New Ventures Maine welcomed two microenterprise specialists to the staff this fall. Martha Leonard is based at NVME’s new Portland office and Gina Platt is based at NVME’s Lewiston office. Both are coaching and teaching small business owners in Maine.

Martha has over 15 years of experience as an educator and business person. A co-founder of MAIZ Colombian Street Food in Portland, she directs all facets of business development and management for the restaurant. She also has eight years of international teaching experience. Commenting on her excitement for the position, Martha said, “I can’t wait to get started! I am very excited to connect with business owners and be their cheerleader as they launch, and I’m eager to expand my network of resources to support and aid these businesses.”

Gina brings years of entrepreneurial experience to her position, having owned several small businesses. She also worked as a marketing professional and photographer in the real estate industry for over a decade. She was director of education for both the Victoria Mansion in Portland and the Zillman Art Museum in Bangor from 2005-2011. “Growing up in an entrepreneurial family taught me the invaluable skill of self-reliance,” Gina noted. “I have always had a side gig or owned and operated my own business. I am honored to work for an organization with a history of helping Mainers develop their own self-reliance.”

For more information, visit our Staff Directory.

View the full NVME class schedule to explore self-employment, learn business basics, or begin business planning classes. Or, contact the microenterprise specialist in your area for individual coaching services.