NVME Launches Mini-Grant Competition for Small Businesses

by Jennifer DeJoy | Oct 15, 2026 | News, Start a Business

NVME is accepting applications for the statewide Marketing Mini-Grant competition. The NVME Marketing Mini-Grant Program supports the development of marketing tools, materials, and activities for small businesses. NVME will award cash mini-grants—up to $1,000 per...

Vien Dobui Joins NVME Staff

by Jennifer DeJoy | Oct 6, 2026 | News

New Ventures Maine has hired Vien Dobui to join the small business staff to coach entrepreneurs and teach business classes in Central Maine. Prior to joining NVME, Vien served as a Certified Business Advisor at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Portland....

Venturing Forth Graduates to Launch Wellness, Language Translation, Hospitality and Other New Businesses

by Jennifer DeJoy | Sep 17, 2026 | News, Start Your Business Stories

Six entrepreneurs spent the summer developing business plans for their new enterprises, devoting over 60 hours of online class time exploring topics such as their customer, competitors, marketing, recordkeeping, taxes, finances, and legal aspects of running their...

Exploring Self-Employment (In person – Brunswick)

by SarahH | Jul 28, 2026

This workshop will help you decide if self-employment is the right choice for you. Our professional staff will cover topics including: How to assess your business idea Forming and naming your business Elements of a business plan Strategies and resources for success...

Business Basics (In person – Van Buren)

by SarahH | Jul 20, 2026

Business Basics will be held in person at the Connect Center, 51 Main St., Van Buren. This three-week class (three two hour sessions) is for those thinking about or in the early start-up phase of a new business. Our professional staff will help you assess the...