“Working with entrepreneurs gives me so much joy and energy,” Stella commented upon starting her new role in mid-March. “There’s always something new to learn or a new problem to tackle.”
Stella Hernandez Joins NVME Staff
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NVME News
NVME Awards 2026 Gilda E. Nardone Scholarships
NVME Executive Director Janet Smith recently announced the recipients of the 2026 Gilda E. Nardone (GEN) Scholarship. Awards of $1,000 each will help defray the cost of college tuition and other expenses for adult learners pursuing higher education during the 2026-27 academic year. Gilda Nardone presented the scholarship awards to students at Making It Happen 2026—an event to celebrate scholarship, entrepreneurship, and leadership—at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) on March 26th.
Janice de Lima Receives 2026 Merle Nelson Women Making A Difference Award
New Ventures Maine honored Janice de Lima of Falmouth with the 2026 Merle Nelson Women Making A Difference Award at Making It Happen 2026, a celebration of scholarship, entrepreneurship, and leadership on March 26.
New Ventures Maine Announces Marketing Mini-Grant Contest Winners
New Ventures Maine (NVME) has announced the winners of the statewide 2026 Marketing Mini-Grant Competition. Nine Maine businesses won cash grants of $1,000 for new or expanded business marketing and promotion projects through a competitive application process.
Riversbend Paddle Co. Wins NVME Marketing Mini-Grant for Northern Maine
New Ventures Maine recently announced the winners of their statewide 2026 Marketing Mini-Grant Competition. Riversbend...
Grazy Acres Wins NVME Marketing Mini-Grant for Midcoast Maine
As the business transitions into a licensed dairy with increased production capacity, mini-grant funding will support the development of professional, compliant labeling and packaging that is essential for retail readiness and market expansion.
Rabbit’s Foot Farm Wins Central Maine Marketing Mini-Grant in Statewide Competition
Rabbit’s Foot Farm is a luxury goat milk soap and herbal skincare company focused on improving skin. The company’s mission is to bring clean, calm, and luxury to one’s everyday routine.
Paradox Design Company Wins Mini-Grant to Boost Marketing
Paradox Design Company is a graphic design and illustration company focusing on creating logos, branding, and mascots for businesses that value outdoor lifestyles, sports, local heritage, and pushing the envelope.
Victoria Flynn Consulting Wins Marketing Mini-Grant in New Ventures Maine Competition
Victoria Flynn Consulting focuses on strategic grant-writing services that increase revenue for nonprofits, small businesses, and municipalities in Maine and nationwide.
Next Wave Preparedness Wins NVME Mini-Grant to Boost Marketing
Next Wave Preparedness supports professionals and organizations at every stage by enhancing operations, modernizing systems, and providing trusted guidance to navigate complex challenges with confidence.
Timber Candle Bar & Boutique Receives Marketing Mini-Grant
Timber Candle Bar & Boutique is a one-of-a-kind candle making and retail experience. The company’s mission is to create a warm, welcoming place where people can slow down, have fun, and make something meaningful.
Sunshine Nutrition Wins Marketing Mini-Grant for Western Maine
“This mini-grant will be instrumental in helping us reach our sales goals by strengthening and expanding our customer base,” said Owner Bill Gagne.