![](/sites/default/files/styles/article_details_body/public/2022-06/061322_AskACE_money-bag_icon_opt.png.jpg?itok=6mZaaL3z)
Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Q: Are there any grants available in Maine specifically geared toward funding technical assistance?
ACE Advises: Technical assistance and consulting are allowable expenses in many grants for businesses, including most of the current American Rescue Plan Act-funded project grants. There is also a recently launched technical assistance grant available through the Maine Technology Institute.
The Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps grant program addresses a well-recognized hurdle for start-up and scaling businesses, which need professional assistance at critical junctures, but not always when they can afford it. MERC is a vetted database of Maine consultants in over twenty disciplines.
MTI President Brian Whitney explains the process: “When MTI, or one of its partner organizations, identifies that a startup has a particular project need that has the potential to add significantly to its productivity and growth, MTI will determine eligibility and, if qualified, provide the client company with a list of two to three consultants from the database that might be a fit. The client company will then decide which consultant they want to use based on fit and cost.”
While many Maine consultants have been generous in their support of the business community, they still need to make a living. Some are reluctant to work with early-stage businesses out of fear they will not be paid.
MTI Entrepreneur in Residence Matt Hoffner says “This is a 50/50 funding match for projects up to $20,000; on a $20,000 project, the grant would pay $10,000. The business and the contracting expert will develop a straightforward agreement covering the project, the scope of services, deliverables, cost, timing, and reporting.”
The expert will wait until completion for to receive grant funds, but projects are intended to be short-term and well-defined, and the funds are guaranteed.
Information on MERC for both clients and consultants is available on the MTI website.
ACE President Terry Johnson an independent consultant with Practical Decisions. He also manages the Maine Mentor Network, a group of independent consultants and businesspeople supporting Maine Center for Entrepreneurs programs. He can be reached at terry@practicaldecisions.com.
The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value “Success through Collaboration.” The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com.
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreFew people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments