On June 5th, G-Force Adventure Center & Laser Tag in Brewer reopened its doors for the first time in three months, following a mandatory shutdown due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The business has been operating in the “new normal” for nearly a month now, and while business isn’t back to pre-COVID levels by any stretch, the small weekly increases in calls, visitors, and birthday party reservations bring hope for the future. While the past four months have been a challenge, owner Brian Plavnick considers himself one of the lucky ones.Read More
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Farmington Underground Escape Room – Farmington, ME
COVID has caused massive disruptions in the way we all do business. Businesses throughout Maine are finding unique and interesting ways to connect with their customers, find new revenue streams, and keep their businesses afloat. Want to share how your business is pivoting? Contact us here.
Joseph Musumeci and Mary Ellms own Farmington Underground Escape Room Center, which offers residents and visitors to the area a chance to fully immerse themselves in one of two (soon to be three!) themed rooms. Guests have one hour to use puzzles, clues, hints, teamwork, and intuition to figure everything out and achieve victory. The business brings much-needed recreation to Western Maine and has established a loyal following. Read More
Cape Whoopies, Maine’s Gourmet Whoopie Pie – South Portland, Maine
Marcia Wiggins founded Cape Whoopies, Maine’s Gourmet Whoopie Pie in 2012. Located in South Portland, Maine, Cape Whoopies offers gourmet, unique whoopie pies that feature ingredients from all over the globe, such as chocolate from the Netherlands and vanilla from Madagascar. Cape Whoopies has seen explosive growth, outgrowing their space multiple times.
Acupuncture Clinic of Rhonda Feiman – Belfast, Maine
Like many small business owners, Rhonda Feiman, acupuncturist, wonders how long it will be before her clinic experiences some level of normalcy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns of safety, logistics, and compliance prevent Rhonda from reopening her practice to in-person care. She’s been serving her clients through telehealth for several months, but a lack of personal contact left a void in her offerings and her bank account.Read More
Business Owners – the SBDC needs your help.
Help us help you.
Serving Customers During a Pandemic
By: Keenan Hendricks, Maine SBDC Intern
Customer service looks different these days. As a business owner, you are in control of how your customers see you through this shift. While it is vital to try your best to enforce and follow CDC safety guidelines, there are opportunities to serve and develop relationships with your customers amidst the pandemic.
Here are some tips from a recent webinar hosted by Business Advisor Susan Desgrosseilliers.
COVID Stories: TuneTown Music Gear | Retail & Service
COVID has caused massive disruptions in the way we all do business. Businesses throughout Maine are finding unique and interesting ways to connect with their customers, find new revenue streams, and keep their businesses afloat. Want to share how your business is pivoting? Contact us here.
John and Pam Edwards have owned TuneTown Music Gear for 16 years in Wells. They bring generations of musical industry experience with the vision of providing a positive and nurturing experience in 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, audiovisual installations in schools, churches, and military bases, print music and accessories at competitive prices. TuneTown also provides repair and maintenance on instruments and electronics.Read More
COVID Stories: Wine Wise in Portland | Events & Experiences
COVID has caused massive disruptions in the way we all do business. Businesses throughout Maine are finding unique and interesting ways to connect with their customers, find new revenue streams, and keep their businesses afloat. Want to share how your business is pivoting? Contact us here.
Erica Archer owns Wine Wise. In normal times, Wine Wise provides wine, food, and spirit-based experiences. She and her team host group events that help connect customers to Maine’s vibrant food and beverage scene. Wine Wise hosts these wine and food events on sailboats and on walks through Portland’s bustling downtown. She also hosts trips to wine regions around the World.
COVID Stories: My-FIT-24 in Gorham | Heath & Fitness
COVID has caused massive disruptions in the way we all do business. Businesses throughout Maine are finding unique and interesting ways to connect with their customers, find new revenue streams, and keep their businesses afloat. Want to share how your business is pivoting? Contact us here.
Stacey and Jesse Coleman own My-FIT-24, a 24-hour fitness facility located in Gorham. Started in 2007, My-FIT-24 provides access to fitness equipment, personal training, and group classes. The couple and their team are passionate about creating sustainable fitness solutions for their clients and community. Their programs are based on science to provide safe and effective workouts.Read More
COVID Stories: Acacia House Inn in Bar Harbor | Lodging & Hospitality
COVID has caused massive disruptions in the way we all do business. Businesses throughout Maine are finding unique and interesting ways to connect with their customers, find new revenue streams, and keep their businesses afloat. Want to share how your business is pivoting? Contact us here.
Anna Durand and her husband own Acacia House Inn located in downtown Bar Harbor. Housed in a 10th-century building, this classic B&B features 9 rooms with soft linens, private baths, hardwood floors, and some with balconies. Full breakfast is served every morning with local ingredients.Read More