Today, we sent out the email to our Business Pulse Newsletter subscribers with all the information and links needed to get started on this grant application! This major funding opportunity is now available to eligible local businesses, and we are here to help.
Schedule a consultation, access the application template, and get it reviewed by a professional grant writer. We know this is a busy time, but we are here to support you.
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$20,000 Grant Opportunity for Small Businesses!

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$20,000 Grant Opportunity for Small Businesses
Main Street America & American Express Shop Small Grant Program

Heart of Ellsworth is excited to share a major funding opportunity now available to eligible local businesses: the Main Street America & American Express Shop Small Grant Program, offering a $20,000 grant to support projects that drive growth, innovation, or community-focused impact.

We know grant applications can feel overwhelming.
So we’re not just sharing the opportunity, we’re showing up with real, hands-on support.

Designed to help small businesses invest in meaningful projects that strengthen both their operations and the broader community.

ABOUT THE GRANT

Eligible projects:
- Business growth or innovation
- Community-focused initiatives
- Capital improvements or contractor-supported projects

Important notes:
- Funds may not be used for rent, utilities, payroll, or debt repayment
- Projects must be completed within 6 months of award notification

Key dates:
Application deadline: January 16, 2026 (midnight)
Grant notifications: March 2026
Project completion deadline: September 30, 2026

How Heart of Ellsworth is Supporting Applicants
How Heart of Ellsworth Is Supporting Applicants

15-Minute Grant Consultations: Heart of Ellsworth is offering free 15-minute consultation calls with Elaine Theriault-Currier, our professional grant consultant.

These brief conversations are designed to:
- Screen for basic eligibility
- Clarify whether the grant is a good fit
- Identify key narrative elements your application should address

These consultations take place before completing the application.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Application Template: We’ve developed Google Docs application templates to help businesses organize their responses and align with what reviewers are looking for.

Note: These templates are required for businesses that choose to work with our grant consultant.

ACCESS TEMPLATE

Application Review & Feedback: After your consultation, businesses may email their draft application to Elaine for review and feedback.

- Drafts must be submitted no later than January 9, 2026
- Feedback will focus on clarity, narrative strength, and alignment with grant goals

EMAIL ELAINE

What is Main Street America?

In September 2024, Heart of Ellsworth became Maine’s newest Main Street America Nationally Accredited Community™️.

Main Street America is a national network of more than 1,200 communities committed to creating high-quality places and stronger local economies through preservation-based economic development. In Maine, this work is coordinated by the Maine Downtown Center, which supports 10 accredited Main Street communities statewide.

This accreditation allows Heart of Ellsworth to bring new national opportunities, funding access, and technical support directly to our downtown business district — including this grant.

Meet Elaine Theriault-Currier
Heart of Ellsworth's Development Consultant

Elaine is a Maine-based development consultant and grant writer who has built a reputation for championing small businesses, nonprofits, and communities across the state.

Through her consultancy, Pen Name, Elaine has helped Maine organizations shape compelling narratives and secure funding from private, state, and federal sources. Her work spans farms, manufacturers, municipalities, and community-based organizations — always grounded in storytelling that gets results.

We’re thrilled to make her expertise accessible to our downtown business community through this opportunity.