Mainebiz

V O L . X X I V N O. X I X S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 8 16 P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Launching a business 'Self-awareness' is key to starting, attracting business in Maine B y M a u r e e n M i l l i k e n F O C U S THERE IS A DIFFERENCE Because Construction Management Design/Build General Contracting Engineering Sheridan Construction www.sheridancorp.com Fairfield Portland 207-453-9311 207-774-6138 T he message in Maine is the same for those starting a business as it is for communities that want to attract business and entrepreneurs — it's all about self-awareness. One of the top barriers to startup success is the business owner or entre- preneur not understanding how to go about it, says Mark Delisle, state director of Maine Small Business Development Centers. "ey may have a skill set, but are not really familiar with running a small business," he says. "ey may make a great pie, or beer, or be a great life coach, but that doesn't mean they understand how to put a business model together." Delisle says a person must have the awareness of their personal assets, but also what they lack, if they want to be successful. at's true for communities as well, says Peter DelGreco, president and CEO of Maine & Co., which helps recruit businesses to Maine. "A community has to have a plan, it has to know what it's willing to accept," he says. "Many com- munities don't want to do the work." As post-recession Maine struggles with how to grow a sustainable economy with an aging and sparse workforce, the experts say the capital is there. To tap it, self-knowledge is key at both ends of the spectrum. Business owners: What's your plan? e Small Business Development Centers see 1,800 to 2,000 clients a year, says Delisle. Last year, they helped start 98 businesses, creating 338 jobs and saving another 331. All that activity generated $44 million in revenue. Mark Delisle, state director of Maine Small Business Development Centers, helps guide entrepreneurs from a good idea to a viable business.

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