Business News & Resource Blog
$5000 Business Grants still available for micro-enterprises
The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) in partnership with the SBDC will provide grants of up to $5,000 for businesses with five or fewer employees, with an owner whose income is in the low to moderate range as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The second round of funding to this program is now available and can be accessed by individuals across the state who meet eligibility criteria.
Jessie Perkins
Pledge to Protect ME for Visitors to Maine
DECD has launched the Pledge to Protect ME, an online alternative to the Certificate of Compliance form required for visitors before booking lodging. The Pledge is linked from the VisitMaine.com Travel Protocols page for visitors. FAQs for businesses with detail on how the Pledge is implemented is available at MOTPartners.com.
Jessie Perkins
Survey: Helping hospitality businesses adapt to colder weather
A team of area chambers of commerce and convention and visitors bureaus and state industry trade associations are working together with DECD to make sure your voice is included as the Administration explores actions to support hospitality businesses.
Jessie Perkins
Take Maine Small Business COVID Crisis Survey
The Maine SBDC, in partnership with the University of Southern Maine, has developed the Small Business COVID Crisis Survey. The goal of the survey is to help us better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses throughout Maine.
Jessie Perkins
News from Small Business Development Center - PPP forgiveness, other webinars
Maine SBDC has created helpful videos to walk you through each of the Forgiveness Applications for the Paycheck Protection Program. In the series, Business Advisor Peter Harriman walks you through which application is right for your business, the EZ3805 Short Form, and the 3805 Long Form. Plus lots more learning opportunities!
Jessie Perkins
New Restaurant Relief Program Launched!
HospitalityMaine is partnering with O’Maine Studios to raise funds for Maine restaurants struggling to reopen, rehire and restock their businesses amid the pandemic. The ReUp Maine Restaurant Relief Fund. will provide grants — from $500 to $15,000 — to restaurant recipients randomly selected from submitted applications.
Jessie Perkins
Even MORE loan and grant resources
The following list is compiled by Main Street America.
Jessie Perkins
Update on SBA loans - 6 months of payment relief available
As part of coronavirus debt relief efforts, the SBA will pay 6 months of principal, interest, and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all current 7(a), 504, and Microloans in regular servicing status as well as new 7(a), 504, and Microloans disbursed prior to September 27, 2020.
Jessie Perkins
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In Light of Data Trends, Mills Administration Accelerates Business Openings in Rural Counties
The Mills Administration today announced additional business reopenings under the Governor's rural reopening plan. Under the update, in 13 counties, tasting rooms and bars may open for outside service and gyms and fitness centers, nail salons, and tattoo and piercing parlors may open with added health and safety precautions beginning on Friday, June 12th. These establishments may reopen everywhere in all counties except for York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin Counties.
Jessie Perkins
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Governor's Retail, tourism and hospitality subcommittee seeks input
Earlier this month, Governor Mills created the Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee which meets every week on Fridays. A Tourism, Hospitality & Retail Subcommittee has been created and is meeting multiple times each week to help address the issues related to these critical sectors.
Jessie Perkins
