Jess Fadale dreamed of owning her own Yoga studio! The vision was to open a collective of yoga instructors with a variety of specialties, giving their clients a holistic, well-rounded experience. After a decade-long career in sports business, she pivoted her strong marketing and business backgrounds to her passion for yoga.
Jess is a certified yoga instructor and has been teaching classes for the last couple of years in the Providence and Boston area. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher certification to share her love of movement with others. “My classes involve building strength, trying new things, laughing, falling down and getting back up.” All things we, small business owners included, need to learn to do more flexibly. Read More
This pandemic has had us all reassessing our future plans; personally, professionally, and in some cases geographically! Tom Sturdevant and his family decided that relocating from New Jersey to Maine was the right next step for them. Having summered here over the years they were ready to make it home full time and were looking to open a dual restaurant and market. He explored several options before settling on a property in Fryeburg, and when he approached Franklin Savings Bank for financing he was referred to the Maine SBDC for help with his application. 
John and Pam Edwards have owned TuneTown Music Gear in Wells for 18 years. They brought decades of musical industry experience to a vision of providing positive and nurturing experiences within music instruction, service, and sales. Their business features nine large state of the art lesson studios, a recording studio and a live performance stage. In the showroom, they offer a selection of instruments, keyboards, amplification, PA and recording gear, print music and accessories at competitive prices. Audio visual installations have been designed and completed in schools, churches, restaurants and Pease AFB. 
Tax season can be stressful, especially after another year dealing with Covid related funding from the PPP, EIDL, state and local grants, to unemployment income and other sources. While many people procrastinate when it comes to their taxes, the IRS has announced that it will begin to accept returns starting on January 23rd. For tips on getting your tax returned filed without delays, visit the 
Elissa Nally began working with Shannon Byers, Maine SBDC at CEI Center Director and Business Advisor, in 2019 as she started her dog grooming business. Byers was able to help her lay the groundwork for a solid business plan and financial projections, as well as offer a unique perspective as the previous owner of a similar dog grooming business! Byers advised Nally through the CEI Wicked Fast Microloan application process which led to the funding needed to open their doors! 
Graham Platner was born and raised in Maine before he went on to serve 8 years in the military, with 4 infantry tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Returning to Afghanistan to work for the Department of State, while on leave he was able to return to his roots and got a peek into the world of oyster farming, working beside Jock Crothers of Waukeag Neck Oyster farm
