Both the United States Congress and the Maine Legislature have recently taken aim at incentive programs that provide critical support to renewable energy projects in Maine. Many of these changes become effective in 2026 and are expected to have a dramatic effect on project development.

Drummond Woodsum’s Energy Practice Group is closely tracking these developments and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) advocates for clean energy policies in Washington, DC.

Join ClimateWork Maine for a 1-hour informative discussion focusing on an overview of changes to federal tax credits for renewable projects as well as changes to Maine’s net energy billing program and what those changes could mean for your business.

Join United Way of Southern Maine for United We CAN — a one-of-a-kind food drive and sculpture contest that brings our community together to fight hunger.

37% of families in Southern Maine are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—working hard but still struggling to afford basics like food.

Interested in tapping into Maine’s winter tourism economy?

Winter is one of Maine’s most vibrant tourism seasons and a unique opportunity for businesses of all types to connect with seasonal visitors and locals alike. In this webinar, Business Advisor Dion Olmstead will present key trends, consumer behaviors, and practical strategies to help small businesses make the most of the winter months.

Topics include:

- What winter tourists are looking for in Maine
- Ways to market your business during the colder season
- Ideas for packaging, partnerships, and promotions

Whether you’re already operating in a tourist area or exploring new opportunities, this session will help you plan and stand out this winter.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact mainesbdc@maine.edu

Do you have a business idea or fledgling business that could benefit from some structure, intentionality, and thoughtful and informed planning?

Because female entrepreneurs continue to face unique challenges, this program is designed to help problem-solving women build a strong foundation for tech-enabled* businesses that are both innovative and sustainable.

During this hands-on, 12-week online program, participants will develop a business model canvas; using it to validate assumptions, identify key customer segments, and define clear value propositions and revenue streams. This program will offer valuable insights into market opportunities and help participants craft compelling pitch statements for their business.

In addition to facilitated session and peer learning opportunities, each participant will also receive 4 hours of 1:1 coaching with the facilitator outside of regular sessions to refine their business plan and take their idea to the next level.

After the program, participants become part of a growing community of other exceptional alumnae in Maine who can help them build their business.

Facilitator: Ashley Baldwin has extensive experience advising technology startups in Maine and building products across nonprofits and startups. She spends her time kayaking, hiking and volunteering across her community in the Midcoast.

Qualifications: This program is designed for Maine-based female entrepreneurs. Participants do not need any specific experience or expertise to participate.

We recommend having a concrete business idea in mind when you register, as this will help ensure the best experience for your business development. After registration, we’ll reach out to learn more about your idea and confirm your attendance at all sessions.

We define “tech-enabled” as using a website, social media, AI, or other online tools to manage, market, and grow your business.

Program Dates:

Tuesday, September 23rd 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Tuesday, September 30th 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Tuesday, October 7th 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Tuesday, October 14th 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Tuesday, October 21st 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Tuesday, October 28th 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Tuesday, November 4th 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Tuesday, November 11th 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Tuesday, November 18th 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Tuesday, November 25th 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Tuesday, December 2nd 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Thursday, December 9th 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Pre-Register Today!

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Interpretation is available upon request.

Do you want to buy a business or do you have a business you would like to sell? If so, it's probably a new experience for you, and the current economic uncertainties can make the process seem even more daunting. Advisors may help, but ultimately it's not their time, money, or effort at risk.

This workshop will help answer these questions:

- Are you really a buyer or seller?
- How do you value a business?
- What are common issues and problems encountered in a business sale?
- What is Due Diligence?
- What will you need to do to finalize a business acquisition?
- Are banks even lending during this crisis?

Avoid common mistakes by asking the right questions and understanding how the process works!

A practical, three-part webinar series designed to demystify search engine optimization for small business owners and DIY web designers. Each session provides actionable insights to help small business owners improve their online presence—whether you're building a site from scratch, trying to attract more local customers, or crafting content that gets noticed. Learn how to build a strong SEO foundation, boost your local visibility, and create content that ranks and resonates. No tech background required!

In the second session, we’ll focus on local SEO strategies that help customers in your area find you. Topics include optimizing your Google Business Profile, choosing location-based keywords, and increasing visibility in local search results.

Bring your questions for a dynamic Q&A session!

This is a free webinar put on by Maine SBDC and WanderWeb!

Corey Daigle is the founder and CEO of WanderWeb, a Maine-based boutique agency (est. 2019) specializing in SEO-first web design for health, wellness, nonprofit, and MedSpa clients. She also leads DIY SEO workshops for small business owners, sharing practical guidance to improve Google visibility and website performance.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact mainesbdc@maine.edu

Join us for an informative workshop on Patents & Trademarks designed specifically for business owners. Led by John Hutchinson, an experienced Business Librarian and Representative at the Patent & Trademark Resource Center, this workshop will provide valuable insights into the world of intellectual property protection.


Patents and trademarks, both administered by the United States Patent & Trademark Office, offer crucial legal protections for businesses. While they differ in nature, understanding their significance and navigating the application processes are essential for any business owner.


During this workshop, you will learn:

The distinctions between patents and trademarks and their importance for safeguarding your business.
The lengthy and expensive application processes involved in obtaining patents and trademarks.
The exclusive rights and protections these intellectual property rights grant within the United States and its territories.
The significance of thorough searches in government databases to support your patent and trademark applications.

The workshop will also cover in-depth information about trademarks, including:

How trademarks identify the source of goods and services and provide legal protection for your brand.
What can be considered a trademark, including brand names, slogans, logos, colors, packaging, and even musical notes.
Understanding the limitations of trademarks and what they do not cover.
The role of a trademark lawyer and the benefits of seeking legal assistance in the application process.

Maine entrepreneurs are invited to attend and participate in free interactive information sessions focused on starting, operating, and growing a small MedTech / Medical device development firm in Maine.

Participants will learn the following:

- Implementing the Medical Device/MedTech startup process

- Reviewing key issues impacting the startup development process

- Preparing a sustainable business model for strategic growth

- Acquiring funding from the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) and National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs

Despite consistently earning over 50% of the accounting degrees, women are underrepresented in finance and financial accounting roles.  With your help, we’d like to change that. -Here’s what to expect:

Light snacks, a complimentary welcome drink, and a cash bar
A brief panel discussion with women leaders from Stone Coast
Opportunities to connect with and inspire the women we hope will attend
Learn from Stone Coast professionals about career paths in finance and fund accounting

Join us every Thursday for the Local Goods Market @ Fork Food Lab, your weekly celebration of local flavor, community vibes, and culinary creativity! This market features a rotating lineup of Fork Food Lab members and other Maine makers offering delicious bites, sips, and one-of-a-kind products.

It’s the perfect after-work destination: grab a bite, connect with friends, and explore what Maine’s vibrant food scene has to offer. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just looking to support small businesses in a laid-back setting, the Local Goods Market is the place to be!

Fork Food Lab is Maine’s only non-profit food business incubator and shared manufacturing and processing facility. They have around 80 small businesses working out of their shared commercial kitchen. Their mission is to support a just, diverse, and sustainable food economy in Maine, where food entrepreneurs are supported in their quest to produce high quality and sustainable products utilizing locally sourced ingredients.

Follow @forkfoodlab on Instagram for weekly vendor updates

Freelancing is equal parts creative freedom and business hustle. One of the toughest questions we face is simple to ask but hard to answer: What should I charge?

Join AIGA Maine for our next Freelancers’ Roundtable: Money Talks—Pricing Demystified. Two expert panelists will share candid stories, strategies, and lessons learned about setting rates, negotiating with clients, and building a sustainable freelance practice.

This isn’t just for those breaking into freelancing—we invite seasoned creative entrepreneurs, too. Whether you’re freelancing full-time, side-hustling, or just freelance-curious, you’ll walk away with new ideas, peer support, and a stronger sense of community.

Are you ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship? This workshop is designed to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the early stages of launching a business with confidence. Whether you're refining an idea or just getting started, you'll gain insight into the foundational elements of starting your own business.

This session explores the realities of entrepreneurship and the building blocks of business success—like defining your value proposition, choosing the right structure, securing funding, understanding your customer, and crafting a business plan that evolves with your goals. You’ll also receive guidance on how to tap into trusted networks like SCORE for mentorship and support.

What You’ll Learn:

How to evaluate your readiness and resources for business ownership
The components of a strong business plan and why it's essential
How to identify your customers and test your value proposition
What business structure might be right for you
Sources of funding, including grants, loans, and bootstrapping strategies
The importance of professional advisors and regulatory compliance

Ready to turn your dream into a business?

Join us for this free workshop and start building a foundation for success!

In today's competitive business landscape, effective marketing is essential for success, but it can be challenging, especially when you're working with a limited budget. Join us for a webinar presented by Dan Reed, an experienced marketing professional, as he shares valuable insights on how to make the most of your marketing efforts without breaking the bank.

During this webinar, you will gain a basic understanding of marketing principles and learn how to identify and target your ideal customers. Dan will also explore various advertising options and take questions about what makes sense for your specific business.

The webinar will cover essential topics, including:

Understanding the fundamentals of marketing and its role in reaching different audiences.
Identifying and defining your ideal customers and understanding their behaviors.
Practical dos and don’ts based on market research.
Exploring advertising options that align with your budget constraints.

You will also discover the power of data in making strategic marketing decisions. Dan will explain how to leverage demographic and psychographic information to understand your customers better, refine your marketing messaging, and select the most effective platforms to reach them.

Additionally, the webinar will provide practical resources and tools to assist you in conducting market research. Dan will introduce the assistance available from the local library, highlighting valuable databases and services accessible through them.

Do you need expert support to grow your business but aren’t sure where to start—or how to afford it? The MERC program, offered by the Maine Technology Institute (MTI), is designed to help you do exactly that. MERC connects eligible Maine-based businesses with high-quality consultants and covers up to half the cost of a short-term project, up to $30,000.

In this workshop, you'll learn how MERC works, what kinds of consulting projects qualify, and how to apply. Whether you need support in marketing, operations, legal compliance, product development, or financial strategy, MERC can help you find the right professional and fund your work together.

What You’ll Learn:

What the MERC program is and how it supports Maine businesses
Eligibility requirements and how to apply
Examples of funded projects—from website design to legal support to custom software
How MERC fits within MTI’s broader innovation and funding programs
Details about MERC AI, the free Coursera-powered AI training opportunity

Register now for this free workshop and find out how MERC can help you grow with expert support and shared costs.

Tired of pouring time and money into marketing and not seeing results? flyte School LIVE is a half-day, in-person workshop designed to help you create better content, improve your website’s performance, and focus on the marketing metrics that actually drive growth. Whether you're a small business owner, nonprofit leader, or marketing professional, this session will give you practical tools to boost your online results without the fluff.

The event takes place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Hyatt Place Hotel in Portland’s downtown district. Now until August 31, enjoy early bird ticket pricing of just $49 ( originally $99!). Registration is required and can be completed on flyte's website.

Throughout the morning, you’ll attend three expert-led presentations that cover the essentials of content marketing, website conversion, and marketing measurement. Izzy Siedman will explore how timeless content strategies can still win in the age of AI. Rich Brooks will reveal the behavioral triggers that influence user action and help convert traffic into leads and sales. And John Paglio will show you how to cut through data overwhelm and focus on the metrics that actually move the needle.

This hands-on workshop is designed to be actionable, accessible, and immediately useful. You’ll gain marketing clarity, pick up useful tools, and leave with a focused strategy you can implement the same day. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early to take advantage of the discounted pricing.