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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 9 A U G U S T 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 third and final round of Bicentennial Community Grants. With all three rounds of the grants now complete, the commission disbursed a total of $667,429 assisting 170 successful applicants with their local bicenten- nial plans. Ellsworth grants to aid small businesses New technology projects were the focus of a mini-grant program offered to downtown Ellsworth businesses by the town's nonprofit downtown alliance. Heart of Ellsworth will offer mini-grants of $500 or $1,000 for need-based technical assistance and equipment, which are expected to help downtown business owners secure future economic opportuni- ties. Awardees include Atlantic Art Glass, Cute Knits, Fogtown Brewing Co., Morton's Moo Handmade Ice Cream, Nisa Jewelry, Sugar Mags and Quiet Strength Yoga. It was Congratulations Women Entrepreneurs — And Our Neighbors We're proud to support local Maine women- We're proud to support local Maine women- owned businesses with products and services owned businesses with products and services to help your business grow. to help your business grow. Our experienced lenders are more than Our experienced lenders are more than bankers — they're problem solvers who will bankers — they're problem solvers who will work with you to design a commercial loan work with you to design a commercial loan that's right for you. that's right for you. Custom lending solutions are here for you — Custom lending solutions are here for you — and so are we. Let's talk. and so are we. Let's talk. Theresa Hodge Theresa Hodge Executive Vice President, Executive Vice President, Commercial Lending Commercial Lending Katie Winglass Katie Winglass Owner, Mae's Cafe and Bakery Owner, Mae's Cafe and Bakery MEMBER FDIC MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER EQUAL HOUSING LENDER 1-800-447-4559 | bathsavings.com Bath • Boothbay Harbor • Brunswick • Damariscotta • Falmouth • Freeport • Portland • South Portland • Yarmouth Unum, United Way launch funds to fight racial bias, advance equity B y R e n e e C o r d e s S tepping up to fight racial bias and advance equity, two Portland-based entities have launched funds dedicated to that cause. Unum Group (NYSE: UNM), the Chattanooga, Tenn.-based disability insurer and group benefits provider with a large presence in Maine, was first out of the gate in early July with a new Social Justice Fund to create stronger, more equitable communities. While the fund is designed to make a difference for many marginalized groups facing discrimination, the immediate focus this year is to support organizations working to end racism, discrimination and bias. A mix of employee donations, company matches and an annual Unum corporate gift of $500,000 will support the fund. "Like many individuals and organizations, we have had a commitment to equality as a core principle and a value at Unum for a very long time," said Mike Simonds, Unum's Portland-based COO. "We're very proud of that work, but I would say that what happened with such prominent depth in the Black community, and the Black Lives Matter movement was absolutely a cata- lyst for us," he added. "Our teams responded and pushed us quickly, and frankly we were anxious and willing to become more vocal and make sure we were able to communicate some of the work happening, as well as increase our commitment." United Way initiative United Way of Greater Portland unveiled a Racial Equity Fund to support the work of local nonprofits led by and serving people of color. The effort also aims to make progress on long-term goals outlined in a plan called Thrive2027 to improve education, financial stability and health for every person in Greater Portland. IDEXX Laboratories is the fund's lead founding partner, with additional funding coming from accounting firm BerryDunn, Gorham Savings Bank, Hannaford, KeyBank and WEX Inc. Although programs funded by United Way of Greater Portland currently serve an estimated 50% people of color in Greater Portland, the group said it has established the Racial Equity Fund as one step to more intentionally address disparities in education, financial stability and health. Liz Cotter Schlax, president and CEO, said "we need all members of our community to have a place at the table, so we can provide and implement solutions together that take into account the unique experiences of diverse populations, especially our Black and African American neighbors." P O L I T I C S & C O. I would say that what happened with such prominent depth in the Black community and the Black Lives Matter movement was absolutely a catalyst for us. — Mike Simonds Unum M I D C O A S T & D O W N E A S T

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