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November 6, 2017

Bangor business an SBA InnovateHER runnerup in national competition

Courtesy / SBA Maine District Office Jamie Clark, owner of The Willie Wags in Bangor, fourth from left, competed as one of 10 national finalists in the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2017 InnovateHER Challenge in Washington, D.C. The photo above was taken when her business was selected as the winner of the local competition in Maine. Pictured from left to right are: Amy Bassett, SBA Maine District Director; Jen Dobransky, New Ventures Maine; Haley Israelson, North Atlantic Capital; Jamie Clark, owner of The Willie Wags; Cole Palmer, CEI; Adam Nyhan, Opticliff Law; Sarah Guerette, Women's Business Center; and Kate Curran, Women's Business Center.

A Bangor business, The Willie Wags, was one of seven final runners-up in the InnovateHER Business Challenge. The business, owned by Jamie Clark, is a subscription shopping service that supports female entrepreneurs and women-owned small businesses.

It was one of 10 finalists announced earlier in October out of 120 semifinalists, the SBA said. Winners were announced Oct. 31

The SBA competition highlights innovative products, services or technology that has a measurable impact on the lives of women and families, and in the marketplace, the SBA said in an Oct. 31 news release announcing the winners.

The winner of the contest was Jenna Ryan of Uquora LLC of San Diego, Calif. Ryan received $40,000. There were also second and third-place awards.

The Willie Wags gets its name from the Maine expression for a remote place. The service, founded in January 2016, promotes and sells products made and services offered by Maine businesswomen. It started as an online service, but this year moved into space at 78 Harlow St. in Bangor. Subscribers to the service get a box each month with products featured by the company. 

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