Business Consulting
The Association of Consulting Expertise (A.C.E.)
A great resource for those seeking consulting expertise as well as a professional organization for consultant entrepreneurs. Service seekers can tap the datbase by needed professional skills. For more information, consultexpertise.com
Maine Center for Enterprise Development (MCED)
Provides an experiential learning environment to start-up companies and early-stage entrepreneurs for the creation and growth of quality companies through incubation, entrepreneurial development and education. For more information, mced.biz
Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD)
Dedicated to helping companies in Maine grow and prosper. Its goal is to create an energetic business climate that will expand Maine's economy, attract new businesses and create jobs and prosperity for its citizens. For more information, econdevmaine.com
Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
Provide comprehensive business management assistance, training, resource and information services to Maine's micro, small, and technology-based business communities. For more information, mainesbdc.org
SCORE
A volunteer organization of retired executives that provide counseling and assistance to those wishing to start or improve their business. Counseling sessions available. Chapters located in Augusta, Bangor, Ellsworth, Lewiston/Auburn, Mexico, Portland and South Paris. For more information, scoremaine.org
Work It Up
A great resource for entrepreneurs seeking defined short-term counsel in marketing, finance, project management and other business-related functions. For more information, workitup.org
Workshops
Maine Business Works
An on-line business development resource offering a Statewide event calendar for upcoming workshops, programs and training. For more information, mainebusinessworks.org
Maine Center for Enterprise Development (MCED) - see above under Business Consulting
Monthly workshops for entrepreneurs. Go to "Events" on the MCED website.
Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) - see above under Business Consulting
On-line and on-demand workshops on starting your small business; marketing for small business; the business plan; government contracting.
Target Information Technology Incubator (TargetTech)
Located within the Target Technology Center in Orono, Maine. The facility provides a superior environment for information technology development and commercialization activities. In addition to the Incubator, the facility houses University of Maine researchers and private sector technology firms, providing them with the space, support services, and resources they need to be successful. The facility was developed by the Bangor Target Area Development Corporation in partnership with the University of Maine. This center is one of seven applied technology development centers in Maine designed to assist firms engaged in technology related activities. For more information, targetincubator.umaine.edu
Technology Association of Maine (TechMaine)
Tthe statewide trade association for Maine's technology industries. TechMaine enhances the technology sectors through programs designed to increase awareness of the industry, develop community, industry perception and workforce development. Since 1992, TechMaine has been an advocate and a resource base for Maine's technology industry. As an advocate, TechMaine has succeeded in passing legislation to assist the industry. As a resource, TechMaine supplies information, educational programs and services for its members. TechMaine is dedicated to growing the industry by creating a constructive and stimulating environment. For more information, www.techmaine.com
Networking
Environmeal & Energy Technology Council of Maine
An association of private companies, government agencies, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations committed to advancing sector's sustainable job growth, research and development and new product commercialization. Monthly forums are usually held at the Maine Audobon Educational Center, Falmouth, ME. For more information, e2Tech.org
Maine Biotechnology Association
An umbrella organization of Maine's biotechnology community (trade association of Biotechnology Association of Maine as well as educational nonprofit Center for Innovation in Biotechnology) holding 4 - 6 meetings/year. For more information, mainebiotech.org
Maine Composites Alliance
Comprised of small and mid-sized shops proud to deliver innovative, high-quality, cutting-edge design and manufacturing services for the marine, automotive, aerospace, architecture and industrial industries in Maine, as well as for businesses throughout the United States and around the world. For more information, mainecompositesalliance.org
Maine Entrepreneurs Linked-In Discussion Group
Join this group to see and email other members of the group. There are monthly networking meetings on the 3rd Wednesday each month. For more information and to register, linkedin.com
Maine Investment Exchange (MIX)
An enterprise created by Maine & Company and supported by private businesses throughout the State, provides forums to bring together providers of risk capital with qualified entrepreneurs seeking capital. Presenting companies are pre-selected through an application process and are provided with an opportunity to make a brief forma presentation to an audience of investors along with an opportunity for networking. For more information, maineco.org/Maine_Investment_Exchange.php
PROPEL
Young members division of the Portland Regional Chamber. For more information, propelportland.org
Other Resources
ASET
University of Southern Maine School of Applied Science Engineering and Technology. Contact Bill Moore, Director, Manufacturing Applications Center at wmoore@usm.maine.edu
Maine & Company
Maine Company is a private, non-profit corporation whose staff provides free and confidential services to companies locating to or growing in Maine. Services include real estate site searches, data collection and analysis, incentives identification and valuation, site visit coordination, and financing coordination. For more information visit maineco.org
Maine Patent Program
The Maine Patent Program is funded by the state legislature "to support the commercialization and manufacturing of innovations in the State by providing education and assistance with the patent process of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to companies, inventors and entrepreneurs in the State." For more information, mainepatent.org
Top Gun
A program of the Maine Center for Enterprise Development (MCED). A customized 15-week leadership and entrepreneurial development program that identifies highly talented entrepreneurs in Maine and matches them with mentors who provide guidance as they continue to develop their innovative business model, create and articulate high growth strategic and operational plans, access investment funds and move their businesses toward key milestones. For more information, mcedtopgun.biz
Economic and Regional Development Organizations
Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG)
Serves the Western Maine communities of Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties.
AVCOG provides financing assistance for start-ups, expansions and modernizations throughout the tri-county area. For more information, avcog.org
Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC)
EMDC is a non-profit organization providing resources and assistance to businesses and community leaders to ensure the future success of the region. EMDC works one-on-one with companies of all sizes, offering everything from business counseling to workforce training programs to lending programs. EMDC serves the six Eastern Counties of Maine: Hancock, Knox, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, and Washington Counties. For more information, emdc.org
Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG)
GPCOG provides a variety of planning services to businesses in the greater Portland and Lakes Region areas. For more information, gpcog.org
Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG)
KVCOG serves local governments in Kennebec, Somerset, and western Waldo Counties. KVCOG provides financing assistance and counseling for start-ups, expansions and modernizations throughout the tri-county area. For more information, kvcog.org
Maine Economic Growth Counsel (MEGC)
MEGC was established by the Legislature in 1993 and charged with developing and maintaining a long term economic plan for the state, including goal-setting, measurable outcomes, and benchmarks. For more information, mdf.org and click on "Maine Economic Growth Counsel"
Maine International Trade Center (MITC)
MITC is Maine's center for international business assistance. Formed in 1996, the Trade Center provides technical assistance and trade counseling, import and export leads, international credit reports, workshops, coordinated trade missions and trade shows, and many other useful services to help Maine companies seeking to succeed in international markets. For more information, mitc.com
Maine Office of Innovation
The Office of Innovation was established in 2004 by the Maine Legislature to "encourage and coordinate the State's research and development activities to foster collaboration among the State's higher education and nonprofit research institutes and the business community." The office provides strategic direction, promotion, measurement and evaluation of innovation-related public investments in Maine. For more information, maineinnovation.com
Maine Rural Development Authority
The Maine Rural Development Authority provides financial assistance to communities and their development partners to develop speculative commercial and industrial buildings and assisting in developing or redeveloping underutilized commercial industrial properties. For more information, mainerda.org
Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC)
NMDC provides regional planning, economic and community development, business loans and packaging, geographic information system services, and small business counseling services to the northern Maine region For more information, nmdc.org
Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC)
SCEC was formed by area citizens to initiate and facilitate the creation of prosperity and jobs in Washington County. For more information, sunrisecounty.org
Initial Funding
Bangor Savings and Coastal Enterprises, Inc. - New Markets Tax Credit Loan Fund
These two teamed up in 2009 to secure a federal grant for making loans to small and emerging businesses; funds are mainly for the "bricks and mortar" or other depreciable assets. Geographic limitations apply. Contact John Moore, Sr., VP Community Development Lending at john.moore@bangor.org
Coastal Enterprises, Inc.
Provides capital and support in the development of job-creating small businesses, natural resources industries, community facilities, and affordable housing with its primary market in Maine, but, in recent years, has expanded several of its financing programs to northern New England, upstate New York and beyond. For more information, ceimaine.org
Finance Authority of Maine (FAME)
FAME is an independent state agency that develops and administers programs related to the financing of both Higher Education and Business in the State of Maine. For more information, famemaine.com
Libra Future Fund
Funding available to entrepreneurs under 30 years of age, with a business plan, good references and a passion for what they are doing. For more information, librafoundation.org or contact Erik Hayward, Coordinator at 879-6280 to request a copy of the application form.
Maine Angels
An organized group of more than 46 individuals who make early-stage equity investments. Maine Angels act as a mechansm for interested individuals to collaboratively locate, investigate and maek investments in early-stage, high risk/return opportunities. For more information, maineangels.org
Maine Development Foundation
Comprehensive resource of funding programs posted for download; also provided are details on each funding program along with charts listing stage of business and type of assistance they provide. Go to mdf.org
Maine Investment Exchange (MIX) - see above under Networking
Maine Technology Institute (MTI)
MTI offers early-stage, patient capital and commercialization assistance for the research and development of innovative, technology based projects that create new products and services, generating jobs in the state of Maine. For more information, mainetechnology.org
Victoria Hilliard Donovan Fund Award
Annual $500 financial award to women entrepreneurs who are developing technology-based products through the MCED's incubation program or as one of the USM Annual Business Plan Competition Finalists. Recipients are selected by Maine Center for Enterprise Development (MCED). For more information contact MCED, see above under Business Consulting .
Women, Work & Community - New Ventures Loan Fund
Micro loans up to $1,500 for micro entrepreneurs in start-up or early development stage of small business. For more information, womenworkandcommunity.org