Written by Eloise Vitelli, Director of Program and Policy Development One of the great pleasures of living in New England is the change of seasons. The transition to fall is a personal favorite. This time of year brings the bounty of the summer harvests, cooler temperatures, and beautiful fall colors. It is a time for fall chores: stack the wood, clear out the garden, tidy up the yard. …
Written by Jenn Dobransky, MidCoast Microenterprise Specialist Loving & Knowing Doing what you love and what you know is the starting point for any small business. The exercise of creating a solid mission or vision statement for your business starts with the loving and knowing. Articulating the direction and goals of your business, and doing so in a paragraph or less, sounds like an easy thing to accomplish. …
The USDA Rural Development office in Bangor has announced it is awarding New Ventures Maine $50,000 to support business assistance to new and emerging businesses in northern Maine. The grant funds will bring targeted technical assistance, training and networking to child care and other service and retail businesses in Aroostook County and the Katahdin Region. The USDA Rural Development Funds are intended to benefit small and emerging businesses in …
We are pleased to announce Moose Woods Guide Service as the recipient of this year’s marketing mini-grant for our North Central Down East Region! Moose Woods Guide Service focuses on creating high-quality outdoor recreational experiences for those visiting the Katahdin Region. This year-round business utilizes the collaborative approach of Maine Guides to create unique experiences for their customers. They pride themselves on individualized itineraries, including their family friendly …
Written by Karin Petrin, Northern Region Microenterprise Specialist You spend significant time and money trying to grab your customers’ attention. You put ads in newspapers, on social media, and on television to be seen or heard above a continuous barrage of advertisements. So what makes a successful advertising campaign? Here are some pointers: Clearly identify your customer. Who are you trying to reach? Know the purpose and …
The Midcoast Office of New Ventures Maine and a panel of judges representing the local business community awarded our full mini-grant of $400 to David Jacobson. His business, Jacobson Glass Studio, is located in Montville and has been in operation for about three years. David has positioned his studio very successfully as a destination and himself as a high-end glass maker. He has recently renovated and upgraded his …
Flora Brown, owner of Frinklepod Farm in Arundel, outpitched six other contestants to be been named the winner of New Ventures Maine Southern Region’s $400 Marketing Mini-Grant Pitch Competition. The contest was held at University College at Saco on May 23, 2017. “I am so excited to receive this news, and I appreciate all the feedback that was offered me. Thank you again for this opportunity and award!” said …
Written by Karleen Andrews, Western Region Microenterprise Specialist We are excited to announce the winners of its marketing mini-grant competition for small businesses in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties! The mini-marketing grant for May 2017 was shared between two businesses. They are Needless, Co of Lewiston and Sew Crazy of Wilton, Maine. The funds from the New Ventures Maine Marketing Mini-Grant will be used towards elements of the marketing …
Written by Karin Petrin, Northern Region Microenterprise Specialist We are excited to announce the winners of our Marketing Mini-grant competition for small businesses in Aroostook County! Two awardees were selected from a strong group of applicants. Two Rivers Lunch at 75 Dickey Road in the Allagash received an award of $200. Conveniently located at the confluence of the Allagash and St. John Rivers, Two Rivers Lunch provides a …
Pam Olson, owner of The Lady’s Room, an upscale women’s consignment boutique in Damariscotta, came to New Ventures Maine as she was in the process of opening her very first business. Pam remembers, “I had never worked in retail and knew practically nothing about the ‘behind the scenes’ of owning your own business.” In the throes of start-up, Pam enrolled in New Ventures Maine’s twelve-week business planning class. “The …