Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1429013
to I-95 and other major corridors. "e Gorham project is the largest tract of land that I'm aware of in the Greater Portland area that is both industrially zoned and well sit- uated to accommodate a variety of industries and building sizes," says Anderson. "e seller is a forward-thinking, progressive municipality and we're confident we will find the right mix of businesses to take advantage of this rare development opportunity." ere has already been a significant amount of interest in Gorham's industrial park expansion project and with an industrial market that has been tight for years in Southern Maine, Anderson says he expects the lots to sell out in the next one to two years. Where creatives thrive Maine's growing creative economy also has a strong presence in Gor- ham. Several creative businesses have quietly chosen to call Gorham home for years while others are moving in and making their mark. Transformit has been creating stunning fabric architecture for 25 years. Owner Cindy ompson's sculptural designs transform the in- terior spaces of museums, hotels, restaurants and public spaces around the globe, including Sullivan House Bakery. Flowfold creates minimal- ist outdoor gear out of sustainable materials. What began 10 years ago with a simple wallet made from recycled sailcloth has expanded to in- clude a variety of bags and accessories, and, since the pandemic, plastic face shields, which allowed the company to grow, while continuing its commitment to Maine-made manufacturing. New England Treads has been creating stair treads, custom tables and cutting boards for over a decade. Each of these companies have found their place in the Gorham Industrial Park, alongside high-tech manufacturing neighbors and one of the nation's fastest growing breweries, Lone Pine Brewing Company. Erin Flett, who began her nationally recognized textile company in 2011 by silk-screening designs in the basement of her Gorham home, moved her entire operation to downtown Gorham in 2019. e vivid colors and bold patterns of her window displays on the corner of Main Street anchor the brick-lined downtown with a chic new look. "I am very proud to be located in Gorham on Main Street," says Flett. "e retail location here has completely changed the dynamic of my business. We have noticed a steady flow of locals and people from away that either know the brand and follow along, or who discover us just by driving by." Beyond business-friendly One of the most tangible ways the town supports businesses is with its permanent Revolving Loan Fund program, which provides compet- itive rates for loans of up to $150,000 and terms of up to 20 years that can be used for everything from boosting inventory to buying property or machinery. e Revolving Loan Fund provides direct loans to businesses to help address financing needs that aren't always met through conventional sources of financing from banks and other financial institutions. e fund is available to businesses located in Gorham with less than 50 employees or annual sales of less than $5 million and can be a great option for gap financing in partnership with financial institutions, or to secure financing directly through the town's program for lower amounts that are often not readily available at financial institutions. "e fund was a key resource for us during the pandemic in sup- porting small businesses," says Jensen. "But it also allows us to be pro- active in attracting the types of new businesses we think are a good fit for the town, while stewarding existing businesses to help them expand and grow with our support." e downtown co-working space SYNC Gorham used a RLF loan to provide gap financing for renovating an adjacent unit purchased through conventional financing. e loan ensured SYNC Gorham's expansion by effectively doubling the number of co-working office suites on site. "Without the RLF program the expansion of SYNC Gorham would not have been possible," owner Rob Woodman says. "To me, it sends a clear message to business owners that Gorham is a great place to put down roots and offers entrepreneurs a creative funding solution." New England Treads Microwave Techniques Harvey Performance