Success Stories | New Ventures Maine

Danielle Flannery – Farmington

“I would not have even applied for that job without the assistance and support of NVME. I'm still working for WMCA and have expanded my professional horizons there in my new role as a Data Specialist. I have a stable job at an agency I am proud to work for and have had the opportunity to further develop and learn new skills. Getting this job mean…
Cyndi Prince – Camden

Cyndi did not realize she would create a “green” laundry product when she decided to explore self-employment. In fact, when she first came to New Ventures in 2008, she had a completely different business idea! Ultimately, the birth of Cyndi’s child would present her with an idea she had not thought of before.
Brooke Erwin – Boothbay

“I was able to see that not all was lost. There are many resources and opportunities out there for people in my boat to help pull you out of the hole. I learned there are things that I myself could do to help repair my credit and pay off my debt. With a little education and direction, I now have a real understanding of how My Money Works!”
Brian Bickford – Caribou

“Completing the Venturing Forth business class helped me gain the confidence to move forward and expand my gourmet marshmallow business.”
Anne Schink – South Portland

"The New Ventures Maine program encouraged me to confront who I am as a person, who I want to be in the marketplace, and what success looks like. The support from the NVME staff made this honest assessment possible."
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.

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Marketing Mini-Grant Awarded in North Central/Downeast Maine

We are excited to announce the recipient of our North Central/Downeast Fall Marketing Mini-Grant - Salty Dogs in Blue Hill, Maine! About The Business Salty Dogs is a dog training and behavior m… Read More >>
Marketing Mini-Grant Awarded in Aroostook County

Congratulations to Great North Woods Herbs and Botanicals for being selected as our Fall 2018 Marketing Mini-Grant Recipient! Great North Woods Herbs and Botanicals will use the $500 mini-grant to… Read More >>
Welcoming Our New Administrative Specialist, Emily Pettengill

We are excited to welcome our new Administrative Specialist, Emily Pettengill, to our Administrative Team! Emily will be providing part-time administrative support in New Ventures Maine’s Augusta… Read More >>

Danielle Flannery – Farmington

“I would not have even applied for that job without the assistance and support of NVME. I'm still working for WMCA and have expanded my professional horizons there in my new role as a Data Specialis… Read More >>
Cyndi Prince – Camden

Cyndi did not realize she would create a “green” laundry product when she decided to explore self-employment. In fact, when she first came to New Ventures in 2008, she had a completely different b… Read More >>
Brooke Erwin – Boothbay

“I was able to see that not all was lost. There are many resources and opportunities out there for people in my boat to help pull you out of the hole. I learned there are things that I myself could … Read More >>