Success Stories | New Ventures Maine

Mardi Klein

In 2017 Mardi was referred to New Ventures Maine (NVME) when she moved back to Maine from New York City. With a background in International Education, Mardi’s plan was to continue working in education. Mardi met one-on-one with Lisa Sweet, NVME’s Southern Region Workforce Specialist on and off from 2017 through 2020. They discussed career opti…
Catching up with Venturing Forth graduate, Sophia Hewitt -Bailey of Lewiston

“I wanted to start a business because I saw a need for specific products that were not available in the Lewiston/Auburn area, or anywhere in Maine. During the Venturing Forth class, I gained more business knowledge and a better idea on how to manage my business. When the class concluded, my goal was to open a store within six months and to have a…
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 …

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Executive Director of 43 Years, Gilda Nardone, to Retire; Janet Smith, Longtime Staff Member, is Hired for Leadership Role

New Ventures Maine (NVME) Western Region Manager and Statewide Asset Manager Janet Smith was chosen through an extensive search to succeed Gilda Nardone as she retires after 43 years of service as NVM… Read More >>
Honoring the Legacy of Executive Director Gilda Nardone: Cheers to 43 Years!

A joyous gathering to be held in Gilda Nardone’s honor will be held at the Senator Inn in Augusta on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. to celebrate Gilda's 43 years as executive dire… Read More >>
NVME Comprehensive Business Planning Class is Virtual!

Venturing Forth: Business Planning for Entrepreneurs is a twelve-week class for new entrepreneurs and existing business owners. This fall, NVME adapted the class for online delivery and attracted entr… Read More >>

Mardi Klein

In 2017 Mardi was referred to New Ventures Maine (NVME) when she moved back to Maine from New York City. With a background in International Education, Mardi’s plan was to continue working in educat… Read More >>
Catching up with Venturing Forth graduate, Sophia Hewitt -Bailey of Lewiston

“I wanted to start a business because I saw a need for specific products that were not available in the Lewiston/Auburn area, or anywhere in Maine. During the Venturing Forth class, I gained more bu… 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 >>