CEI honors the talents and business experiences refugees and immigrants bring to Maine communities. We have created "StartSmart", a free business development program that assists refugees and immigrants start up or expand their businesses. StartSmart can help you:
Assess if a business idea is a good one.
Identify start-up costs for equipment, supplies and locations.
Get required permits and licenses specific to your business idea.
Help identify sources of financing.
Grow your business with marketing assistance.
Keep your business strong with ongoing support around operational issues such as bookkeeping, marketing, and other management needs.
The first step to opening or strengthening your business is to contact us for an appointment.
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.
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.
Learn more about CEI's Business Development Philosophy!
Business Advice and Training 
CEI honors the talents and business experiences refugees and immigrants bring to Maine communities. We have created 
Maine Legislature Passes Model Anti-Predatory Lending Bill.