Women's Business Resources in Maine
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
Starting a business can be challenging, but you don't have to go through it alone. There are a number of local resources in Maine dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs start and succeed in business. We researched and vetted entrepreneurial resources available in your area and compiled our recommended list. Continue reading to discover the right one for you.
You can also read our guide on how to start a business in Maine.
Resources in Your Area
WomensNet - Maine
About:
Making entrepreneurial dreams a reality is part of the magic of WomensNet and the Amber Grant program. Women-owned and women-run businesses are eligible for the monthly awarded grant of $2000, with a chance to win $25,000, once a year.
Who it's right for:
Women entrepreneurs and business owners are welcome to apply, no matter if they are established, or new start-ups looking to jump-start their possibilities.
Location:
300 State Street, Suite 405
Rochester , NY 14614
Contact Information:
Coastal Enterprises Inc - Women’s Business Center
About:
CEI is dedicated to advancing the economy of Maine and beyond. By offering support and training for women business owners and operators, Coastal Enterprises is able to help entrepreneurs reach their goals.
Who it's right for:
Women business owners and operators are the perfect clientele for this organization. Whether you’re running a successful business, looking to branch out on your own, or building a start-up from scratch, CEI has programs to help you hone your skill set.
Location:
30 Federal Street, Suite 100
Brunswick, ME 04011
Contact Information:
(207) 504-5900
Lift Fund
About:
Lift Fund seeks to offer financial assistance to deserving entrepreneurs, representing a wide range of backgrounds and experience. Often, applicants are in need of just a small push, in order to generate the momentum needed for success. Lift Fund offers loan options to help great ideas become reality.
Who it's right for:
Small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those finding limited loan options, are encouraged to contact Lift Fund. They can attend seminars, consult loan counselors, and explore payment options to see what works best for their business plans.
Location:
Headquarters - 2007 W. Martin Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
Contact Information:
(888) 215-2373
National Association of Women Business Owners
About:
NAWBO connects women entrepreneurs and business professionals from across the country through creativity, camaraderie, and a desire to see women in business succeed. Now celebrating 40 years of a professional community of women in business, NAWBO is poised to launch countless new entrepreneurs on their paths.
Who it's right for:
Women business professionals in Maine looking to expand their network would be wise to look into this organization, as with community comes opportunity.
Location:
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW, South Building, Ste 900
Washington D.C., DC 20004
Contact Information:
(800) 556-2926
Small Business Resources
About:
As a division of the State of Maine and through the Secretary of State’s oversight, the Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions offers a comprehensive listing of resources for small businesses. Visit the website to discover different organizations, seminars, and agencies designed to assist small businesses.
Who it's right for:
Entrepreneurs based in Maine can find many helpful avenues for injecting their business plans with new ideas, opinions and suggestions, or much-needed capital. The available resources will also be able to expand to different needs, providing even more possibilities for success.
Location:
111 Sewall St
Augusta, ME 04330
Contact Information:
(207) 624-7752
Small Business Department Council (SBDC) - Maine
About:
Maine’s SBDC is designed to help new and existing small businesses become as successful as possible. By fostering small business growth at a state and community level, financial success begins to flourish as well. Explore options for guiding businesses to successful ends through the SBDC website.
Who it's right for:
Small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for guidance on how to build successful business enterprises are the target audience. Visit the SBDC website to examine options for improving business acumen.
From The Nest
About:
Promoting and building networks of professionals offers greater options for running successful businesses. From the Nest understands that connecting with people is at the heart of business and personal success. Learn how to use networking to drive success in all aspects of life.
Who it's right for:
Business professionals ready to set the ball rolling are ideal for From the Nest services. Incorporate better strategies for connecting with people, in turn pushing creativity and productivity to the next level.
Contact Information:
Accion
About:
Accion, an organization championing the outsider entrepreneurs by offering advocacy, financial assistance, and professional insights, is highlighting 5 grants, designed for and awarded to women-owned businesses.
Who it's right for:
Accion’s grant links are perfect for women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. View Accion’s website to find the links and explore the possibilities available.
Location:
Headquarters - 10 Fawcett Street, Suite 204
Cambridge, MA 02138
Contact Information:
(800) 931-9951
SCORE
About:
SCORE offers mentorship programs, as well as seminars and workshops, for the purpose of spreading information regarding successful business practices. There are numerous sources of contact, depending on individual locations around the state.
Who it's right for:
Small business owners are encouraged to reach out to mentors for guidance and one-on-one advice and encouragement through SCORE’s network of business professionals. With over 50 years of assisting and mentoring entrepreneurs, SCORE understands what businesses need to find success.
Maine Angels - Early Start-up Investing Firm
About:
Maine Angels provide financial investment possibilities for entrepreneurs throughout Maine. By investing in fresh and innovative ideas, Maine Angels help to keep New England vibrant and poised for future success stories.
Who it's right for:
Entrepreneurs or start-ups in Maine and the New England region are perfect candidates for these financial possibilities. Maine Angels are looking for innovative ideas that need a little financial push.
Contact Information:
U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
About:
The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship seeks to support women in business. Entrepreneurship is vital to the health of the economy, and diversity in business is essential to promote future entrepreneurship.
Who it's right for:
Women and minority entrepreneurs are the primary focus of this committee’s work. Find out how you can gain assistance toward economic success.
Location:
428A Russell Senate Office Bldg
Washington D.C., DC 20515
Contact Information:
(202) 224-5175
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
About:
The WBENC is the “largest certifier of women-owned businesses” as well as a staunch advocate for women entrepreneurs and business owners. By promoting business owners through education, networking, and a certified status, WBENC looks to create strong foundations for success.
Who it's right for:
Female business owners and entrepreneurs looking for advocacy, continued education, business strategizing, and financial opportunities. By promoting women in business, the economic ecosystem becomes more robust and healthy.
Location:
1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1000
Washington D.C., DC 20036
Contact Information:
(202) 872-5515
Maine Center For Entrepreneurs
About:
The MCE is driven by the desire to cultivate and support sustainable and profitable businesses within Maine. In particular, their Top Gun Program is an accelerated course designed to propel talented entrepreneurs’ start-ups from good to great.
Who it's right for:
Start-ups in Maine, looking to leverage their opportunities through continued education and professional networking. The MCE is always looking for entrepreneurs who wish to hone their great plans into fully-functioning business entities.
Leading Women Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
About:
Designed to help women business professionals network and grow, LWE thrives off the success of its members. By supporting entrepreneurs through educational and promotional seminars, events, and overall support, LWE strives to create a more navigable professional landscape for women.
Who it's right for:
Women entrepreneurs and business owners. Explore the myriad of possibilities and opportunities associated with LWE, and see your business transform.
Location:
3400 Prospect ST NW
Washington D.C., DC 20007
Maine Chamber of Commerce
About:
Maine welcomes new and expanding businesses, especially home-grown ones. The Department of Economic and Community Development offers numerous resources to help up-and-coming entrepreneurs, as well as established business owners.
Who it's right for:
Small and medium-sized businesses looking for comprehensive research and data on starting or growing a business in Maine. This governmental entity offers excellent analysis and insight into business ownership in the state.
Small Business Administration
About:
The U.S. Small Business Administration seeks to promote and guide the interests of all small business entities. The Maine district office specializes in small business promotion in the state of Maine. Financial services, continuing professional education, and business templates and FAQs are all available through the website.
Who it's right for:
Small business owners and entrepreneurs in Maine are encouraged to browse and refer to the SBA’s website and available links, in order to create stable and profitable businesses.
Location:
68 Sewall Street Room 512
Augusta, ME 04330
Contact Information:
(207) 622-8277
