Pam Olson, owner of The Lady’s Room, an upscale women’s consignment boutique in Damariscotta, came to New Ventures Maine as she was in the process of opening her very first business. Pam remembers, “I had never worked in retail and knew practically nothing about the ‘behind the scenes’ of owning your own business.” In the throes of start-up, Pam enrolled in New Ventures Maine’s twelve-week business planning class. “The …
Written by Gigi Guyton, Southern Region Microenterprise Specialist and Regional Manager Now that tax season is behind us, many small business owners are probably thinking, “Thank goodness that’s over! Now let’s just focus on summer in Maine.” But guess what, we’re already into the Second Quarter of 2017. If gathering your 2016 tax info and getting your small business taxes filed was a pain, start getting your 2017 books in …
Written by Karleen Andrews, Western Region Microenterprise Specialist Does your business feel like it is just coming out of hibernation? Over the winter, perhaps you had your collar turned up against the extremes of high operating expenses and lower revenues. Now, you are hungry for sales, and you may turn in any direction to find them. This is a great time to evaluate the business, develop a plan and …
Written by Jenn Dobransky (Microenterprise Specialist, Midcoast Region) Transform Anxiety Taxes and record keeping can often be a source of confusion and anxiety for taxpayers. These emotions are typically a result of a lack of knowledge that many start-up businesses have. But with a little bit of information, that confusion dissipates and the anxiety transforms into empowerment. Get Your Records in Order The first step in preparing your …
Written by Eloise Vitelli, Director of Program and Policy Catalyst: “An agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action.” For the past six years, NVME has provided Marketing Mini-Grants of up to $400 to over 130 small business owners around Maine. We believe even small grants can serve as a catalyst for growth. How Does the Marketing Mini-Grant Process Work? NVME’s Marketing Mini-Grants are awarded through competitions that …
Congratulations to Pleasant River Farms in Mason Township for being selected as our Western Region’s Marketing Mini-Grant recipient for November 2016! Dean and Deborah Richmond started this family farm ten years ago with a small herd of cattle. This farm specializes in organic, grass-fed beef. They are currently the only Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association (MOFCA) certified organic beef producer in Oxford County. To meet their commitment to …
New Ventures Maine is among 17 community-based organizations selected to receive funds to help older adults build the skills to work for themselves. Augusta, ME – AARP Foundation has awarded a generous grant to New Ventures Maine (NVME) to conduct Work for Yourself@50+℠ workshops in communities around the state beginning in Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston. This national grant initiative is designed to help vulnerable older adults assess opportunities …
If you are a business owner, now is a good time to start preparing for the coming tax season. Here are 7 tips to help you prepare: Check your estimated taxes against last year’s tax liability. If needed, adjust your estimated tax payments for the rest of the year to avoid underpayment. If you know you will owe money at tax time, set aside funds now to avoid …
New Ventures Maine (NVME) has been helping small enterprises boost their marketing and grow their businesses for over 7 years through small grant awards. Mini-grants of not more than $400 are awarded several times a year through a competitive application to businesses that have 5 or fewer full-time employees and annual sales of $250,000 or less. Now, the Marketing Mini-grant program itself has gotten a boost through investments …
How do you know where your path will take you if you can’t find your path? Just as you read the signs to stay on a trail, having a plan helps you reach your goals. Your career plan guides you through the many opportunities and challenges in finding a job, developing a long-term career that you love, and continually developing your skills and experience. Your business plan …