Success Stories | New Ventures Maine

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.”
Robyn Wiley – South Portland

Robyn came to New Ventures Maine to enhance her business skills. She is an Author, Life Coach, Mindfulness Teacher, Reiki Master, Speaker, and Workshop Leader. Through Venturing Forth, NVME's 60-hour business planning course, she learned how to channel her passions into a business.
Rachel Sukeforth – Hallowell

As a woman with a STEM degree, Rachel was highly qualified for a career in Environmental Science. Still, she faced a competitive and discouraging job search in 2011. “When I came to NVME (then Women, Work, and Community) I knew I needed a new approach to my search. My advice to anyone in a similar position is to be open-minded and patient.”

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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 >>
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 … Read More >>
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 a… Read More >>