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V O L . X X V I I N O. X V I I I A U G U S T 2 3 , 2 0 2 1 18 G R E AT E R B A N G O R / N O R T H E R N M A I N E F O C U S Nonprofit startups a growing trend in northern Maine D uring a busy year for SCORE mentors in northern Maine, a growing number of mission-minded clients are seeking advice on launch- ing nonprofits. "e number of people who want to start a nonprofit is unbeliev- able," says Donna Cassese, SCORE's Bangor chapter chair. "ey want to make the world a better place by con- tributing their expertise." Cassese, who is based in Skowhegan, has been with SCORE for about three years. A paper industry veteran, she now works as a part-time consultant for Sappi (her former employer) and for Puritan Medical Products, the Guilford- based maker of cotton swabs. She also chairs Maine Technology Institute's board of directors. In her role at SCORE, part of a national network of no-cost small- business mentors, Cassese is one of 28 volunteers working with cli- ents throughout northern Maine. Nationwide, SCORE mentors have helped more than 11 million small business owners since 1964, according to the group's website. Cassese says that while in 2020 she and her team were mainly help- ing clients get business and funding support to cope with the pandemic, they're now fielding increasing queries about launching nonprofits — two or three in the last month — and buying or selling a small business. "We have two really solid men- tors in our chapter that have owned and sold businesses, and we're able to help people in that space," she says. at includes helping buyers ask the right questions and understand the value proposition so that they pay the right price. "For the sellers, it is important to have their financials up to date to be prepared for questions by potential buyers," she says. Another area of high demand is from people leaving a staff position to strike out on their own as a consultant in their area of expertise, as Cassese did herself when she left Sappi. Not all clients are based in Maine, either, she says: "We have several clients right now who are out of state but want to work with us so they can transfer their businesses up here. A lot of our work on their behalf is around licens- ing and talking to the right contacts in the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, to get established here." As for SCORE Bangor, Cassese says the team can always use more volunteer mentors, particularly those who can listen without judging. "We are looking for volunteers with the experience and perspective to help entrepreneurs to be successful," she adds. Presque Isle financial firm offers clients group insurance benefits A s more Maine employers look to increase their attractiveness to cur- rent and potential employees, Presque Isle-based ompson Financial Group recently began offering group insurance benefits as a new service to its business clients. e firm, which also has an office in Bangor, employs 23 people and was known as ompson-Hamel until last fall, when it rebranded as ompson Financial. Founded in 1962, it advises clients on estate planning, personal We're dedicated to understanding your business As professional wealth managers, our bottom line is met when our clients achieve their long-term financial goals. Yet, we also believe our clients should enjoy the two priceless assets that flow from wise financial management: peace of mind and confidence in the future. Asset Management Retirement Planning 401(k) Advisory Tax Services Estate Planning www.vancegray.com 1-888-992-2819 Gain access to unlimited articles & lists for download Access to print and digital editions, website content, email newsletters, and downloadable business lists, plus events discounts! MAINEBIZ.BIZ/PRINTSUB Become a premium member of Mainebiz today to receive unlimited access! » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E We have several clients right now who are out of state but want to work with us so they can transfer their businesses up here. — Donna Cassese SCORE Bangor chapter chair Donna Cassese, who worked in the paper industry for years, is the SCORE Bangor chapter chair. She also chairs Maine Technology Institute's board of directors. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F D O N N A C A S S E S E

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