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Business Loan Insurance (Finance Authority of Maine)
The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) may provide business loan insurance to veterans and wartime veterans for veteran-owned small businesses.
The Authority does not make small business loans.
Veterans interested in applying for loan insurance must apply to FAME and provide a copy of their DD214 (military discharge document).
Contact
Finance Authority of Maine (FAME)
Address: P.O. BOX 949 AUGUSTA ME 04330
Phone: 207-623-3263 or 800-228-3734
Website: www.famemaine.com
External Website: Finance Authority of Maine
Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund was established in 2011. The program provides direct assistance to veterans in their beginning years of farming or ranching. The Fund gives money to a third party vendor, not directly to the veteran, for any items critical to the launch of a young farm business.
The Fellowship also provides the following support:
- Guidance in production, business planning, and marketing.
- Scholarships to study for a career in agriculture at a college, university or farm-training program.
Visit the linked site linked at the end of this section for applications and other guidelines.
Also be sure to search the:
- WomenVetsUSA national "Organization & Sites" pages (agriculture, farm, farmer, farming, homegrown, ranching, fishermen, etc.)
- WomenVetsUSA Maine "Organization & Sites" pages (agriculture, farm, farmer, farming, homegrown, ranching, fishermen, etc.)
External Website: Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Fund
New Ventures Maine
New Ventures Maine offers resources and tools to start a business, find a career, return to school, build assets, and/or be active in the community. Free classes and workshops, in-person and online options, one-on-one coaching are offered to help participants recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, find resources, develop a plan, and take action towards their goals.
Find a New Ventures Maine Center
External Website: New Ventures Maine
Resource Guide for Small Business (Maine)
This handbook is an "A to Z" Maine small business guide. For more information:
Contact an SBA Veterans Affairs Officer
Northern Maine
James Pineau
Phone: 207-945-2021
E-mail: james.pineau@sba.gov
Southern Maine
William Card
Phone: 207-622-8555
E-mail: william.card@sba.gov
.
External Website: Small Business Administration
Small Business Administration (Maine District)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) developed many small business loan and assistance programs and outreach efforts and initiatives to aid and inform small businesses. Services and information available through this office include:
- Free counseling, advice and information on starting a business through the SCORE.
- Financial assistance for new or existing businesses through guaranteed loans made by area bank and non-bank lenders. For more information, call Diane Sturgeon (link sends e-mail), Deputy District Director at (207) 622-8286.
- Free consulting services through the network of the Maine Small Business Development Centers, sponsored by the SBA, University of Maine, and the State of Maine. SBDCs also conduct training events throughout the district - some require a nominal registration fee.
- Assistance to businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals through the Minority Enterprise Development Program.
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Special loan programs are available for businesses involved in international trade. For any questions please contact SBA's IT Representative, Diane Sturgeon, Deputy District Director at (207) 622-8286.
The Augusta, Maine Small Business Administration (SBA)District Office is responsible for the delivery of SBA's many programs and services to all 16 counties in the state of Maine.
Women's Business Ownership Representative
A Women's Business Ownership Representative is available to advise women business owners.
Contact
Sandra Fontaine, SBA Women's Representative for Maine: 207-622-8381.
Veterans' Affairs Officers
A Veterans Affairs Officer is available to advise veterans.
Contacts
William Card, Veterans Affairs Officer for southern Maine: 207-622-8555
James Pineau, Veterans Affairs Officer for northern Maine: 207-945-2021
External Website: Small Business Administration
Small Business Development Center (Maine)
Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) provide free one-on-one business advising to Maine's entrepreneurs and small businesses. You can meet with a business advisor who can provide assistance to both new and existing businesses. Some topics include:
- Business Planning
- Credit & Financing
- Financial Analysis
- Marketing & Sales
- Operations & Management
With locations across Maine, there is a business advising location near you! Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Contact
E-mail: clong@maine.edu
Phone: 207-780-4420
External Website: Maine Small Business Development Center
Small Business Education (University of Maine Cooperative Extension)
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers a variety of business education opportunities for profit and nonprofit businesses with a wide range of services including training, financing, advocacy, self-help tools, and a library of organizations in Maine that assist business owners and others considering a start-up business. Their site also posts news and a calendar of events.
External Website: University of Maine Cooperative Extension Small Business Education
Women's Business Center: Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)
The Women's Business Center at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) offers comprehensive business support by experienced, knowledgeable business specialists who can help you at any stage of your business, from start-up to expansion. They offer one-on-one business counseling, financing options, oportunities to participate in community workshops and other events.
For More Information, Contact:
E-mail: wbc@ceimaine.org
Online "Request for Advising" Form
External Website: Coastal Enterprises, Inc. Women's Business Center