For Immigrants & Refugees:

We have assisted immigrants and refugees from over 100 countries of origin transfer their skills and experience to business ownership in Maine. Let us help you start or grow your Maine business too.  

• Offerings: One-on-One Advising
• Focus: Immigrants and refugees

For Women:  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. *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. 

• Offerings: One-on-One Advising, Workshops, Cohorts
• Focus: Women who want to start or grow a business in Maine. 

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. We regularly host cohorts in non-English languages based on demand.  

• Offerings: Cohort-based program
• Focus: Individuals interested in starting a new child care enterprise. 

We have translated several documents to help you understand CEI’s lending process. See individual loan products below for translated applications. 

• Glossary of Lending Terms
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Annual Reporting/Personal Financial Statement

Wicked Fast Microloans

Are you looking for flexible cash for your business without a long and complicated application process? Our Wicked Fast Loans offer up to $15,000 for start-up businesses and up to $30,000 for existing businesses, with a loan decision in 3 business days. 

Apply now:

Business Loans – business loans up to $1 million

Get the cash you need to help your business grow. New to applying for a business loan, or heard a “no” before? Our friendly and knowledgeable lenders, business advisors and credit counselors are here to help you succeed. 

Apply now:

Riba-Free Loans

We know that a lack of financing options that align with Islamic financing principles can limit your ability to start or grow your business. For entrepreneurs like you, we provide an alternative that charges a fixed monthly administrative fee, based on the loan amount and term, instead of interest that accrues each month.

CEI believes this fixed fee-based product is compliant with the principles of Islamic finance and is similar to other models we have researched. We acknowledge that there are many countries and regions of the world which interpret Islamic law differently, so please feel free to review with your local mosque, imam or other community members.

Learn more:

Apply now:

Our supportive staff offers reputable information for first-time home buyers, aspiring landlords, seniors interested in Home Equity Conversion Mortgages or “Reverse Mortgages” and homeowners facing mortgage defaults and/or foreclosures. Most offerings are free and all are confidential.

• Offerings: One-on-One Advising, Workshops and Classes
• Focus: Open to all Maine residents.