Su-Anne Hammond is a lifelong Mainer who has spent the last 20 years providing primary care to families in Southern Maine. She has always prioritized creating genuine doctor-patient relationships that allow her to treat the whole person. She envisioned opening her own private practice that would offer affordable, accessible, and direct care to patients. This is why she founded 4Health Family Medicine in Windham, offering a refreshing alternative to the conventional healthcare system.
For guidance on getting her business off the ground, Su-Anne turned to the Maine Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Center Director and Business Advisor Peter Harriman helped Su-Anne to craft a comprehensive business plan and financial projections. With Peter’s guidance, Su-Anne could visualize the path forward with confidence.
Armed with a solid plan and support from Peter, Su-Anne secured a bank loan and launched 4Health Family Medicine. At 4Health Family Medicine, patients enjoy personalized services, bypassing insurance hassles by paying directly for Su-Anne’s dedicated care. The response to the new business surpassed expectations, with the community embracing the direct primary care model wholeheartedly. Patients reveled in the extended appointment times and personalized attention, reinforcing Su-Anne’s belief in her vision.
Reflecting on her experience, Su-Anne praises the SBDC’s invaluable support. She comments, “The SBDC mentor program is an incredible free resource right here in Maine that will provide you with experienced mentors to help guide you in any stage of your business.”
For Su-Anne, owning a small business isn’t just about providing exceptional healthcare; it’s about fostering genuine connections and making a meaningful impact. While the journey presents its challenges, including navigating the business side of things, Su-Anne’s passion for patient care propels her forward.