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Business News & Resource Blog
Check here for a roundup of information, news, workshops, financial assistance opportunities, and more to help your business survive and thrive.Wednesday, January 20, 2021$5000 Business Grants still available for micro-enterprises
The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) in partnership with the SBDC will provide grants of up to $5,000 for businesses with five or fewer employees, with an owner whose income is in the low to moderate range as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The second round of funding to this program is now available and can be accessed by individuals across the state who meet eligibility criteria.
Jessie Perkins
Wednesday, January 20, 2021Maine Department of Labor seeks input from employers
The Maine Department of Labor is in the process of enhancing the employment services that they provide. As part of the state’s 10 year economic development plan, increasing Maine’s workforce participation rate is one of the plans goals. One strategy being explored, that may have some impact in boosting employment in Maine, is making MDOL's services more accessible to both employers and job seekers.
Jessie Perkins
(0) Comments DOLState Economic Strategic PlanWednesday, January 20, 2021Pledge to Protect ME for Visitors to Maine
DECD has launched the Pledge to Protect ME, an online alternative to the Certificate of Compliance form required for visitors before booking lodging. The Pledge is linked from the VisitMaine.com Travel Protocols page for visitors. FAQs for businesses with detail on how the Pledge is implemented is available at MOTPartners.com.
Jessie Perkins
Tuesday, January 12, 2021Updates and Workshops from SBA about PPP, EIDL, and more
Learn more about the latest developments on key business assistance loans and grants.
Jessie Perkins
Tuesday, January 5, 2021IRS Update on Economic Stimulus Payments
The Internal Revenue Service today urged people to visit IRS.gov for the most current information on the second round of Economic Impact Payments rather than calling the agency or their financial institutions or tax software providers
Jessie Perkins
(0) Comments IRSEconomic Impact PaymentsThursday, December 17, 2020Local Initiative Support Corporation: Rural Relief Small Business Grants
As part of LISC’s continuing commitment to elevate its impact in rural America, OneLISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe's Rural Relief Small Business Grants program.
Jessie Perkins
(0) Comments GrantsThursday, December 17, 2020Take the 2021 Moving Forward Business Survey by Dec 23
Take the survey by Dec. 23 to create a broad picture of the state of business in Maine as we enter the new year after 9+ months of living and working through the pandemic.
Jessie Perkins
(0) Comments Business SurveyThursday, December 17, 2020Labor Laws & Ordinances to know about
Minimum wage increase, paid leave laws,
Jessie Perkins
(0) Comments Paid Leave LawMinimum WageThursday, December 17, 2020News and workshops from the SBDC
Maine's Small Business Development Center offering grants, planning resources, and workshops on buying a business, Quickbooks, PPP Forgiveness, and turning your side hustle into a small business.
Jessie Perkins
Friday, December 11, 2020Face covering/masks now required in all indoor public settings regardless of size or location
With widespread community transmission and increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Maine, Governor Janet Mills signed an Executive Order (PDF) that simplifies and strengthens the enforcement of the State’s face covering requirement. Moving forward, owners and operators of all indoor public spaces – regardless of the type of entity or size – must not allow those who refuse to wear a face covering to enter or remain in their venue. Previous Executive Orders had required enforcement in some but not
Jessie Perkins