Kathryn Toppan and husband Sean Lent, of Bad Little Brewing Company, are an excellent example of how important persistence is when it comes to starting a small business. They have been working with Maine SBDC advisors throughout our network to get their brewery and restaurant open since 2019! Moreover, throughout the process there has been an incredible amount of teamwork between our business advisors. As new roadblocks popped up, different business advisors stepped in to help navigate the next stage. Read More
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
Karen Rasmussen and her husband, Manny Peña, have been long-term owners of Taco Trio, a Mexican Restaurant in South Portland. The quality of their food and service have become a benchmark in the community and an ongoing reason for their continued growth. When they outgrew their first location, a perfect opportunity presented itself – as a much larger space just down the street, that would fit both their needs and the needs of their customers, plus some. 