Posts By: Jennifer Boutin

Understanding Financial Statements – A Video Series

Do you struggle with financial management in your small business?  Are you intimidated by the income statement, baffled by the balance sheet, or confused by a cash flow statement? You’re not alone! Most small business owners don’t use their financial reports to their full advantage or only see them only as a tool to file… Read more »

Maine SBDC Names 2023 State Star

Photo of Anne Lancaster, Business Advisor at Maine SBDC at USM, and text that reads 2023 State Star

The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has selected Anne Lancaster as the 2023 State Star. The award, given annually, recognizes a member of the Maine SBDC staff who has shown exemplary performance and a strong commitment to small business success. Anne Lancaster is a business advisor at the Maine SBDC at University of… Read more »

Tips & Tricks to Repair Your Credit

Tips & Tricks to Repair Your Credit text over a hand holding a photo displaying a credit score

As a business owner, your personal credit score will impact your ability to get a business loan, secure credit lines, and even lease office space. While credit score requirements vary by institution or credit card provider, if your credit score is less than perfect, there are steps you can take to repair it!

Introductory Guide to Mobile App Development for Small Businesses

Interaction at a counter with two digital devices, looks like a transaction is occurring.

By: Maine SBDC Intern Ryan McNally From banking to social media, mobile apps have become a part of our daily routine. Some businesses only exist as apps, like Uber, and other businesses develop apps to enhance their existing services, like clothing stores. For small businesses, developing a mobile app may seem intimidating and costly, but… Read more »

Maine SBDC Releases 2022 Results: Supporting and empowering entrepreneurs throughout the state

February 28, 2023 Today the Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) announces the release of its annual report for 2022. The report showcases the achievements and impact of Maine SBDC’s efforts in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through business advising, training and resources. The report also highlights individual entrepreneurs, illustrating the transformative effect that… Read more »

Maine SBDC Releases 2021 Results: Supporting and empowering entrepreneurs throughout the state

Today the Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a statewide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, announces the annual results for 2021. In 2021, business advisors across Maine provided no-cost, confidential business advising to 2,953 entrepreneurs and small businesses, nearly matching the record-setting volume of 2020 and doubling that of 2019…. Read more »

Tips to Navigating the Labor Shortage

Hiring Sign

You are not alone. The labor shortage has been crippling for small businesses across Maine. While the crisis is not new, the pandemic has amplified the problem. There is a variety of contributing factors to the labor situation including the availability of childcare, housing, and foreign workers. While nearly 7 out of 10 pandemic job… Read more »

Why Customer Service Matters This Summer

After a trying year, tourists and locals alike are looking forward to enjoying all that Maine has to offer. Thankfully, things are looking up this summer tourism season and Maine is expected to have a bustling summer.  As we prepare, we have to keep in mind the individual struggles people have experienced over the past… Read more »

Circle Two Disc Golf – Bradford

Disc golf has been rapidly growing in popularity as both a recreational activity and a professional competitive sport. Andrew Kahl is an active member of Maine’s disc golf community and wanted to create his own course on his family’s land. He reached out to the Maine SBDC at CEI for assistance understanding what is involved… Read more »