Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1517428
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 27 M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 AWARD B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R MB: And after 2020? BS: Delays and escalating prices. But the idea of local food was growing. During COVID, every- body said, 'I've got to get food locally.' at became the norm and drove everything from that point on. We started getting new members and 100 people on the waiting list. MB: After buying the new facility, what was involved in becoming operational? BS: We had to build out 18,000 square feet and install all-electric equipment. We moved 47 compa- nies on June 30 and are now finishing 2,500 square feet of small batch processing and package space for fruits and vegetables. We're scaling up projects to upcycle salvaged food. MB: Further plans? BS: We're looking at a pop-up space, event space, palletized freezer storage for internal use and for the farming community and expanding our meat processing capacity. is is all based on our abil- ity to raise money. What's been challenging is that our budget for this project went up 30% in three years, from $10 million to $15 million, financed by a mortgage, construction loans, grants and contribu- tions. Over the next two years, we have to raise an estimated $7 million for the remaining work and to pay off our construction loans. MB: What are you most proud of? BS: Sixty percent of the businesses are women- owned; at least 20% are New Mainers and BIPOC. We have representation from Africa, Southeast Asia, South America. e food and the range of new ideas coming here are phenomenal. And the sense of community. To me, the most exciting thing is the range of food and culture that's represented by all these chefs as they're creating and sharing. We've lowered the barrier to entry to include pretty much anybody: If you have an idea, you can try it out without going bankrupt. If it takes off, you're rewarded quickly because we get you in front of customers. We haven't crossed the finish line. We're very visible and we have a neat facility. But we have a long way to go. L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r , c a n b e r e a c h e d a t l s c h r e i b e r @ m a i n e b i z . b i z We're proud to offer a wide selection of metal roofing and siding products. Give your home or business the color and style you're looking for with the durability and quality that only metal roofing and siding can provide. NOW OFFERING Screw Down Metal Roofing WAREBUTLER.COM METALS@WAREBUTLER.COM STANDARD COLORS ONLY Visit one of our stores, or email us using the contact form on our website, for more information on these products. If you have an idea, you can try it out without going bankrupt.