company, MotoResto, LLC. At that time, they were… Read more »

Dobson Family Funeral & Cremation Services – Arundel

Jeffrey Dobson has a passion for helping people through hard times. Born and raised in Maine, he knows how difficult dealing with the death of a loved one can be. Facing the complex and expensive funeral system after his mother passed in 2005 taught him some valuable lessons. He is now using that experience to… Read more »

Peace, Love, Waffles – Dover-Foxcroft

Breakfast table covered in sweet and savory waffles at a Maine Small Business, photo by Sienna Renee Photography

Michael Begley was the 5th generation to work at the restaurant his father’s family owned and operated. So when his mother pitched the idea of a waffle-themed restaurant, he knew it would be worth moving to Maine to help with! In the fall of 2019, they got started in their first location. However, COVID quickly… Read more »

Understanding Your Customer Through Market Research 

3 hands holding pencils, pointing at the same data point

Market research is one of the first things small business owners should consider when starting their business. This research will help you identify who your customers are, what they like, and how best to reach them.

Common Small Business Bookkeeping Mistakes

Hands holding accounting paperwork and using a calculator

Keeping accurate records of your business’s financial transactions is critical to ensure consistency and avoid bookkeeping mistakes. However, small business owners often make common bookkeeping errors that can lead to significant financial problems.

Linx Construction & Contracting – Auburn

James Watson and Christina Ramsdell look proud in front of a new truck

All successful businesses need to solve a problem, and while these may vary in size and seriousness, your target market is seeking solutions and you want to be the one to provide them! Like James Watson, of Linx Construction & Contracting, who knows personally the dangers involved with lead poisoning and how it can affect… Read more »