Starting a business doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. There are many organizations in Maine that want to help new business owners.
SCORE Maine
This organization’s main mission is to connect entrepreneurs with mentors in their field. They help you give shape to your business idea, facilitate growth and development, and function as a guide to getting you into the space where you can thrive. There are currently 120 mentors in Maine who provide counseling, support, guidance, advice, and sometimes just a listening ear; all for free.
SCORE Maine has created over a thousand jobs last year in the state and assisted 346 new businesses to get started. The organization also produces business workshops on topics such as financing and social media marketing. Whether you have a specific question or an area you need more information about, such as cash flow management, you can find a mentor or an educational program that is free or low-cost that will give good advice that is practical and applicable.
Its mentors come from all different types of business backgrounds from all over the state. The one thing they all have in common is that they have completed a certification process through SCORE. They can also connect you with volunteer mentors from outside of Maine if you need further insight. You will need collaborators and advocates for your new business. You are much likelier to succeed if you work with industry experts who know what you’re going through, because they have been there, and have attained success.
Maine Small Business Development Center
You can also look to the Maine Small Business Development Center (Maine SBDC) at CEI for no-cost, one-on-one assistance provided to potential and existing business owners and managers. Bring questions from the basic to the highly specialized and complex to their roster of business owners who are experts in a diverse range of industries.
Maybe you are curious about how to acquire an existing business. Maybe you have questions about personnel management. Maybe you want to understand how to get funding or be a marketing expert from the get-go. In the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that is beneficial for everyone, mentorship programs invest in Maine’s economic growth right here at home.
New small businesses need a place to learn, to make mistakes and keep moving forward, and ultimately to survive and succeed. We believe wholeheartedly in organizations like this that connect new owner/operators with seasoned veterans, who have the experience and expertise to give the real-world lessons in how to make a business work in Maine.
Greenlight Maine is where so many thriving Maine businesses get their start, or a boost, or the opportunity to grow and scale. We are convinced of the importance of mentorship, support, and collaborative competition. We can’t wait to see you present your latest amazing ideas on our next season!
