It's that time of year again, so we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Maine's Small Business Award winners! These businesses and entrepreneurs have gone above and beyond to bring economic growth, job opportunities, and support to communities across our state, and these awards recognize their incredible efforts. Maine Small Business Persons of the Year Maureen, Stephen, and Nathaniel Hassett, Custom Composite Technologies, Inc. Bath Maine and New England Small Business Manufacturer of the Year COMPOTECH, INC. Brewer Maine and New England Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year Spud Speedway Caribou Maine Young Entrepreneur of the Year Erik Francis, Francis Fisheries Perry Maine Home Based Business of the Year Casco Bay Ambulance Service Portland Maine Woman Owned Small Business of the Year Fundamental Foot Care, PLLC Hampden Maine Micro-Enterprise of the Year Rick’s Redemption, LLC Presque Isle Maine Financial Services Champion of the Year Ghent Holdsworth, II AROOSTOOK COUNTY FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATION These Small Business Award winners will be recognized at a ceremony hosted by Maine’s Small Business Resource Partners on May 28th at Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center in Hallowell.
SBA Maine District Office
Updates
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For veterans interested in taking on business ownership by buying an existing business, make sure you check out this webinar next week from our friends at Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England Acquisition: A Pathway to New England Small Business Ownership for Veterans March 26, 1:00 PM ET Are you a veteran exploring your next mission? Buying an existing business can be a structured, strategic way to step into leadership, preserve local jobs, and build long-term roots in New England’s small towns and regional economies. Across our region, many established business owners are nearing retirement. Without successor-owners, Main Street businesses close, jobs disappear, and communities lose vital anchors. This session is designed for veterans interested in ownership opportunities in small and mid-sized New England communities. This session will cover: • What rural market acquisitions typically look like • Common business types available in New England • Typical deal sizes and valuation ranges in small markets • SBA financing options relevant to veterans • Risks specific to rural ownership, including workforce and customer concentration Special Guests Danielle "Dani" Delaini, Assistant Director and Head of Business Acceleration, Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation For more information and to register visit https://lnkd.in/gZkV2kjB
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If you own or manage a small business, then you know that there can be a lot of rules and regulations when it comes to your employees. For anyone with questions about these rules, or who just wants a refresher, our office is working with Wage and Hour Division to provide answers and clarification. On Thursday, April 9th at 9:00am, please join the U.S. Small Business Administration's Maine District Office and the USDOL Wage and Hour Division for a quick overview of SBA programs and services followed by a discussion focused on Fair Labor Standards Act rules featuring USDOL Wage & Hour Division’s Ana Maria Allaire. This event includes an overview of your responsibilities as an employer for laws regarding minimum wage, overtime, exemptions from overtime, child labor restrictions and more. As a small business employer, you need to know the rules and regulations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Register today so you can stay informed and ask questions! This webinar is for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and those thinking about opening a small business as well as traditional lenders and credit unions and economic development partners! This event is free but, space is limited, so registration is required. Register today https://lnkd.in/e8hbP4EV
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Don't forget, if your small business is looking for employees, we'll be holding a webinar with Maine Department of Labor on March 19th to go over the resources available to employers in Maine and how to connect with employees through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The webinar is free to attend, but space is limited, so please register in advance. https://lnkd.in/eWmCKcRz
On March 19th from 11:00am to 12:30pm, please join the Maine SBA as we welcome Elizabeth Nitzel from the Maine Department of Labor's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for this important discussion about opportunities your business can take to expand your hiring capacity. As almost every small business owner will tell you, finding and hiring good employees is one of the biggest challenges they face. This webinar will help you recognize many of the resources available through the Maine Department of Labor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and how you can successfully use some of those resources! This session is geared towards small business owners, entrepreneurs thinking about hiring options, and resource providers who work with and advise small businesses. If special accommodations are required, please reach out directly to diane.sturgeon@sba.gov at least two weeks prior to the event. Although this event is free, space is limited, so registration is required. https://lnkd.in/eWmCKcRz
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We're only a few weeks away from the application deadline for Next Level CEO, so if you want to join the program and grow your business with the help of subject matter experts and peers, make sure you apply by March 25th.
Our first cohort of Next Level CEO for 2026 is officially recruiting participants in Piscataquis County. Presented by the SBA Maine District Office, this program provides hands-on training, expert guidance, and networking opportunities to help small business owners grow their business and strengthen their financial management. The first of six consecutive weekly in-person sessions start April 2nd, 2026. The recruitment window to submit your application to participate closes March 25th, 2026. Apply NOW at https://lnkd.in/gsZAv5yN Additionally, there is no virtual option for this program. This is NOT for startup businesses. About the Program: SBA's Next Level CEO is a 6-week cohort program designed to reignite your entrepreneurial spirit. You will attend one 2 hour module session each week starting April 2nd, 2026. This hands-on program combines expert instruction, real-world application, and peer collaboration to help you take your business to the next level. Each weekly module is designed to deliver practical tools you can immediately apply to your business: 1. Understanding Maine’s Economic Development Picture Learn about statewide organizations that can assist your small business, wherever your home office is located. 2. Market Research & Competitive Insight Understand your market, customers, and competitors so you can make informed strategic decisions. 3. Financial Statements & Strategic Decision-Making Learn how your actions impact your numbers—and how to use financial statements to improve performance and profitability. 4. Finding New Markets Learn from experts about selling to new industries & organizations, unlocking endless customer opportunities Who Should Apply This program is designed for established small business owners who are ready to grow intentionally. Ideal applicants: Have been in operation for 3 or more years Generate at least $75,000 in annual revenue Are the owner of the business Can commit to attending all six in-person sessions Are willing to actively participate in a confidential, peer-based cohort environment Note: Only 15 applicants will be selected for this exclusive cohort.
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If you have a small business that needs financing, but aren't sure what your options are, make sure to join our webinar on alternative lending resources in Maine on March 26th at 10:00am. We'll talk about SBA's Microloan program, Community Advantage program, and other lending programs as well as our Small Business Resource Partners who can help with their complimentary business advising services! Joining the SBA on this call will be CEI (Coastal Enterprises, Inc.), Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, Community Concepts Maine, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, and Northern Maine Development Commission. This webinar is for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and those thinking about opening a small business as well as traditional lenders and credit unions and economic development partners! If special accommodations are required, please reach out directly to diane.sturgeon@sba.gov at least two weeks prior to the event. This event is free but, space is limited, so registration is required Register today: https://lnkd.in/ebiywBz9
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On March 19th from 11:00am to 12:30pm, please join the Maine SBA as we welcome Elizabeth Nitzel from the Maine Department of Labor's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for this important discussion about opportunities your business can take to expand your hiring capacity. As almost every small business owner will tell you, finding and hiring good employees is one of the biggest challenges they face. This webinar will help you recognize many of the resources available through the Maine Department of Labor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and how you can successfully use some of those resources! This session is geared towards small business owners, entrepreneurs thinking about hiring options, and resource providers who work with and advise small businesses. If special accommodations are required, please reach out directly to diane.sturgeon@sba.gov at least two weeks prior to the event. Although this event is free, space is limited, so registration is required. https://lnkd.in/eWmCKcRz
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Are you interested in Government Contracting as a Woman-Owned Small Business? Join SBA and GSA for a 4 part webinar series: Women in Government Contracting The SBA District Offices of Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, in collaboration with the GSA, are hosting a series of targeted training sessions to help businesses successfully navigate federal contracting. Join us each week for 90‑minute presentations covering essential topics such as working with GSA, crafting an effective Capabilities Statement, getting started with the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), and understanding the differences between RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs. Each session is designed to provide practical tools, expert insights, and actionable guidance to help your business compete—and win—in the government marketplace. Mark your calendars and don’t miss out! Wednesday, March 4th | 11:00AM - 12:30PM | https://lnkd.in/eRnTcXQa SBA & GSA - Road to Success - Part 1 Discover more about SBA & GSA, their Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business (OSDBU), navigating Federal opportunities, and how to establish a business relationship with this agency! Wednesday, March 11th | 11:00AM - 12:30PM | https://lnkd.in/e4AZ4xNX How to Develop a Capabilities Statement - Part 2 This comprehensive session explores the essential elements needed to create a powerful Capabilities Statement. Join us to discover why having an effective Capabilities Statement is crucial for your business success! Wednesday, March 18th | 11:00AM - 12:30PM | https://lnkd.in/eA2Et2qa Getting on Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) - Part 3 The Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is a government-wide contract administered by the General Services Administration (GSA) that allows businesses to sell products and services to federal, state, and local governments at pre-negotiated prices. Wednesday, March 25th | 11:00AM - 12:30PM | https://lnkd.in/eyknPKvS RFI’s, RFQ’s and RFP’s - Part 4 This session will teach participants how to develop effective responses to Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Requests for Quotes (RFQs) by explaining the differences among these request types and outlining the most effective strategies small businesses can use to respond.
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For any business owner who is curious about our upcoming Next Level CEO cohorts in Piscataquis County and Saco, and would like more information before applying, good news! Our office has three upcoming webinars to explain how the program works, what topics will be covered, and what participants can expect. February 12th 10am - https://lnkd.in/edtbUKSM February 17th 12pm - https://lnkd.in/eUrZyF8M February 27th 3:30pm - https://lnkd.in/ebj-MEtf
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If you saw our earlier post about the upcoming Next Level CEO program in Piscataquis County but live in southern Maine and can't make the trip that far north to participate, we have some good news. We will be offering the same course in Saco starting on March 26th. Over the course of this seven session program, participants will focus on - Market research & competitive insight - Customer engagement & marketing strategy - Sales growth & customer retention - Financial statements & profitability decisions To participate, business owners should have been in operation for three years or more, have $250,000 or more in annual revenue, and be able to attend all sessions. Registration for this program will be open until March 9th, so don't wait to sign up: https://lnkd.in/e_FHDVRW
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