Providing insights to help your business thrive

Our certified Maine Small Business Development advisors serve new and existing business owners from locations in Augusta, Bangor, Brunswick, Ellsworth, Machias, Rockland, Waterville and neighboring communities, as well as providing access to SBDC resources and workshops.

Our knowledgeable and friendly team will help you hone your business skills and build your confidence, whether you are an aspiring business owner or an experienced one. CEI aligns with the definition of women and female that explicitly includes not only cis women, but also trans women and femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer and non-binary individuals. Interpretation services available at no cost.

Our StartSmart advising has assisted immigrants and refugees from over 100 countries of origin transfer their skills and experience to business ownership in Maine. Interpreting services available at no cost.

Have you ever wanted to start a child care business and weren’t sure how? Our free, six-month program integrates small business start-up education, guidance on how to deliver high-quality child care programming, and advice on hiring and coaching through the licensing process. Translation services available.

Our fisheries and aquaculture experts have the knowledge and experience to help you start, diversify or grow your marine-based business, including harvesters, growers, processors, distributors and support businesses along Maine’s working waterfront.

Our team of advisors, lenders and food system experts are here to help you start or grow your farm, food processing, value-add production or agricultural support business. We are committed to supporting a sustainable and vibrant regional food system that starts with you!

Interested in making your operations greener or strengthening your business against the impacts of climate change? Advisors across all our programs are ready to help you find ways to improve the sustainability and climate resilience of your business in ways that make both financial and environmental sense.

Interested in improving the quality of jobs you offer at your business? Curious as to what your options are for benefits as a small or very small business? Want to know how to create job descriptions that attract a diverse pool of applicants? Our business advisors and workforce specialists can help you build Good Jobs that will help you attract and retain employees with options that fit the size and budget of your business.