Providing insights to help your business thrive
CEI offers friendly and expert no-cost advising services for business at every stage – from “just an idea,” to grand openings and beyond.
Through training, workshops, peer networks or no-cost and confidential one-on-one advising, we have resources to help you meet your specific business goals.
In addition to providing general business assistance, CEI has programs and expertise specifically geared for women, refugees and immigrants; as well as sector-specific expertise in child care and food harvesting, production and distribution businesses on sea and land.
CEI ADVISING
Find the Right Program for You
Women’s Business Centers
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. Interpretation services available at no cost.
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One-on-One Advising, Workshops, Cohorts
Focus
All business types and stages, open to all Maine residents
Immigrants and Refugees
Our business 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.
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One-on-One Advising
Focus
Immigrants and refugees
Child Care Business Lab
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.
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Cohort-Based Program
Focus
Individuals interested in starting a new child care enterprise
Aquaculture, Fisheries & Marine Trades
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.
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One-on-One Advising, Technical Assistance, and Aquaculture Training Courses
Focus
Working waterfront and marine-based businesses, including marine harvesters, growers, processors, distributors and support businesses.
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
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!
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One-on-One Advising, Tastemakers Acclerator
Focus
Farmers, growers, processors, dealers and/or wholesalers of food grown in Maine and/or northern New England
Weatherization Business Lab
The Weatherization Business Lab is a multi-week class for starting new weatherization businesses, if you’d like to be alerted when the application for our next cohort is live, please leave your name and email address in the form to your right.
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Interest Form
Environmental Sustainability & Resilience for Businesses
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.
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One-on-One Advising
Focus
Maine-based business of all sizes and stages
Workforce Development
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.
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One-on-One Advising, Resource Materials
Focus
CEI Borrowers and Advising Clients