Rochelle Albert has spent years honing her craft in bartending and catering, learning the ins and outs of creating memorable experiences and delicious cocktails. In 2023, her priorities shifted significantly when she gave birth to her son. As a single mother, she wanted to find a way to be with her son full-time and provide for her family in a meaningful way. This is why she started Eido Bar Company. Read More
Eido Bar Company – Winslow
4Health Family Medicine – Windham
Su-Anne Hammond is a lifelong Mainer who has spent the last 20 years providing primary care to families in Southern Maine. She has always prioritized creating genuine doctor-patient relationships that allow her to treat the whole person. She envisioned opening her own private practice that would offer affordable, accessible, and direct care to patients. This is why she founded 4Health Family Medicine in Windham, offering a refreshing alternative to the conventional healthcare system. Read More
Ferda Farms – Brunswick
Established in 2018, Ferda Farms is an oyster farm nestled along the picturesque New Meadows River in Brunswick. Committed to sustainable and responsible farming practices, Ferda Farms specializes in cultivating fresh, high-quality Bombazine Oysters that capture the essence of the pristine Maine waters. Business owners Maxwell Burtis and his father Chris are experienced mariners with a deep-rooted connection to Maine’s working waterfront and coastal environment.Read More
Acadia Insulation – Lewiston
After years of working for a large insulation contractor, Wesley (Wes) Grover decided it was time to start his own business. Wes, a U.S. Army veteran, was dissatisfied with the profit-driven approach of his previous employer. He wanted his new venture to prioritize customer service and employee well-being. His goal was to create a workplace culture grounded in fairness, inclusivity, and respect.
For guidance in starting his new business, Wes turned to Business Advisor Chris Dodge at the Maine SBDC. Together, they worked on establishing his LLC, with Chris providing valuable support as Wes developed his business plan and financial projections. These tools proved instrumental when he pitched his business to investors. In addition to a significant owner’s investment, Wes was able to secure the funds needed to launch his business.
Reflecting on his work with the Maine SBDC, Wes comments, “Chris is very knowledgeable, engaging, and offers excellent direction and advice. I would not have been able to build this business as quickly as I did without her knowledge and input.”
Wes officially launched Acadia Insulation in February 2024 in Lewiston, Maine. Veteran-owned and operated, the company specializes in batt, blown-in, and spray foam insulation, primarily serving builders and contractors in the new construction market. Exceeding expectations, Acadia Insulation closed its first year with $2.2M in revenue—nearly double the initial projection of $1.2M-$1.4M.
Looking to the future, Wes plans to expand services to include foundation waterproofing and gutter installation, offering clients a one-stop solution for their needs. The company’s projections for 2025 are $4M in revenue, driven by these new service lines and continued organic growth. With plans to build a dedicated sales team and launch advertising initiatives, Acadia Insulation aims to reach new markets and strengthen its position in the industry.
Acadia Insulation’s veteran-led team embraces the motto “Adapt and Overcome,” guiding them through challenges such as equipment breakdowns, weather disruptions, and shifting project schedules. By focusing on what they can control and integrating themselves into their customers’ build teams, the company fosters a culture of trust. This ensures projects are completed to the highest standards.
With a foundation rooted in teamwork, quality, and innovation, Acadia Insulation is poised for sustained growth. Wes’s leadership reflects a commitment to creating a company where values drive success. Their mission is to add value to every project, and their culture enables them to deliver exceptional results.
For more information, visit their website!
Interstate Bowling Center & Town Line Sports Grille – Hallowell
Donna Oliver & her husband, Hurley, are longtime bowling enthusiasts with 25+ years of experience working in the industry – having met at the original Interstate Bowling Center in 2000. When the owner of Sparetime Recreation and Ground Round Sports Grille in Hallowell decided he wanted to retire, Donna was the perfect fit to take over the business. She saw ownership as the natural progression from her role as manager and longtime employee.Read More
New England Iron Pollo – Bangor
When Alberto Mateo moved to Maine in 2022, he brought extensive experience in the food industry. After experiencing Maine’s popularity as a foodie state, Alberto wanted to start a business that celebrated Maine’s rich history as the former chicken capital of the world (a commonly forgotten fact) and also incorporated his heritage with Caribbean Latino flavors. His new business, New England Iron Pollo in Bangor, brings these elements together in a flavorful menu specializing in cast iron-broiled chicken.Read More
Hurt & Co – Scarborough
Melinda Hurt has been a physical therapist for over a decade and a business co-owner for several years. As she considered her future, she wanted something more and decided it was time to start out on her own. Melinda knew she’d need help navigating the complexities of transitioning away from her partnership and support bringing her new vision to life. At the recommendation of a friend and fellow business owner, she reached out to the Maine Small Business Development Center (SBDC).Read More
Handful Studios – Portland
Julian Erickson-Watson’s love for pottery began during his senior year of college when he decided to enroll in a pottery class. Not knowing what would come of it, he chose to follow this passion to see where it would lead him. Eventually, Julian relocated to Maine, where he discovered the rich pottery community in Portland. Julian set out to put down roots by opening his very own pottery teaching studio. That’s when he turned to the SBDC!
Sip House – Freeport
In the spring of 2023, Tammy Nonni took the bold step of becoming a business owner by acquiring a cafe in downtown Freeport. Over the next few months, she undertook numerous renovations and changes, culminating in the re-launch of the establishment as Sip House. Tammy envisioned the cafe and smoothie shop as a welcoming and safe space for the Freeport community and visitors to come together. Leveraging her background as an integrative health coach and herbalist, she curated a unique menu featuring local organic drinks and bites.Read More
Palette Crêperie – Monhegan
Originally hailing from Morocco and residing New York City, Redwane Gatarny, a trained chef, embarked on a journey back to his culinary roots. After seven years in public health, he decided to return to his passion for good food with a dream of sharing the authentic flavors he remembers from his childhood. He wanted to open a seasonal food trailer on Monhegan Island.Read More