Putting financing, business expertise and policy solutions to work
One of the nation’s leading community development financial institutions, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) helps to create good jobs, environmentally sustainable enterprises and more broadly shared prosperity in Maine and rural regions throughout the U.S.
Our Focus
Flexible, Accessible Financing Across the Business Life Cycle
CEI and its subsidiaries offer business and project financing for a wide range of purposes including working capital, equipment purchases, facilities expansion, construction, and mixed use and affordable housing real estate development.
CEI is committed to serving people and communities unable to access financing from traditional sources–and we don’t stop there. Our lenders, investors, business and workforce advisors, and food system experts lend their expertise, connections, and hands-on support, whatever it takes to make sure you succeed.
CEI is here to support Maine’s small businesses throughout challenging times with COVID-19 relief resources and grants.
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Education and Advice for Businesses and Individuals
CEI offers a wide range of assistance to emerging and existing business owners. Through one-on-one consultation, training, workshops, seminars, peer networks and other services, CEI helps individuals across the state get the information they need to start or expand their business. Our one-on-one consultation is tailored to meet your needs and our training and workshops cover a range of key issues.
In addition to providing general business assistance, CEI has programs for women; marine, farms and food businesses; child care providers; and refugees and immigrants.
CEI helps individuals build a pathway to home ownership and a more secure economic future. As a HUD-certified housing counseling agency, CEI provides credit building, debt reduction and student loan counseling in addition to first-time homebuyer education, reverse mortgage counseling, and foreclosure prevention services.
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CEI offers workshops, webinars, in-depth courses and one-on-one advising.

Advancing state and federal policies that support greater equity and sustainability
CEI works to advance state and federal policies that expand resources for rural communities, natural resource-based industries, business ownership, workforce development, and the expansion of clean energy.
CEI works with legislators from all parties, community organizations and other stakeholders to create broader government support for new initiatives and demonstration programs in addition to ongoing efforts to boost economic and community development.
CEI supports and conducts research in specialized industries and regions to help support future policy and program development.
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CEI uses policy to expand access to broadband services, renewable energy, child care and small business capital.
