Success Stories | New Ventures Maine

Kathe Mickunas – Brunswick

Overcoming Obstacles In 2006, Kathe Mickunas first reached out to New Ventures Maine (NVME). She got help to grow her flower farm and family business. But in 2012, Kathe faced a leveling divorce: “We lost everything. Our home and business. Our financial security.” Kathe met with New Ventures Maine during that devastating year to explore way…
Michael Libby – Caribou

Michael Libby first encountered New Ventures Maine in 2015, when he completed a Business Basics course. After this class, he was referred to the Family Development Account (FDA) program. The FDA program is a matched savings program that would allow him to save for business growth and development. Steps to Small Business Success Later in 2015, Mik…
Clay Theberge – Topsham

A New Path Forward Clay Theberge came to New Ventures Maine after the dissolution of a family business. Moving forward, she needed to devise a plan that would allow her to raise her family. Clay decided to return to school to earn a nursing degree. Healthcare always interested her, and the field had positive job outlooks. While she was in s…
Santa Havener – Augusta

"As you can imagine, being a single mother, taking college courses and working part-time, the amount of funds I have to work with each month is very limited,” explains Santa. “I live paycheck to paycheck and never have much room for an emergency. With my Rainy Day Savings Account, my car repairs did not feel like emergencies."
Julie Bernier – South Portland

My biggest challenge coming into the program was mapping out a route to achieving my dream - it all seemed so overwhelming. My greatest joy is that I actually DID it! Remembering back to how scared I was about taking such bold and daring steps made celebrating the shop’s first anniversary this month so meaningful and rewarding.
Jenna Spear – Wiscasset

Even when the going gets rough, Jenna says, “Work harder when things are slow. Uncertainty can be frustrating at times and invigorating at others. Believe in yourself and know when to admit that your current strategy is not working.”
Maria Hanley – Southport

Maria encourages other career-changers to “Believe in yourself and follow your heart. Be willing to say yes to opportunities without having unrealistic expectations. Be open to the journey and willing to learn.”
Camiesha and Dakota – Farmington

Dakota Wilson contacted New Ventures Maine in the fall of 2016 to learn more about the Family Development Account program. He hoped that this program could help him provide a safe and secure environment for his one-year-old daughter. A home that they would live in for many years.
Susan Hodgdon – Boothbay

With initiative and persistence, in August 2017, Susan found the job she was seeking. She has a full-time position and earns a livable wage as an administrative assistant at a yacht brokerage in coastal Maine. Susan advises others in situations like hers: “Be confident in your abilities. Most of all, be yourself. Plus, don’t ever, ever give up.…
Angela King – Pownal

Angela King had been living in Maine for about a year and a half when she learned of New Ventures Maine. She and her family had recently decided to “change their pace of life” and move from Long Island to Maine. In New York, Angela was a Legal Aid staff attorney, and her husband commuted into New York City for his job. The move to rural Maine c…

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Kathe Mickunas – Brunswick

Overcoming Obstacles In 2006, Kathe Mickunas first reached out to New Ventures Maine (NVME). She got help to grow her flower farm and family business. But in 2012, Kathe faced a leveling divorce: “… Read More >>
Michael Libby – Caribou

Michael Libby first encountered New Ventures Maine in 2015, when he completed a Business Basics course. After this class, he was referred to the Family Development Account (FDA) program. The FDA progr… Read More >>
Clay Theberge – Topsham

A New Path Forward Clay Theberge came to New Ventures Maine after the dissolution of a family business. Moving forward, she needed to devise a plan that would allow her to raise her family. Cl… Read More >>