View our full March 2017 Newsletter (PDF download)
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In this update: Help us celebrate 40 years! * March 22nd is SBDC day * New guide to starting a business released
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 We are excited to announce that we are celebrating 40 years of helping build and strengthen Maine’s small businesses through no-cost business advising and training.
In 1977, the University of Southern Maine (USM) was among eight pilot sites funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to test the concept of leveraging federal, state and higher education resources to assist entrepreneurs and spur economic growth. The program proved successful. Beginning in 1980, small businesses nationwide could access the services provided by the SBA’s Small Business Development Centers.
Since then, Maine SBDC business advisors have helped tens of thousands of entrepreneurs to start over 2,000 new businesses, create and save over 13,400 jobs and obtain over $563 million in capital to start and grow their businesses.
To our clients, stakeholders, partners, advisors and staff:
 Thank you for your support of our program! We look forward to many more years of providing no-cost, professional business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Maine.Want to help us celebrate? Help spread the word about our program! Here’s a few suggestions:
1. Share your story with us here. We are want to highlight your business as a thank you for your support of our program!
2. Review and share your experience with us on Facebook!
4. Help us celebrate the first annual #SBDCday! Details below!
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 Did you know that the Maine SBDC is part of a nationwide network of nearly 1,000 Small Business Development Centers?For the first time ever, we are all teaming up to celebrate #SBDCday on March 22, 2017. SBDC day is a national, collective proclamation of the success and impact our program has across the nation in the economic development and small business communities! #SBDCday will celebrate the hundreds of thousands of clients we serve by sharing, in real time, the success stories and notable impacts.
Help us showcase the small business community in Maine! We want the highlight the impact of the Maine SBDC. You can help us participate in this inaugural #SBDCDay campaign. Share your story with us! Pledge your support on Thunderclap! Like, share and review us on Facebook! Help us create some buzz and spread the word about the great services that are available to any Mainer who seeks assistance in starting, managing or growing their business! For more information, click here.
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 Starting a business is challenging – there are many things to think about, decide upon and do. At the Maine SBDC one of the most frequent requests we get is for assistance with starting a business. Our goal is to make sure you are on the right track with access to helpful information, resources and expert advice. A Guide to Starting a Business in Maine will help you with your questions, planning, research and preparation to launch a business. The Guide will answer your questions about determining the probable success of your business, selecting a business entity, finding financing, writing a business plan, registering your business, getting insurance, selecting a name, reporting taxes and much more.
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