Posts Tagged: funding

Handful Studios – Portland

Julian Erickson-Watson’s love for pottery began during his senior year of college when he decided to enroll in a pottery class. Not knowing what would come of it, he chose to follow this passion to see where it would lead him. Eventually, Julian relocated to Maine, where he discovered the rich pottery community in Portland…. Read more »

Sip House – Freeport

Delicious treats and beverages on a mosaic tabletop at Sip House in Freeport

In the spring of 2023, Tammy Nonni took the bold step of becoming a business owner by acquiring a cafe in downtown Freeport. Over the next few months, she undertook numerous renovations and changes, culminating in the re-launch of the establishment as Sip House. Tammy envisioned the cafe and smoothie shop as a welcoming and… Read more »

Maine SBDC Releases 2023 Results: Supporting and empowering entrepreneurs throughout Maine

February 26, 2024 The Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) is proud to announce the release of its 2023 Annual Report. The report, available here, highlights the Maine SBDC’s impact in supporting Maine’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. The report showcases the tangible outcomes in 2023 and spotlights individual success stories that underscore the powerful effect… Read more »

Create realistic financial projections

Part of a financial spreadsheet with pen and calculator

Part 3 of the “Things we wish we knew” Blog series By: Tina Oddleifson, Business Advisor   We get it, you’re an artist, a baker, or love working on cars.  You’ve decided to start a business doing what you love, and you plan to let someone else worry about the financial details later.   But when… Read more »

Essential Steps Before You Start a Business

Lightbulb and crumbled paper to represent starting a business

Part 1 of the “Things we wish we knew” Blog series By: Tina Oddleifson, Business Advisor When we asked Maine SBDC Business Advisors about the biggest mistakes they see new business owners make (including themselves) many of the responses boiled down to the same essential thing: Moving forward before you are ready. We’ve all been… Read more »

Main Street Provisions – Waterville

Outside of building of Main Street Provisions with large business sign and glass windows

Zachary Brann’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to his passion for locally sourced food and beverages, coupled with a love for the Waterville area where he grew up and plans to raise his family. Now, he proudly contributes to Waterville’s revitalization through his new business, Main Street Provisions.

Black Diamond Detailing – Lewiston

Photo of Abdinur Mohamed and Abdirahman Saeed of Black Diamond Detailing

Abdinur Mohamed and Abdirahman Saeed of Black Diamond Detailing are not only business partners but also friends with a shared interest in cars. They decided to pursue their dreams together and start a business that would provide convenient and reasonably priced auto detailing services. The two partners knew that starting a business was challenging and… Read more »

1 Earth Composting – Hampden

Katie and Matt Saunders stand with their young on in front of compost pile

Katie Saunders, NP-C, is a primary care provider (or family nurse practitioner) and an environmental activist. Her husband, Matt Saunders, was a professional chef for over 20 years and is now a stay-at-home dad to their 3 children.  Their backgrounds in farming, food, and environmental activism led them to start 1 Earth Composting, a residential… 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 »