Posts Tagged: business planning

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 »

Crosswind Investments – Bangor

Chelsie Crane with airplane

Chelsie Crane discovered her true calling amidst pages of textbooks when completing her MBA. Driven by her belief that investing and good financial health shouldn’t be reserved for the elite, Chelsie embarked on a journey through the male-dominated field of financial advisory services. A native Mainer and mother of three, she wanted to start her own business to… Read more »

Kelly’s Place Learning Center – Presque Isle

Business owners near sign leading into daycare in Presque Isle, Maine

Shyla Pinette recognized a need in her community after having her daughter. Childcare in Aroostook County was incredibly hard to come by. So, after years in the medical field, she decided to purchase a struggling childcare business and make it a safe and welcoming place for local families. For assistance making this happen, Shyla turned… Read more »

A&B Naturals – Bar Harbor

Tommy Maruca and Jonathan Record are first time small business owners but long term fans of A&B Naturals, the natural food store they just bought on MDI! The couple shares a passion for a healthy lifestyle and products that are good for both people and the planet. Values they also share with the previous owner,… Read more »

Great Wave Sushi – Portland

White food truck with man inside smiling, Great Wave Sushi food struck with flowers

Seeing young entrepreneurs launch a new business and develop roots in their community is one of the most satisfying outcomes for the Maine SBDC.  It’s even more exciting to help them scale up, grow and succeed. For Alex and Megan Herzog, starting Great Wave Sushi is the perfect example of how a new business with… 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 »

Michael James Murray Photography – Lisbon

Maine coast photo sphere of island, photo by Michael James Murray Photography

Michael James Murray has a long history of photography in his family. He grew up in Rochester, NY, where his dad worked for Eastman Kodak as a Chemist developing the emulsions for consumer photographic film. Later, Michael moved to New York City to work at B&H Photo Video Audio, where he met his wife, a… Read more »

King Eider’s Pub – Damariscotta

King Eider's Pub front sign

Scott McArdle & Damon Waltz have been close friends and co-workers in the food industry for years. They’ve been building up experience in different positions at a variety of locations, but have been long-time employees at King Eider’s Pub in Damariscotta. They truly knew the restaurant industry inside & out, co-managing & growing together –… Read more »

AWEN – Portland

Three white women squat on a wooded trail with a white and tan dog, all 4 are smiling.

AWEN; Family Recovery and Relationship Coaching, is an educational and counseling service for friends, partners, and parents of people with substance use disorder. It is different from most programs, as it uses a holistic experience-led approach. The coaching program offers support, education, resources, and community. Founded by Brinn Flagg, AWEN is unique in that Brinn… Read more »

CIA Cafe – Saco

Photo of the dining room at CIA Cafe, wooden tables and chairs and windows letting in natural light on the neutral walls and floor.

In early 2022, Jamie Bissonnette and his business partner Duncan Taylor were presented with the opportunity to purchase CIA Cafe (pronounced see-ya), a successful coffee, sandwich and art shop located in Saco. With tons of food and beverage business management experience, Jamie decided it was time to take a chance and step out on his… Read more »