Maine small business centers helped 2,284 clients access $30M in 2022

Mark Ferguson holding an axe, with a worker in the background, at the factory.

File photo / Jim Neuger Business advisors at Maine Small Business Development Centers assisted almost 2,300 clients in 2022, including South Portland axe maker Brant & Cochran. The business is led by Mark Ferguson, shown here at the company's workshop near Bug LIght Park.

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By Renee Cordes

Maine SBDC clients included the following demographics: 53% women; 34% in rural areas; 30% young entrepreneurs; 12% minorities (defined as non-white or Hispanic); 10% with low-to-moderate-income; 9% with disabilities; and 7% veterans or with military connections.
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Advisors with the Maine Small Business Development Centers helped 2,284 entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state in 2022, the group said in its annual report released today.

The report showcases the achievements and impact of Maine SBDC's efforts in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through advising, training and resources.

The centers provide no-cost, confidential business advice to clients. Advisors logged more than 10,000 hours helping clients start 129 new businesses, save and create 591 jobs, and access $30.3 million in funding last year.

“Our team continues to provide guidance and support to businesses as they navigate the lingering effects of the pandemic," said Maine SBDC State Director Mark Delisle.

"While common challenges like high inflation and tight labor markets persist, business owners are eager to get back to the basics, focusing on things like their business plans, marketing strategy, and financial projections,” he added. “As we move into a new year, you can count on our team to be here, working alongside business owners to confidently build a brighter future for Maine’s economy.”

Clients mentioned in the report include Brant & Cochran, a South Portland-based artisanal axe-maker led by Mark Ferguson. He connected with Susan Desgrosseilliers, an SBDC business advisor at the University of Southern Maine, in 2022, to explore financing options for expansion.

Another company, Rhona-Beauty of Biddeford, worked with SBDC business advisor Tina Oddleifson to develop a business plan and come up with financial projections for the business, which specializes in services from hair styling and coloring to lash extensions and lifts. Rhona-Beauty, led by Rhona Johnson Deah, has been an SBDC client since 2021.

In 2022 as a whole, clients of the Maine SBDC included the following groups of entrepreneurs, according to the report: 53% women 34% in rural areas 30% young entrepreneurs; 12% minorities (defined as non-white or Hispanic); 10% with low-to-moderate-income; 9% with disabilities; and 7% veterans or with military connections.

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Find the full Maine SBDC report here.

The Maine SBDC provides no-cost, business advice to small businesses in Maine through its network of business advisors. It is a program of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and the University of Southern Maine.