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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 43 FA C T BO O K / D O I N G B U S I N E S S I N M A I N E B U S I N E S S R E S O U R C E S process to ensure that only such busi- nesses receive contracts reserved for them. When a self-certification is challenged, the SBA determines if the business meets the requirements. Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center Register for services at www.maineptac.org Maine PTAC works with small busi- nesses pursuing government market opportunities at the federal, state or local levels as a prime contrac- tor or subcontractor. e center is funded by government resources and provides free counseling. It also provides a bid match service for a fee that helps identify opportunities. Maine PTAC also assists companies with subcontractor opportunities and hosts training and networking events. For additional information, contact: Maine PTAC Eastern Maine Development Corporation 40 Harlow St. Bangor, ME 04401-5102 207-942-6389 • 207-942-3548 Fax www.maineptac.org Small Disadvantaged Business To self-certify, visit www.sba.gov/sdb, where the required steps are explained. A Small Disadvantaged Business is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are socially and economically disad- vantaged. e federal government's goal is to award at least 5% of prime contracting dollars to such businesses each year. Large prime contractors must also establish a 5% subcontract- ing goal for these businesses in their subcontracting plans, which includes SBA 8(a) certified small businesses. Firms self-certify in the System for Award Management data base. Firms approved by the SBA in the 8(a) Business Development Program are automatically certified. 8(a) Business Development Program For additional information, visit www.sba.gov/8a e nine-year program assists eligible socially and economically disadvan- taged individuals developing businesses. To be eligible a business must: be a small business by SBA standards; be owned (at least 51%) by one or more individuals who qualify as socially and economically disadvantaged, and who are U.S. citizens; be controlled, managed, and operated full-time by one or more individuals who qualify as disadvantaged; demonstrate potential for success (generally by being in business for at least two years) and have the capacity to perform on government and non-government contracts. Individuals who are members of a group subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias are consid- ered socially disadvantaged, including black Americans, Native Americans, native Alaskans, native Hawaiians, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans and Subcontinent Asian Americans. An individual who is not a member of one of these groups must show evidence establishing individual social disadvantage. Economically disadvantaged individuals are socially disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free-enterprise system has been impaired because of dimin- ished capital and credit opportunities because of group identity. SBA designates a district office staffer geographically near the busi- ness to coordinate development assistance. SBA is responsible for: determining whether a business qualifies for the program; determining whether a business continues to qualify during the nine-year term; approving mentor/protégé agreements between 8(a) firms and large businesses; providing technical guidance and business development assistance. SBA participating lenders Androscoggin Savings Bank (E) 30 Lisbon St. / P.O. Box 1407 Lewiston, ME 04243-1407 207-784-9164 • 207-786-4782 F Androscoggin Valley Council of Govts. 125 Manley Road Auburn, ME 04210 207-783-9186 • 207-783-5211 F Aroostook County Federal S&L Assoc. 43 High St. / P.O. Box 808 Caribou, ME 04736-0808 207-498-8726 • 207-498-8202 F Atlantic Regional FCU (E) 55 Cushing St. / P.O. Box 188 Brunswick, ME 04011 207-725-8728 • 207-721-9580 F Auburn Savings 325 Sabattus St. Lewiston, ME 04240 207-782-0400 • 207-782-5444 F Bangor Savings Bank (PLP/E) 99 Franklin St. / P.O. Box 930 Bangor, ME 04402-0930 207-942-5211 • 207-942-2836 F Bank Of America (PLP/E) 10850 White Rock Rd. Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 800-622-8731 Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (PLP/E) 82 Main St. / P.O. Box 400 Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0400 207-288-3314 • 207-288-2626 F Bath Savings Institution (E) 105 Front St. / P.O. Box 548 Bath, ME 04530-0548 207-442-7711 • 207-442-9137 F Biddeford-Saco Area Economic Development Corp. (ILP only) 190 Main St., 3rd Fl. / P.O. Box 536 Saco, ME 04072 207-282-1748 • 207-282-9574 F Biddeford Savings Bank (E) 254Main St. / P.O. Box 525 Biddeford, ME 04005 207-284-5906 • 207-282-8977 F Blue Hill Bank 1196 River St. Boston, MA 02136 617-361-6900 • 617-361-2662 F Brewer Federal Credit Union 77 N. Main St. / P.O. Box 189 Brewer, ME 04412-0189 207-989-7240 • 207-989-3440 F Business Lending Solutions 101 Western Ave., P.O. Box 190 Hampden, ME 04444 866-736-1804 Camden National Bank (E) 2 Elm St. / P.O. Box 310 Camden, ME 04843-0310 207-236-8821 • 207-236-6256 F Capital One FSB (PLP/E) P.O. Box 85015 Richmond, Va 23285 800-955-7070 Celtic Bank Corp. (PLP/E) 268 S. State St. Salt Lake City, UT 84111 801-363-6500 • 801-363-6562 F Cit Small Business Lending Corp. 1 Cit Drive Livingston, NJ 07039 800-713-4984 ext. 6010 714-848-9604 F Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CDC/Micro/CA) P.O. Box 268 Wiscasset, ME 04578 207-882-7552 • 207-882-7308 F Community Concepts, Inc. (Micro) 1719 Market Sq. South Paris, ME 04281 207-743-7716 Cooperative Fund Of New England (ILP only) P.O. Box 3413 Amherst, MA 01004-3413 910-395-6008 or 800-818-7833 PLP: Preferred Lenders E: SBAExpress CDC: Certified Development Company Micro: Microloan Lender CA: Community Advantage ILP: Intermediary Lender Program