Because CEI recognizes the importance of bringing businesses and people together to create change, we offer several networking opportunities for the businesses with whom we work.

General Business-to-Business Networking

Using goods and services from Maine helps to boost the economy and fosters business growth statewide. Working as an intermediary, we can help connect you with other companies that have received either financing or general assistance from CEI and who can deliver the product that you need quickly and at a lower cost than an out-of-state alternative. If you are interested in learning about and networking with the Maine and New England businesses we support, please e-mail .

Women's Business Networking

The Women's Business Center at CEI offers networking opportunities for women who either own or are starting their own businesses. These are great opportunities to meet other women business owners and to share experiences and resources.

Currently, general networking meetings are held in the Portland area. We also host networking meetings in Freeport for Bed and Breakfast Owners. If you are interested in getting more information about the next networking meetings in either Freeport or Portland, please e-mail .

WBC staff will also work with you to organize networking groups or meetings in your community. Staff have experience with a range of program models. If you are interested, please contact .

Maine Women Business Owners Online Directory (http://www.wbcmaine.org)

The Maine Women Business Owners Online Directory will connect you with women business owners across the state and help you:

• Find new vendors: purchasing goods and services from women-owned businesses in Maine helps support our local small business economy
• Find new customers: working with other businesses in the directory may open up new market opportunities
• Establish business networks: searching the directory by town will enable you to identify women business owners in your community
• Learn about educational and networking events that are available to women-owned businesses throughout the state of Maine
• Learn about business resources available to small business owners in Maine

Northern New England Products Trade Show

CEI and the Maine SBDC along with other organizations have partnered to bring our clients the Northern New England Products Trade Show an annual juried event featuring the finest giftware and specialty food products manufactured in Northern New England. This nationally recognized trade show provides Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont small manufacturers the opportunity to reach larger markets, increase sales and gain valuable trade show experience. Held in Portland, Maine, with over 3,000 wholesale buyers shopping at the show each year, the Northern New England Products Trade Show facilitates in excess of $3 million of sales each year.