Blog

Environmentally Conscious Cost Savings

By: Jared Entwistle, Maine SBDC Intern

Environmental Conscious Cost Savings In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important for small businesses to think about ways to conserve cash flow. This often presents a dilemma for those who want to be conscious of their carbon footprint: how can I reduce my business’s environmental impact while maintaining a budget? 

Many businesses are aware of the impact of things like switching to LEDs. In this blog, we’ll focus on ideas that will produce immediate cost savings with a minimal investment which can also help maintain your commitment to the environment. 

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Unmatched Apparel – Lewiston

Unmatched Apparel - Lewiston - Maine SBDC

Unmatched Apparel

Alexis and business partner Tawni have a shared passion for using creative tailoring skills to upcycle thrift-based clothing into unique and expressive apparel. While originally only doing so for themselves and friends, and an appreciation for their environmental movement, a vibrant brand quickly grew. They name their unique business Unmatched Apparel. As the two experienced greater demand for their products, Unmatched Apparel’s presence on social media started to gain a lot of traction. While launching an online platform for promotion and utilizing E-Commerce, they wanted to make sure they fulfilled the correct steps to become an official business. The two reached out to the Maine Small Business Development Centers for assistance. 

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Sew Rugged – Sedgwick

Sew Rugged - Logo When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Liz Meadows was forced to close the doors of her 17-year-old successful massage therapy business. She could not, in good conscience, put her clients or herself at risk of exposure to the deadly virus. An entrepreneur at heart, Liz took it as an opportunity saying, “there is nothing like the end of one career to kick-start another.”

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Am I an Entrepreneur?

By: Jared Entwistle, Maine SBDC Intern

How do I know I’m an entrepreneur?

Am I an Entrepreneur - Blog Post

Thinking about starting a business? Have an idea but unsure if you have what it takes to be a business owner? Maybe you’re one of the many people who are tired of working for someone else? Whatever the case, before you start a business, you’ll want to ask yourself if it’s the right move for you. Below we’ve broken down some of the key attributes of successful business owners and entrepreneurs so that you can decide if this is the right move for you.

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Mills Market – Andover

Mills Market - Andover Maine Mills Market has been a staple of Andover since the 1890s. In its 4th generation of family ownership, this local country store provides a variety of grocery items as well as homemade prepared foods. Located in a prime location for tourists, many local customers have been coming into the market for years as well as their children and grandchildren.

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NEW: Marketing & Bookkeeping Specialists Now Available

Maine SBDC clients can access free, in-depth expertise in digital marketing and accounting and bookkeeping.

 

SBDC advising specialists group picture

Digital Marketing Specialists provide guidance in areas such as:

  • Websites & Ecommerce
  • Social media and email marketing
  • Advertising and measuring success
  • Digital marketing strategy specific to your business

Our Accounting & Bookkeeping Specialist provides guidance in areas such as:Read More

Small Business Support in the American Rescue Plan

Small Business Support in the American Rescue Plan - Maine SBDCOn March 12th, the third stimulus bill called the American Rescue Plan passed into law. The bill consists of $1.9 trillion to help people and businesses struggling with the pandemic. Here’s what you can expect from the bill for your small business.

Please note: Updates to these programs are likely as details are finalized. As always, Maine SBDC will keep you posted as details unfold. Sign up for our newsletter  or follow us on Facebook to get the latest updates. 

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The Only Doughnut – Belfast

The Only Doughnut Logo

Sally Jaskold, then owner of “The Only Doughnut” in Belfast, came to the Maine SBDC feeling stressed and overwhelmed:  Her successful farmer’s market bakery had morphed into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar operation with multiple employees, and she was feeling limited in her business-savvy skills.  Connecting with Business Advisor Alison Lane allowed her to take a deep breath and think proactively about her next steps. 

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Timberwolves BBQ – Mars Hill

Timberwolves BBQ - Mars HillMichael Stiggle is the heart and soul of Timberwolves Restaurant, a family-owned and operated barbecue restaurant and bar located just one mile from the Canadian border in the small town of Mars Hill. Whether you find him cooking the “Best Burger in Maine” (as designated by Downeast Magazine), working on his new barbecue sauce line, or sharing a story with his customers, Michael Stiggle is a constant reminder that there are amazing things happening in Aroostook County. 

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Employee COVID Vaccine Policy?

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Maine Law and MeRTEC
2-26-2021

Employee COVID Vaccine Policy - Maine SBDCCoronavirus cases continue to be reported throughout the state. As of mid-February the total number of cases in Maine has exceeded 43,000, with more than 1,500 hospitalizations and 650 deaths. The data shows that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and many Maine employers and employees alike may be wondering whether an employer can require vaccinations. In other words, will businesses be able to require their employees to get the vaccine?Read More