For Patty and Matt, Maine is where they built their family and careers. Now, they are preparing to open their dream business. Owlbear’s Rest brings people together through great games, good food, and a welcoming community. With an extensive library of board and roleplaying games, cozy seating, and a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring local producers,… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Maine SBDC
China Lake Provisions – China
Mike Brown envisioned creating a welcoming space where the community could find high-quality, locally sourced food. That vision became China Lake Provisions, a deli, pizza, and sub shop offering a variety of healthy foods and local goods. When Mike and his team first set out to open their business, they faced a major hurdle: securing… Read more »
Navigating 2025: Compliance Updates for Small Businesses
As we begin 2025, staying informed about compliance updates for small businesses is more important than ever. These regulatory changes can significantly impact your operations, and understanding them is key to staying compliant and prepared. During a recent Maine SBDC webinar, Certified Business Advisors Peter Harriman, Ali Lane, and Dan Umphrey shared insights about key… Read more »
Fore & Wharf – Portland
Dylan John and his fiancé Ellen turned their passion for style and community into Fore & Wharf, a boutique located in the heart of Portland. Specializing in thoughtfully curated men’s and women’s clothing, the shop embodies the charm and lifestyle of New England. Dylan’s vision was to create a store that celebrates coastal living while… Read more »
Stand Out This Holiday Season: A Small Business Guide to Success
As the holiday season approaches, consumer spending is expected to rise. Even more promising, nearly 50% of shoppers prefer to visit physical stores to “assess products first-hand,” according to a recent Accenture Holiday Shopping survey. In this guide, we share three strategies to help your small business make the most of this shopping season. Tip… Read more »
Arranged by Amy – Greater Portland
Amy Smith, an occupational therapist (OT) for nearly 30 years, saw a recurring need among her older adult clients. She noticed many with cognitive and physical challenges struggled to stay organized, impacting their independence and daily functioning. Realizing she was in a unique position to help, Amy decided to start her own professional organizing business… Read more »
Our Commitment to You
The Maine SBDC is preparing for an upcoming shift in its organizational structure. Rest assured, entrepreneurs and existing small business owners across Maine will continue to receive the same high-quality, no-cost, and confidential Maine SBDC business advising services they rely on. What’s Changing: Starting October 1st, Coastal Enterprises Inc (CEI) will no longer be providing… Read more »
Maine SBDC Recognizes Newly Certified Business Advisors
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a state-wide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, recognized two business advisors who received their Core Competencies Certification from the New England Professional Development (NEPD) group on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Newly certified advisors include Chase Nelson (Maine SBDC) and Jodi Cordes (CEI’s Women’s Business… 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 »
Yarrow – Kittery
In 2019, Jodie Curtis opened Yarrow, a retail shop that invites customers to be curious and explorative about what wellness can look like! Jodie has a background in retail, with experience in wholesale, product development, and marketing, which helped her understand the complexities of owning a retail business. But for her, the creative freedom of… Read more »