Posts Categorized: Success Stories

China Lake Provisions – China

China Lake Provisions Logo

Mike Brown envisioned creating a welcoming space where the community could find high-quality, locally sourced food. That vision became China Lake Provisions, a deli, pizza, and sub shop offering a variety of healthy foods and local goods. When Mike and his team first set out to open their business, they faced a major hurdle: securing… Read more »

Mandy’s Paw-sitive Strides – Patten

Mandy’s Paw-sitive Strides is a dog-walking business owned and operated by Mandy Lyman, a dedicated animal lover in Patton, Maine. Mandy provides 30-minute walks for dogs, ensuring they receive exercise and care while their owners are busy. Fully licensed and insured, Mandy has also participated in dog obedience classes to deliver top-notch service. Mandy came… Read more »

SimKit – Scarborough

It’s a well-known truth that the most successful businesses solve real-world problems. That is exactly what Dr. Jason Hine, Emergency Medicine Physician in Maine set out to do by forming his company, SimKit. Unlike specialists, emergency physicians must be prepared to perform a wide range of procedures, often at a moment’s notice and under pressure…. Read more »

Fore & Wharf – Portland

Dylan John and his fiancé Ellen turned their passion for style and community into Fore & Wharf, a boutique located in the heart of Portland. Specializing in thoughtfully curated men’s and women’s clothing, the shop embodies the charm and lifestyle of New England. Dylan’s vision was to create a store that celebrates coastal living while… Read more »

Arranged by Amy – Greater Portland

Amy Smith, an occupational therapist (OT) for nearly 30 years, saw a recurring need among her older adult clients. She noticed many with cognitive and physical challenges struggled to stay organized, impacting their independence and daily functioning. Realizing she was in a unique position to help, Amy decided to start her own professional organizing business… Read more »

Jerome’s – Portland

Sasha Salzberg, Ian Daly, and Evan Carroll had a vision: to open an authentic New England sports bar in the heart of Portland. With combined expertise in bar management, design, and business management, the trio pooled their skills to make this dream a reality. However, their shared passion for bringing people together sparked the idea… Read more »

Ground Well Counseling – Bowdoinham

Ailish Kress has always had a passion for helping others. With a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in Adventure-based Counseling, she’s turning her passion into a career. Ailish set out to launch Ground Well Counseling, offering experiential counseling that integrates nature and therapy through garden-based techniques. Her innovative approach helps… Read more »

Gillies Law – Portland

Jennifer Gillies, owner of Gillies Law in Portland, Maine

Jennifer Gillies completed her law degree at the University of Maine before dedicating nearly 10 years to serving Maine’s immigrant community as an immigration attorney at a local firm. During her time at the University, Jennifer was introduced to immigration law through the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic, igniting her passion for assisting asylum seekers… Read more »

MainelyNP Primary Care – South Portland

Amy Brown, a dedicated nurse practitioner from South Portland, Maine, has always been passionate about healthcare. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she dreamed of providing more personalized and comprehensive care to her patients. This dream led her to establish MainelyNP Primary Care, a direct primary care practice offering a subscription-based model… Read more »

Maine Coast Creamery – Winslow

Maine Coast Creamery logo

Originally from Haiti, Ismael Thadal immigrated to Maine in 2007. He met Molly Hodgkins, a Maine native, in 2014, and they bonded over their shared love of ice cream. Ismael and Molly began making ice cream at home, working on perfecting their unique recipes with the help of friends, family, and community members who served… Read more »