Maine SBDC

🚨 FREE Webinar: Preparing for Wholesale 🚨 📅 January 7th at 10 AM Are you ready to expand your business into wholesale markets? Join Business Advisor Jon Janson for this informative webinar designed to help you confidently navigate wholesale buyers and trade shows. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: • Essential forms and credit terms to get started • How to create effective price lists • Strategies for shipping and marketing your products • Using price tags, barcodes, and sales materials • Crafting trade show specials that attract buyers • Post-show tactics for building long-term partnerships This webinar is FREE, but registration is required. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your business for wholesale success! 👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/gtEY8GPM

In this webinar, Maine SBDC Business Advisors Peter Harriman, Ali Lane, and Dan Umphrey will discuss updates in federal and state mandates impacting small businesses in 2025, including: • Corporate Transparency Act • Beneficial Owner Information Reports • Minimum Wage (hourly and exempt salary) • New Family Medical Leave Law • I-9 and 1099 reporting changes Join us on December 19 at 11 am for this FREE webinar! Register here: https://lnkd.in/g_phXeqm

Dylan John and his fiancé Ellen turned their passion for style and community into Fore & Wharf, a boutique in Portland celebrating coastal living with unique, high-quality pieces. As a seasonal business in a tourist-driven market, Dylan faced challenges with inventory and trends and reached out to the Maine SBDC for support. Read more about his story here: https://lnkd.in/gJxkXmDS

Looking to grow your business? Considering wholesale for your giftware or food-based business? This is the session for you. Join Business Advisor Tina Oddleifson as we discuss: • Advantages of selling wholesale and how it differs from retail • How to assess if there is enough demand for your product • What to know about pricing • Common terminology • Common mistakes business owners make when going into wholesale • Next steps Join us on December 17 at 2 pm for this FREE webinar! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gQ95Cn6c

📝 Second Round of Applications Open: Business Recovery Funds for Last Winter’s Storms Maine small businesses and nonprofits impacted by last winter's severe storms can now apply for the second round of the Business Recovery and Resilience Fund. Approximately $2 million in funding remains available. 📌 Funding available: Awards range from $2,500 to $100,000 per project for repairs and resilience improvements. 📌 Program covers up to 50% of total project costs, and applicants must match the grant amount dollar for dollar. 📌 Eligible projects: Must include storm recovery and measures to strengthen resilience to future weather events. 📌 Deadline: Applications are due by 11:59 pm on January 14, 2025. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gFN4TNyH

📲 Is developing a mobile app on your 2025 business roadmap? As we approach the new year, it's a great time to plan ahead. Our introductory guide to mobile app development provides practical tips to help small business owners navigate the process, from concept to execution. Start the year strong by exploring how a mobile app can drive growth and engagement for your small business. Access the guide here: https://lnkd.in/grQamva7 #2025Planning #SmallBusinessSuccess #MobileApps #BusinessGrowth

👋 MEET OUR TEAM 👋 Meet Anne Lancaster, Maine SBDC Business Advisor! Anne works with entrepreneurs and business owners in York County. Anne is known for her strategic mindset which helps her and her clients tackle challenges and accomplish goal. Anne is generous with her time and knowledge and works collaboratively to help both her clients and colleagues toward success. Read more about Anne here: https://lnkd.in/gBPvKdyM

Small Business Saturday is this weekend—are you ready? 🛍️ With just a few days to go, now’s the time to streamline your marketing efforts. Check out these tips on incorporating AI into your strategy.💡 Featuring practical prompts for tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity, this guide will help you save time and maximize your impact. Make the most of this opportunity to connect with customers and #ShopSmall! 👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gRcCfWq3

We're Hiring! The Maine SBDC is seeking a Business Advisor to serve the Biddeford and Lewiston areas. 🌟 Join an amazing team doing impactful work while enjoying a hybrid schedule and excellent benefits. 💼 Apply today: https://lnkd.in/guC5BGzT

Mainebiz reports that the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program in Brunswick has received $350K in funding to support farms and food businesses in the area. This initiative helps strengthen Maine’s local food systems and creates opportunities for small businesses in the agricultural and food industries. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gbJAQNsA