CEI uses its revolving loan funds to provide financing to new and existing refugee and immigrant business owners in Maine. CEI's loan department works closely with StartSmart, CEI's training and management assistance program for New Americans.
If you want to start or expand a business, our StartSmart counselors will work with you to gather the information necessary to develop a business plan and apply for a loan. StartSmart staff can help you with the following:
Develop a business plan
Assess your personal finances, including your financial history
Repair your credit history
Create an ‘informal' credit history when no formal credit history exists
Address necessary licenses and regulations.
For more information on this service or to get help financing your business please contact:
StartSmart 2 Portland Fish Pier, Suite 201, Portland 04101 Telephone: 207/775-1984; FAX: 207/772-5503
Predatory Mortgages in Maine Recent Trends and the Persistence of Abusive Lending Practices. A joint report issued by Coastal Enterprises, Inc. and the Center for Responsible Lending, 2006.
Building Bridges of Understanding through Business Development
When Roda Abdi first came to Lewiston, she dreamed of a store that
would provide other African immigrants in her community with products
that linked them to their heritage and homelands. Through her selection
of food, clothing, and household goods, Roda wanted to make A&R
Halal Market a place where people could gather and learn about each
other's cultures.
As a new arrival in Maine, Roda had few places to turn to help
her accomplish her goal. Fortunately, in her search for resources and
support, Roda found StartSmart, a CEI business development program for
immigrants and refugees. Working with StartSmart staff, Roda received
the management assistance she needed to understand American business
practices and to work through the complexities of starting a business,
from financial planning and marketing to dealing with licenses and
regulations. StartSmart also connected Roda to CEI's Individual
Development Account Program (IDA), to help her save for the expansion
of her business.
IDAs provide a dollar for dollar match for people who want to save to buy a house, get a degree, or finance a business.
36 Water Street, PO Box 268, Wiscasset, ME 04578; Telephone: 207/882-7552; FAX: 207/882-7308; E-mail: cei@ceimaine.org
Finance Your Business 
Maine Legislature Passes Model Anti-Predatory Lending Bill.