In an attempt to keep new business owners and established businesses informed, The Stonington Economic Development Committee has created this portion of the website as a resource for training opportunities, financial assistance and programs, and contact information for state and federal agencies and organizations committed to business and community development and good business practices.
Financing
Business Development
Marketing
International Trade and Export
Financing:
Stonington Micro-Loan Program
P.O. Box 9
Stonington, Maine 04681
Phone: 207.367.2351
The Micro-Loan Program provides low interest loans for small business creation and expansion in the town of Stonington. Loan maximum is $25,000 (depending on the availability of funds) though loans are generally in the $5,000 to $15,000 range. This program features flexible repayment terms. The business endeavor must help create or retain jobs for lower income people in Stonington.
Eastern Maine Development Corporation
1 Cumberland Place
P.O. Box 2579
Bangor, Maine 04402
Phone: 1.800.427.8736
www.emdc.org
Provides small business loans and has a regional assistance fund to provide larger loans for economic development projects that will have a positive impact on a larger area than just one town.
Coastal Enterprises Inc.
36 Water Street
P.O. Box 268
Wiscasset, Maine 04578
Phone: 1.877.340.2649
www.ceimaine.org
CEI is committed to the values of justice, diversity, entrepreneurship, collaboration, customer service, professional development, participatory work places, and healthy communities. They provide micro-loans for new or expanding small businesses.
US Department of Agriculture--Rural Development
Rural Business Services
444 Stillwater Ave
Bangor, Maine 04402
Phone: 207.990.9168
www.rurdev.usda.gov
The Business and Industry Program gives loan guarantees for up to 80% of the project cost, longterm fixed rates, and flexible job creation/retention requirements.
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Maine Business Development Organizations:
Maine Business Works
Maine Small Business Development Centers
University of Southern Maine
96 Falmouth Street
P.O. Box 9300
Portland, ME 04104-9300
Phone: 207.780.4420
www.mainebusinessworks.org
A comprehensive, up-to-date listing of trainings and events throughout the state. Provides access to a broad array of business development assistance available throughout Maine including business education, financing programs, and small business information and/or assistance.
Maine Small Business Development Centers
125 High Street
Ellsworth, ME 04605-1711
Phone: 207.664.2990
www.mainesbdc.org
Provides business counseling, training services, information transfer, and resource linkages.
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Marketing:
Maine Department of Agriculture
28 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Phone: 207.287.3871
www.maine.gov/agriculture
The Maine Department of Agriculture provides information, resourses, marketing and developing grants in the areas of farming, agriculture, and food processing.
Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
Office of Business Development
59 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Phone: 1.800.541.5872
www.mainemade.com
The Maine Products Marketing Program builds recognition for hundreds of exceptional Maine made products, their producers, and Maine's industries in general. MPMP provides marketing assistance and materials, discovers and creates new and expanded market opportunities for Maine's many producers.
Maine Department of Marine Resources
Division of Support and Marketing
21 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
207.624.6550
www.maine.gov/dmr
DMR features programs in technical research, a wholesale guide, marketing newsletter, and promotional items. The website is also host to information on commercial fisheries, policy, and marine patrol.
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International Trade and Export:
Maine International Trade Center
P.O. Box 2579
Bangor, Maine 04402
207.990.3161
www.mitc.com
With monthly programs that address current trade affairs, tools and technology, The Maine International Trade Center provides direct support to Maine businesses. MITC also provides lists of US and foreign trade officials, interpreter services and connections to trade shows world-wide.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Federal Building Room 512
40 Western Ave
Augusta, Maine 04330
207.622.8378
www.sba.gov
The Entrepreneurial Development Assistance Program offers counseling by volunteers with international experience, training programs and international trade publications.
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