Resources for Local Businesses and Employees
Below are some organizations that can provide technical, professional and financial assistance.
Town of Richmond Revolving Loan Program
The Town of Richmond has community revolving loan funds that are available to provide low interest loans to eligible property owners and businesses throughout Richmond.
CDBG Loans are available to:
- Make energy conservation improvements
- Install septic or water systems
- Replacement heating systems
- Repair roofs
- Other home repairs
TIF Loans are available for Richmond businesses:
- Building improvements or repairs
- Business equipment
- Business marketing cash flow
Midcoast Council of Governments (MCOG) Loan Program
The role of the Midcoast Council of Governments (MCOG) as a secondary lender is to work with banks and other private and public funding sources to leverage the capital available to small businesses. Business and micro-loans are available to eligible businesses. The business must be located in Sagadahoc County, or in the towns of Brunswick or Harpswell. The business must be unable to finance the proposed project from its own resources or through commercial credit or other Federal, State or local programs at reasonable rates and terms.
Coastal Counties Workforce, Inc.
CCWI’s vision: To meet the changing workplace needs of business and job seekers by creating economic opportunities through developing workforce skills in demand. CCWI supports the regional economy by advancing a range of workforce training services that meet current business needs.
CCWI’s mission: To accomplish our vision of creating economic opportunities, CCWI is committed to the effective use of available resources to improve workforce skills throughout the region. Existing resources are leveraged and enhanced through strategic partnerships with organizations of similar vision, thereby raising the economic capacity of our regional community, its businesses and citizenry.
CEI
CEI is a private, nonprofit Community Development Corporation and Community Development Financial Institution that provides financing and support for job-creating small businesses, natural resource industries, community facilities, and affordable housing.
Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP)
The Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) is committed to advancing and strengthening Maine's nonprofit sector.
MANP is a membership organization offering professional skill development programs, affordable healthcare and benefits plans, discounts on related programs and services and advocacy resources, and is part of a national network of state associations.
Maine Business Works
Mission: A resource for people who drive Maine's economy: small business, employees, and the service providers who support them.
Maine Centers for Women, Work & Community
Their mission is “Helping Women succeed in the Maine Economy and achieve economic security for themselves and their families.” They offer guidance, classes and workshops at no cost to individuals.
Maine Women's Business Center
The Women's Business Center provides confidential business counseling and practical workshops for entrepreneurs throughout Maine who want to start, maintain or grow their businesses. Our services are targeted at, but not limited to, women.
Maine Center for Entrepreneurship
The Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development (MCED) is a private, non-profit founded in 1997 that assists entrepreneurs building scalable innovation-based Maine businesses.
Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA)
The Maine Real Estate and Development Association (MEREDA) is an organization whose mission is to promote an environment for responsible development and ownership of real estate throughout the State.
MEREDA accomplishes its mission through legislative advocacy, regulatory oversight, sponsorship of programs and conferences, and by serving as a unified and proactive representative for real estate and economic development interests.
Maine Small Business Development Centers
Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) provide comprehensive business management assistance to the small business community through a network of professional, certified business counselors.
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Business owners meet with counselors to address their concerns - from starting, managing and diversifying, to marketing, growing and financing.
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Workshops and seminars expand small business know-how and practical applications.
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No-cost and confidential - over 90% of clients would recommend the MaineSBDC to other businesses.
Maine Department of Economic and Community Development: Business Answers
Business Answers was designed to make it easier to start and conduct business in the State of Maine.
SCORE
SCORE ("Counselors to America's Small Business") is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA).
Southern Midcoast Chamber
Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber's vision is to increase prosperity in our region. Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber's mission is to champion the growth, success, and quality of life in our region.
Women, Work and Community
Helps individuals recognize strengths, overcome barriers, find resources, develop a plan, take action towards their goals, start a business, find a career, return to school, build assets, and be active in the community.
2016 Center for
Online Education Maine College and Universities guide
A list of best online colleges in ME for 2016.