Success Stories | New Ventures Maine

Theresa Berry – Patten

The class made me take things a little more seriously and it held me accountable,” she shares. VF pushed her outside of her comfort zone and gave her confidence. After completing the class she had clear action steps and was able to move forward with opening her business.
Marguerite Ridgway – Richmond

40 Stories for 40 Years – Profilee 39 In 1978, Marguerite Ridgway served as a member of the first Advisory Council for the Displaced Homemakers Project (DHP). She returned to NVME a few years later for assistance in a job change. To boost her confidence during a job search, Marguerite joined a DHP support group. This led to her …
Terry Rattie – Woodland

Terry now owns and operates Maine Cedar Signs. He credits NVME with helping him to “take more time to develop his plan” through “inspirational and informative” services. As a result, he “developed a customer base that exceeded my original expectations.”
Michelle Velilla – Minot

Through NVME’s microenterprise programs, she explored the possibility of providing childcare services in Lewiston, ME. She explains, “After researching ways to help teach children, I decided to start my own childcare business. My business trainer at NVME taught me everything I needed to know about starting and growing a business.”
Sophia Hewitt-Bailey – Lewiston

For a number of years, Sophia had a dream to open a store offering Caribbean food products in Maine. “I wanted to start a business because I saw a need for specific products. The products were not available in the Lewiston/Auburn area, or anywhere in Maine,” she says. She and others would have to travel to Boston or New York to get the items …
Shiela Conroy – Caribou

Her 19 years of experience as a roller operator provides a wealth of knowledge to girls who participate in her workshops. Shiela says that she “loves her job” and passing on knowledge about being a roller operator. She feels that it is important to encourage girls to try new things. Sheila advises everyone to “stick with things for a bit �…
Shannon McLaughlin – West Gardiner

Soon after completing the class, Shannon started an internship with MaineGeneral Health (MGH). After a successful few months, she became a full-time practice coordinator. “Without My Next Career Move, I would not have imagined that I could translate my skills into something in the health care field. The class gave me the confidence to apply for t…
Sara Dostie – Winthrop

Although Sara had been a business owner since 1999, she was looking for guidance in making it a success. She decided to enroll in NVME's Venturing Forth business class. The class helped her feel confident in moving forward. “The clarity I gained through the class had many layers of benefits,” Sara shares. She believes that New Ventures Maine …
Sande Updegraph – Brunswick

“Give yourself credit for taking that first step. If you think you have no skills, think again. There are always skills you can nurture. You have to make your own opportunities.”
Ros Morgan – Linneus

Ros did not have a job and was in the start-up phase of her business when she enrolled in New Ventures Maine's Venturing Forth class. She wanted to establish a business that would utilize her "specific talents" and that she "could make a living from.”

← Older

New Ventures Maine Awards Aroostook County Marketing Mini Grants

New Ventures Maine, announced the winner of its Marketing Mini-grant competition for small businesses in Aroostook County. One awardee was selected from a strong group of applicants throughout Ar… Read More >>
Building Resilience in Maine’s Small Businesses

Many of our small business participants were impacted by COVID-19. Our Microenterprise Specialists provided resources through individual and small group advising sessions. We moved quickly to off… Read More >>
Adapting Totally Trades!

Our four spring hands-on Totally Trades! Conferences for middle and high school girls to explore careers in trades and technology had to be postponed or cancelled because of COVID-19. As a result… Read More >>

Theresa Berry – Patten

The class made me take things a little more seriously and it held me accountable,” she shares. VF pushed her outside of her comfort zone and gave her confidence. After completing the class she had c… Read More >>
Marguerite Ridgway – Richmond

40 Stories for 40 Years – Profilee 39 In 1978, Marguerite Ridgway served as a member of the first Advisory Council for the Displaced Homemakers Project (DHP). She returned to NVME a fe… Read More >>
Terry Rattie – Woodland

Terry now owns and operates Maine Cedar Signs. He credits NVME with helping him to “take more time to develop his plan” through “inspirational and informative” services. As a result, he “dev… Read More >>