Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 29 M AY 1 7 , 2 0 2 1 F O C U S S M A L L B U S I N E S S e Maine SBDC is part of the U.S. Small Business Administration and is administered by the University of Southern Maine in cooperation with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. e Maine SBDC operates service centers across Maine in partnerships with Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, CEI and Northern Maine Development Commission. Much of the program is centered around its advisors, who are certified by the New England Professional Development Group. Maine SBDC's immediate priority was to connect with established clients, says Mark Delisle, Maine SBDC director. Maine SBDC was already set up for virtual meetings, and the organiza- tion, including its 19 advisors, pivoted in a week to being able to connect online one-on-one with clients. "It was a huge change, and we did it on purpose," Delisle says. "We immedi- ately reached out to our existing clients, not that we didn't want new ones, but we said, 'Let's get to the existing businesses.'" Before other aid was available, within a week of the pandemic being declared, SBDC was advising clients about forgivable SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which are We know that dreams don't end because the world as we knew it has changed. Portland, ME dunhamgroup.com 207.773.7100 Local Knowledge. Regional Focus. Global Reach. We helped Tacos Y Tequila carve out a new space for their restaurant in Cape Elizabeth. We worked with Bobbles & Lace to find a home for their boutique in the Old Port. And found the ideal space for Volk Packaging to expand their operations to Sanford. Even in uncertain times, we're still in the habit of making ideas become reality for Maine businesses. (207) 827-4456 • (800) 648-4202 Old Town • Yarmouth www.sewall.com Consultants in: Engineering | Survey | Energy | Geospatial Solutions | Natural Resources A strong and trusted partner. For 140 years, we've known that perseverance, ingenuity, and taking responsibility for doing things well the first time are the keys to lasting success. As industry pioneers, we are ready to help you improve your communities, your inf rastructure, and our environment. Chuck Nadeau, President and CFO Committed to Leadership, Collaboration and Outsized Effort for Clients, Community, and Sewall Associates • Site Design and Permitting • Environmental Permitting / Storm Water Management • Transportation / Traffic Engineering • 3D Scanning / Geospatial Data Analytics • Natural Resource Consulting • A Premier Employer C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » I just had a gut feeling and I took a chance. I said, 'I'm going to build this thing. — Pauline Eldredge Trailside Gardens Pauline Eldredge, owner of Trailside Gardens, in Abbott, moved from selling wholesale plants to building a greenhouse and growing her own. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y T R A I L S I D E G A R D E N S

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