 Women-owned businesses account for one-third of all Maine businesses, and are an increasingly important part of the Maine economy. Between 1997 and 2000, an average of 424 new women-owned businesses were started every day in the United States. This translates into nearly 775,000 start-ups per year, accounting for 55% of all new businesses. The Women's Business Center continues CEI's long-standing commitment to supporting women business owners, drawing on more than a decade of experience in developing targeted training, business assistance and finance programs. Any woman who owns or is starting a business in Maine is invited to use the resources of the Center. The Women's Business Center is a joint venture of CEI and the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Women's Business Ownership. SERVICES The women business counselors at the Center are responsive, knowledgeable individuals who understand firsthand the opportunities and barriers faced by women business owners. Formal and informal services include: Frequently addressed topics include "how to" start a company, market a product or service, apply for a loan, improve cash flow, get through a crisis, measure progress, increase sales or manage a growing staff. - Targeted Assistance in Internet/Website Use
The Internet is increasingly important for growing a business in today's economy. This program brings women business owners up to speed with the latest technology. Frequently addressed topics include computer technology, business Internet use, website development issues, and website marketing and sales. BENEFITS - Development of a positive relationship with a skilled woman business counselor;
 - Improved business skills;
- Ongoing support for business growth and expansion tailored to the needs of your business;
- Innovative approaches to supporting women's business ownership;
- Assistance in new areas of business development, such as the Internet and websites;
- Opportunities to network with other business owners;
- Access to accurate, timely business information;
- Respect for your life experience, management skills (from beginning to advanced), and learning style.
PUBLICATIONS
Telling Their Stories: Women Business Owners in Western Maine. A collaborative project of CEI, the University of Maine at Farmington, and Western Mountains Alliance.
The programs and services of CEI's Women's Business Center are generously supported by CEI; the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO). The OWBO is the only office in the federal government established to help women become full partners in economic development through small business ownership. The Women's Business Ownership website is: www.sbaonline.sba.gov/womeninbusiness. SBA's cooperation does not constitute or imply its endorsement of any opinions, products and/or services. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. The Women’s Business Center at CEI is partially supported by Bangor Savings Bank.
|
Philosophy and Programs 
Governor's Task Force on the Economic Sustainability of Maine's Lobster Industry: One of the vulnerabilities revealed by the recent global economic crisis has been the viability of traditional lobstering practices in Maine. To combat the loss of such a culturally and economically important industry, Governor Baldacci established the Governor's Task Force on the Economic Sustainability of Maine's Lobster Industry to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure the prosperity and long-term sustainability of the Maine lobster industry. Click on below links to read more.
Bangor Savings Bank and CEI offer low-interest loans to small and medium-sized enterprises in disadvantaged areas in Maine. Read more