Congratulations to Mill Cove Baking Company!
Nina Murray, the owner of Mill Cove Baking Company, has been selected as our Fall 2018 Southern Maine Marketing Mini-Grant Pitch Competition recipient. Murray will receive $500 to use towards the design of new product packaging.
“Thank you so much, how exciting!” Murray wrote after receiving notification that she won the $500 grant. “The funds will be put to very good use!” Murray says this project will alleviate a major labor headache. She currently hand stickers every single bag herself, both front and back. Her sales have increased to the point she is spending four to five hours of labor a week in stickering time alone. “As the sole operator and employee of my company, my time is very valuable, and this will allow me to spend less time labeling and more time producing and selling the product.”
About Mill Cove Baking Company
Mill Cove Baking Company is a wholesale specialty food business in Portland. They make packaged handmade crackers that are currently distributed and sold to 45 grocery stores and restaurants in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
Thoughts From the Judges
Judges Peter Godsoe of Norway Savings Bank, and Lisa Sweet and Sarah Hutchins of New Ventures Maine shared:
- “I liked the breakdown of impact the grant would have on her business.”
- “Her financial facts were in good order.”
- “Great slide show. She knows her product!”
About the Marketing Mini-Grant Program
Our Marketing Mini-Grant Program aims to strengthen access to markets for micro-businesses by supporting the development of marketing tools, materials, and activities. The mini-grants are funded in part by Norway Savings Bank.
This grant is offered twice a year in each of New Ventures Maine’s six regions statewide. The next competition will be held in spring 2019. Keep an eye on our Marketing Mini-Grant page to learn more about upcoming competitions!