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June 11, 2018 Edition
Focus on Small Business

Maine's immigrant entrepreneurs making their mark as they launch, and grow, small businesses

Renee Cordes

At Cafe Whoopies in South Portland, Rwanda Bean Co. co-founder Mike Mwenedata is all smiles, welcoming customers breakfasting on made-in-Maine whoopie pies and coffee brewed from African beans.

Today's Poll

Does your company plan to add staff in the next 6 months?
Poll Description

Sponsored by Kennebunk Savings Bank

Next year will bring a host of new challenges for businesses looking to add employees to the payroll. 

Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave law will go into effect, which will allow an employee to take paid leave for up to 12 weeks to care for an ill family member or new child, for instance.

The state's minimum wage will increase by 45 cents an hour, to $15.10 (a separate minimum wage provision was approved in Portland that will raise the hourly compensation to $19 within three years).

And rising health care premiums will continue to be a struggle for employers.

For companies that plan to grow, all of these factors will have to be managed.

More Information