Most affordable properties need some help and Maine has the oldest housing inventory in the country. According to the Maine Association of Realtors, the average age of a home in Maine is 42 years. As much as 24% of the housing stock was built prior to 1939. And although the older homes and apartment buildings… Read more »
Posts By: MaineSBDC_Admin
Lucinda’s Day Spa & Hair Studio – Cumberland
Marissa Elliott has worked at Lucinda’s Day Spa & Hair Studio for nine years, both in management and as an aesthetician, and recently had the unique opportunity to step into the owner’s shoes, as the owner looked to retire. However, the transition itself – putting together financial projections, negotiating the lease, purchase price, and gift… Read more »
Part I – Real Estate Investment and Rental Property Income: is it right for you?
Real estate is HOT right now just about everywhere! There are many factors contributing including pent-up demand, low-interest rates, and the US savings rate hitting a record high at 33%, more than it has been since the previous high of 17.3% set in 1975, at the same time wages have been rising. These factors have… Read more »
West Maquoit Vinegar Works – Brunswick
Making our resources known and accessible to the small business owners of Maine is a goal of the Maine SBDC, so we love seeing our business advisors customize the help their clients need! We work with all stages of business to help them understand and apply our help. Like Brad Messier and Elizabeth Guilbault, of… Read more »
Ignite PI – Presque Isle
Clint Deschene began 2020 at MSAD #1 as their Business Manager. As a Rotarian and a staple Presque Isle community member, Clint was no stranger to Central Aroostook and the challenges and opportunities in the region. After a visit with the philanthropic Rodney & Mary Smith Family Foundation, it was clear that Clint would make… Read more »
Reflections on 2021: It’s Okay To Just “Be”
By: Alison Lane, Business Advisor & 2021 State Star I used to own a restaurant, and January meant a lot of slow days. When there weren’t any coffees to pour, dishes to wash, or Quickbooks to update, I would ask myself: “How can I not waste this time?” “What else can I try to generate… Read more »
Minimum Wage Increase in 2022
Get Ready for the Minimum Wage Increase: 3 Practical Tips Minimum wage is increasing to $12.75 on January 1, 2022. (Maine law requires minimum wage adjustments annually based on the cost-of-living index.) Here are some practical tips to help you get ready:
West Bay Lawn Care – Gouldsboro
John Davis was thinking about starting a business and reached out to the Maine Small Business Development Center for some guidance. He began the business as a side hustle doing jobs with his tractor and partnering with another person doing lawn care. Fast forward two years and John is the owner of West Bay Lawn… Read more »
Mackenzie’s Mannered Mutts – Kenduskeag
When Mackenzie MacDougal came to Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Alison Lane, she had a big dream! She knew she loved working with dogs from her experience at a local kennel and felt like she was ready to branch out on her own to offer in-home dog training. She was inspired by a mentor… Read more »
Taco Trio – South Portland
Karen Rasmussen and her husband, Manny Peña, have been long-term owners of Taco Trio, a Mexican Restaurant in South Portland. The quality of their food and service have become a benchmark in the community and an ongoing reason for their continued growth. When they outgrew their first location, a perfect opportunity presented itself – as… Read more »