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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 J U N E 1 1 , 2 0 1 8 F O C U S S M A L L B U S I N E S S spawn for other commercial growers; Two Fat Cats Bakery, Portland and South Portland; and Vena's Fizz House, Portland, bar and mixology shop specializing in old-fashioned, all-natural fi zz sodas, mocktails and custom cocktails. Trial and error Cultivator began in April. Over the next year, MCE will provide strategic assessments and planning sessions, tailored professional resources, and interactive business forums. Cultivator Manager Sue Hanson, who has spent two decades in the food industry, says the companies face issues like whether to invest in auto- mation to replace hand processing, food safety processes for large-scale production, development of market- ing and distribution channels beyond Maine and hiring. Belle Cove owner Grace Phillips plans to take advantage of Cultivator to broaden her market base for value- added seafood. "It's all about trial and error," says Phillips, a Hong Kong native who has been in the Maine 10 years. Phillips, who has a background in management and product develop- ment, started exporting value-added Maine lobster to Asia in 2014. "I said, 'OK, I have nothing to off er yet, but I'm going to Asia to get some connections,'" she recalls. We'll grow your money while you grow your business. by Kennebec Savings Bank Get Ahead Money Market Minimum daily balance of $20,000 required to earn the disclosed Annual Percentage Yield (APY). $20,000 minimum to open (opening deposit must be new money not currently on deposit with Kennebec Savings Bank or any of its divisions). Your interest rate and APY may change at any me without no ce. Rates as of 05/01/2018. A $10 per month fee is charged to accounts whose average daily balance falls below $20,000. Fees could reduce the earnings on this account. An ac ve Kennebec Savings Bank checking account is required. * 2.00 % Call us at (207) 622-5801 We'll grow www.KennebecSavings.Bank Augusta • Farmingdale • Waterville • Winthrop C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 6 » Black Dinah Chocolatiers makes hand-crafted chocolates and is based in Westbrook. Vena's Fizz House is a Portland bar and mixology shop. North Spore cultivates mushrooms and spawn for other commercial growers. P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y V E N A' S F I Z Z H O U S E CEI helps grow good jobs, environmentally sustainable enterprises and shared prosperity through financing, advising and policy advocacy. To work with us, call 207-504-5900 www.ceimaine.org Coastal Enterprises, Inc. 30 Federal Street, Brunswick, ME 04011 Building an economy that works for everyone