How much does business counseling cost?
Business counseling is provided free of charge.
Where are you located?
CEI has our main office in Brunswick and we have counselors based in Portland, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Ellsworth, Fairfield, Farmington, Machias and Wiscasset. We have counselors who meet clients in Bingham, Calais, Dover-Foxcroft, Lewiston, Pittsfield, Belfast, Rockland, and Skowhegan. We can travel to your place of business.
How do I make an appointment to see a CEI business counselor?
Please see our Business Development Services page to find a counselor near you, or call our main office at 207-504-5900. You will be asked what part of the state you live in so we can match you up with a counselor in your area. If you are in the Portland area, call our Portland office at 207-772-5356.
If I show you my company’s financial statements, will you share them with my competitors or the IRS?
No, all of our communications are confidential.
Can CEI give me grant money to start or expand my business?
While CEI may be able to loan you the funds you need, we do not distribute grant funding.
Do you have money to give or lend to women-owned businesses?
We provide targeted business counseling to women through our Women’s Business Center counselors. Many of those clients are also seeking loans to grow their business, and we help them find appropriate funding, often through a loan from CEI.