Rhona Johnson Deah saw an unmet need in the marketplace when she couldn’t find on-trend beauty services specifically designed for style-conscious ethnic women in Maine. With this in mind, she left her job as a medical technician, apprenticed with several beauty salons, and obtained her full cosmetology license in 2021. She started her business by renting space in a Westbrook salon, but her dream was to open a business of her own where women of color could feel understood and appreciated. Read More
Blog
Tech Options for Your Small Business
Maine SBDC at NMDC Business Advisor and Center Director Brandon McDonald recently presented on new tech tools small businesses should know about to both a group of Maine small businesses owners as well as at the New England Professional Development (NEPD) conference for business advisors! His experience as a former Video Game Software Developer, IT contractor, and a Maine Technology Institute IT board member have contributed to his understanding of these tools. As a business advisor for Northern Maine, he helps small businesses throughout the county stay connected and understand the tools and resources available to them! However, this list of resources is a broad overview of what is available and the Maine SBDC does not endorse any of these products. You’ll know your small business needs better than anyone and should seek out the tools that best fit your situation! Read More
Little Mainer – Yarmouth
After retiring from teaching in 2020, Kathie Bradeen started using her crafting skills to print Maine-themed designs on toddler and babywear. She wanted an alternative to the ubiquitous “touristy” designs printed on low-quality clothing, to give as gifts to the babies and toddlers in her life. Frustrated by the lack of options she was finding, she saw a need in the marketplace and Little Mainer was born! A successful business must always address a need or solve a problem in the marketplace, and Kathie found her niche. Read More
Martin’s Service and Sales – Andover
Tracy and Joe Greenwood are a dynamic duo and were excited at the opportunity to purchase Martin’s Service and Sales. With Tracy’s business skills and Joe’s mechanical skills, they hoped to win over Martin’s regulars and grow the decades-old business to its full capacity in 2022. Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Alison Lane came into the fold to help traverse the transition and clean up the financials under new ownership. Read More
Skipper Services – Portland
For 20 years Phillip Browne has been on the water, between sailing and lobstering, he has developed a deep love for the ocean and the way of life here in Maine. For years he’s watched the same routine boat tours and imagined a day when he could offer customizable experiences to others who wanted to see the coast he had come to know and love. Slowly Maine Coast Cruising (MCC) came together, first as a dream, then an idea, and eventually a plan which became an actualized business! Read More
Where’s the Money Hiding?!?
For most small businesses there is some form of funding necessary to get started. Your options are both broad but also limited depending on your type of business and what you bring to the table! We’ve put together a breakdown of things to consider when looking for funding, for more information check out the full webinar presentation by Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Ann McAlhany, viewable HERE! Read More
Katharine Jane Jewelry – Morrill
There are so many reasons to shop small, especially when looking for a special or unique gift! Small-scale production means you’ll be supporting a specific small business and supporting a more local economy. Focusing in even further, you’ll be supporting a small business owner; like Katharine Mason, of Katharine Jane Jewelry! Read More
Maine SBDC Business Advisors Receive Certifications
Certified Business Advisors Cole, Oddleifson, Lancaster, Allen, Ramsdell, McDonald, Lane, & Piconi recognized
Top – Chris Cole, Tina Oddleifson, Anne Lancaster, Lori Allen
Bottom – Christina Ramsdell, Brandon McDonald, Alison Lane, Peter Piconi
The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC), a state-wide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, recognized eight (8) business advisors who received their Core Competencies Certification from the New England Professional Development (NEPD) group on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Newly certified advisors include Christine Cole (Portland), Tina Oddleifson (Portland), Anne Lancaster (Biddeford), Lori Allen (Auburn), Christina Ramsdell (Auburn), Brandon McDonald (Caribou), Alison Lane (Bangor), and Peter Piconi (Waterville). Read More
Fish & Whistle – Biddeford
Fish & Whistle was conceptualized by husband and wife duo Jason Eckerson and Kate Hamm. They dreamed of a small neighborhood restaurant that could showcase the best of Maine’s seafood while remaining approachable and fun. Kate and Jason have worked in the restaurant industry for over 20 years and felt it was time to try and venture out on their own. They connected with the Maine SBDC business advisor Susan Desgrosseilliers, who helped them work through many aspects of their restaurant, including financial, managerial, and legal matters. Read More
Elder Law Offices – Lewiston
Mia Poliquin Pross began her career in the non-profit sector, developing a skill set (and a heart) for supporting more vulnerable populations. As she shifted to private law practice at the Elder Law Offices of Kathleen Kienitz, she continued to focus on those in need, helping families plan for long-term care needs, transitions, and other matters important to an aging population. In January 2022, she acquired the law firm, and it became the Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. She worked closely with Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Raynor Large to finalize her business plan and projections, they considered multiple financing options, and smoothly transitioned into the new ownership, all while keeping the office disruption to a minimum and maintaining the high-quality service and care the firm’s clients deserve and expect. Read More