Maine SBDC

Sasha Salzberg, Ian Daly, and Evan Carroll had a vision: to open an authentic New England sports bar in the heart of Portland. With combined expertise in bar management, design, and business management, the trio pooled their skills to make this dream a reality. Their shared passion for bringing people together sparked the idea for Jerome's. With a business plan in hand and a potential space, they reached out to the Maine SBDC for guidance on renovation costs, food offerings, and the timeline to put it all together. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/drkES3Px

🗓️ Free webinar on October 29 at 10 am! Thinking about starting your own business? Join Maine SBDC Business Advisors Tina Oddleifson and Peter Harriman for this webinar, where we'll explore key questions to help you determine if entrepreneurship is the right path for you. We'll also discuss specific resources available to entrepreneurs with disabilities to help them on their business ownership journey. This webinar is for anyone who has a business idea but isn't sure where to begin, wants to understand the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, or is curious about the resources available to business owners with disabilities in Maine. This webinar is being hosted in partnership with the Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. It is designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. ASL Interpretation and live captioning will be provided for this session. If you require additional accommodations to participate in this webinar, please contact mainesbdc@maine.edu for more information. 👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/g4pJmd4F

🏢 City of Portland's Business Assistance Program for Job Creation is now accepting applications for reimbursement grants of up to $20,000! For-profit businesses can receive $10,000 for each full-time job (or two part-time jobs) created for low- to moderate-income individuals. 📆 Apply by November 15 to be considered. Visit the link below for full eligibility details and the application process! 👉 https://lnkd.in/gKi4tYMh

We’re pleased to introduce Dion Olmstead, business advisor at the Maine SBDC! Serving Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin Counties, Dion brings extensive experience from his background in farming, construction, and energy efficiency. He’s owned a dairy farm, managed a woodlot business, and restored historic Maine buildings. With a strong focus on financial analysis and marketing, Dion is ready to support local businesses in reaching their full potential. Learn more about Dion: https://lnkd.in/gAUfPdAU

Ailish Kress has always had a passion for helping others. With a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in Adventure-based Counseling, Ailish set out to launch Ground Well Counseling, offering experiential counseling that integrates nature and therapy through garden-based techniques. Though her vision for her practice was clear, Ailish reached out to her local Maine SBDC for guidance on some of the finer details—ranging from financial analysis to marketing strategies, network-building, and understanding business structures. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5PmKM7v

Looking for a meaningful career in Mid Coast Maine? We're hiring a Business Advisor for the Wiscasset/Rockland area! Be part of a supportive team, enjoy a flexible hybrid schedule, and make an impact by helping local businesses succeed. Apply today: https://lnkd.in/gTBDAH8f

Did you know that Peter Harriman is a certified cybersecurity business advisor? He attended NH Small Business Development Center (SBDC)'s Cybersecurity summit last Wednesday to brush up on his skills and stay updated on the latest information. Reach out if you would like to make sure your small business is protected from cyber threats!

As we adjust our structure, we remain committed to delivering the same high-quality, confidential, and no-cost services that Maine's diverse small business communities have trusted for over 45 years. Read more in our latest blog post.

Ready to make a difference in the Augusta/Waterville area? Join our team as a Business Advisor and help small businesses thrive! Enjoy rewarding work, excellent benefits, and a hybrid schedule that fits your life. Apply now and become part of our amazing team culture at Maine SBDC! Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gXNsJtBa

We’ve returned from the annual ASBDC conference in Atlanta and have learned a ton! This year’s sessions were filled with insights on leveraging AI, improving market research, and more. 📝 Interested in the latest trends? Connect with your advisor to discover what new strategies and insights we brought back! 🌟 Highlights: • AI and Market Research • Serving Rural Areas and Farmers • AI and Intellectual Property • Social Media Marketing • AI-Enhanced Branding • Empathy and Accountability • Financial Projections Stay tuned for more updates and key takeaways from the conference!