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Michelle Velilla – Minot

Michelle sitting at table with children's toys

Photo Credit: Chris Bennett

40 Stories for 40 Years – Profilee 37

Michelle came to New Ventures Maine in hopes of “finding a better opportunity” for herself and her family.  As a young mother and wife, she wanted to build a business that would support her family. Michelle believed that she could channel her passion for working with children into a successful business, but she wasn’t sure how to put the pieces together. Therefore, she reached out to New Ventures Maine for support.

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.”

In addition to participating in NVME’s microenterprise training, Michelle also decided to sign-up for the Family Development Account matched savings program. She set the goal of saving to purchase a home. She has now achieved that goal with the help of the FDA program.

Today, Michelle’s business, Totally Kidz, is one of Lewiston’s highest-rated private childcare centers. “We’ve grown from our beginning 20-child capacity to currently caring for 114 children, and we employ about sixteen employees,” she shares. Michelle enjoys working with the children and training her employees to provide a high-quality and nurturing learning environment.

When asked what advice she has for others, Michelle says, “Never give up on your dreams!”

ClassDateProgram AreaLocationRegion
Pricing Strategies2023-03-23 March 23, 2023Start a BusinessONLINE DaytimeStatewide
Introduction to Self-Employment2023-03-23 March 23, 2023Start a BusinessONLINE EveningStatewide
Introduction to Self-Employment2023-04-04 April 04, 2023Start a BusinessONLINE DaytimeStatewide
Tax Readiness for the Self-Employed2023-04-06 April 06, 2023Start a BusinessONLINE DaytimeStatewide
Business Basics2023-02-07 February 07, 2023
(ends April 11, 2023)
Start a BusinessPortlandSouthern
Work for Yourself@50+2023-04-11 April 11, 2023Start a BusinessONLINE DaytimeStatewide
Business Basics2023-03-29 March 29, 2023
(ends April 12, 2023)
Start a BusinessONLINE DaytimeStatewide
Introduction to Self-Employment2023-05-02 May 02, 2023Start a BusinessONLINE DaytimeStatewide
Introduction to Self-Employment2023-06-06 June 06, 2023Start a BusinessONLINE DaytimeStatewide
Business Basics2023-05-31 May 31, 2023
(ends June 14, 2023)
Start a BusinessLewiston Western
Grow Your Business Online2023-03-06 March 06, 2023
(ends August 31, 2023)
Start a BusinessOnline AnytimeStatewide