Written by Karleen Andrews, Western Region Microenterprise Specialist Does your business feel like it is just coming out of hibernation? Over the winter, perhaps you had your collar turned up against the extremes of high operating expenses and lower revenues. Now, you are hungry for sales, and you may turn in any direction to find them. This is a great time to evaluate the business, develop a plan and …
Congratulations to Pleasant River Farms in Mason Township for being selected as our Western Region’s Marketing Mini-Grant recipient for November 2016! Dean and Deborah Richmond started this family farm ten years ago with a small herd of cattle. This farm specializes in organic, grass-fed beef. They are currently the only Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association (MOFCA) certified organic beef producer in Oxford County. To meet their commitment to …
New Ventures Maine is pleased to announce the addition of two new Workforce Specialists. Sherrie Brann is based at UMA’s Handley Hall in Augusta and will provide career planning and financial education services in Kennebec and Somerset Counties. She has a BA in English from the University of Maine (first in her family to graduate with a degree) and a MS in Education from Walden University. Sherrie lives …
A Lewiston resident submitted the winning business plan to New Ventures Maine, (NVME), host of a 2016 InnovateHER competition. Debra Anne Matthews’ proposal for a Lymphatic Retreat Center will now be forwarded to the Small Business Administration, the competition sponsor, to compete for cash prizes at the national level. The InnovateHER challenge taking place throughout the country, is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to contribute to addressing unique challenges facing …
We are excited to announce the winners of our Downtown Dollars marketing mini-grant competition for small businesses in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. One mini-marketing grant was awarded to Fiber and Vine on Main Street Norway, Maine. This is a retail shop of both fine wines and high quality fibers located in the first floor of the renovated opera house. Fiber and Vine engages with other businesses on a …
We are excited to announce that we are hiring two Workforce Development Specialists in our Central and Western Regions! Workforce Development Specialist TWO POSITIONS AVAILABLE Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community (soon to be known as New Ventures Maine) has immediate openings for two Workforce Development Specialists (WDS). Position One (Central Region) will be based in Augusta with outreach and travel throughout Kennebec and Somerset counties. Position Two …
…take these steps: Identify your thoughts, fears, and frustrations around your former job and acquiring a new job. Examine your financial needs. Who can you turn to for help and support? What programs are available in your community? Are you eligible for unemployment benefits? Conduct a self-assessment. Take stock of your interests, skills, abilities, and experiences. Are there common themes? What did you like best and what did you like …
WWC is excited to offer two options: ONLINE and BLENDED. BLENDED: Begins week of October 15, and has live class meetings the first and last weeks. In the four intervening weeks, students will work on their own online, with direction and resources provided weekly. Students have a choice of live sessions in Belfast, Augusta, or Rockland (choose one). For this class, the registration deadline is September 28. For more information …
Take a break: It’s Vacationland By Eloise Vitelli, Special to the BDN Welcome to Vacationland. Last year, 38 million visitors came to Maine for the day or to spend one or more nights at a B&B, inn or favorite seaside or lakeside camp. The Maine Office of Tourism puts the economic impact of the tourism industry at $7.7 billion. Though some may breathe a sigh of relief as the last …
A new school year is just around the corner. Why not try a college class? It’s a great way to see what’s new in college learning, find out if college is a good fit for you now, and invest in yourself by learning something new. In today’s world of work we all need to keep learning and increasing our skills. One class can be the beginning of your journey to …