August Business Pulse

August News for our Business Community

View this email in your browser August 2025 Jump to: Local Business Highlight | Resources | Workshops & Networking Events | Downtown Real Estate & Office Space | Grants & Funding Opportunities Local Business Highlight We’re digging into the archives during this busy month of August to highlight the stories of downtown businesses making leaps and bounds. The Conscious Café is one of them, read on for the story behind the business. The Conscious Café Jesse Steiger During a challenging and transformational period of his life, Jesse Steiger found himself helping install the stone patio outside of the Steamy Buddha's Cafe and Yoga Studio. One day, Jesse unexpectedly got a call: could he help in the kitchen of the Steamy Buddha's café? In exchange, he could take yoga classes for free. This opportunity put Jesse on a trajectory of healing and growth, eventually leading him to where he is today: the owner of the lunch spot in downtown Ellsworth, The Conscious Café. The Conscious Café opened its doors mid-April 2024 and is open M – F, 11 – 3. The café operates from the Steamy Buddha's commercial kitchen on the same property as Sanctuary on Church. When we stepped into the café to talk with Jesse, we were immediately delivered a delicious and nourishing chai and a sense of collective well-being. The Conscious Cafe's goal is simple: to build community and connection through conscious food and living. Jesse named the café to spark conversation around the question, "What is consciousness?" He felt the name helped articulate the underlying value of supporting the local community and other businesses. His menu features local, seasonal produce from area farms such as Root Power Farm in Ellsworth. Starting a new business can be daunting and isolating, but Jesse was fortunate to have the unwavering support and guidance of Natasha Sidhu, the founder of Steamy Buddha and an Ayurvedic Counsellor. Natasha has supported Jesse on every step of his journey, helping him navigate the trials and tribulations of starting a new business.   Whenever we feature a business in the Ellsworth Business Pulse, we ask about the challenges they faced starting their business and the advice they would give others. The local rules and regulations for starting a business were complicated for Jesse. It was difficult getting in touch with people who could help him. Finally, he connected with another local business owner who sent him in the right direction. Jesse's advice? Keep asking questions, and don't stop. Seek out other business owners for advice. If you get frustrated, put it away for a little and then come back to it when you've taken time to process and simmer. Don't give up. City Resources Thinking about starting or growing your business in Ellsworth? The City of Ellsworth has published a Business Guide that will help new businesses in Ellsworth connect with local resources and discover the supportive partners ready to help them succeed. There are print copies at the City of Ellsworth and Heart of Ellsworth offices.  DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE HERE Ellsworth's Economic Development Director: Twila Fisher Twila Fisher began working as the City's Economic Development Director in June this year. Ms. Fisher brings over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, with a proven track record in designing and implementing innovative economic and community development strategies. She most recently served as the Director of Community and Economic Development at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where she also led the Hobart’s Run Neighborhood District as Executive Director. Her earlier work includes serving in the Department of Community Development for the City of Reading, Pennsylvania. “I’m thrilled to join the City of Ellsworth and contribute to its continued growth and vitality,” said Ms. Fisher. “I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside residents, businesses, and community partners to build on the city’s momentum and create opportunities that serve everyone.” READ MORE CONTACT Make Your Event Part of Maine Craft Weekend! We're excited to be coordinating the 8th Annual Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend, happening October 2–5, 2025! Want to be part of the celebration? Submit your event to be included in this vibrant weekend showcasing Ellsworth’s creative community.  READ MORE From Main Street America Catch up on the latest Main Street Businesses Insights podcast. A recent episode explores Finding Passion and Following Intuition. Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with James Langteaux , owner of Trû North Café in Livingston, Montana. In this episode, Matt and James explore the unique journey of starting a business during the pandemic, the challenges of running a small-town cafe, and the importance of community connection. LISTEN HERE Business News from Elsewhere AI is already impacting the labor market, starting with young tech workers, Goldman economist says There are signs of a hiring pullback in the technology sector, hitting younger employees there the hardest, according to Joseph Briggs, senior global economist of Goldman’s research division. READ THE ARTICLE Tip of the Month Small business owners with Matt Wagner from Main Street America during a year long Entrepreneurial Ecosystem program that Ellsworth participated in 2022.  28 Business Tips for Entrepreneurs When starting your own business, no matter your industry or what you’re looking to provide, there are a few things that you may want to keep in mind. Check out these tips from American Express. LEARN MORE Workshops + Networking Events The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on the Lawn at the Union River Center for Innovation (URCI)   Thursday, August 28 5-7PM   The Union River Center for Innovation is celebrating its tenth year in operation by hosting Business After Hours on August 28 from 5 to 7PM on the banks of the beautiful Union River at 415 Water Street.    First as a business incubator and community lab, and now providing business advising, entrepreneurial resources, and co-workspace and private office space, the center has lots to celebrate. If you’re not familiar the Center, this is a great opportunity to come and learn more.  If you’ve been involved with the Center, you should definitely be part of the celebration! Fittingly, MTI, one of the initial funding partners of the Center, is the exclusive sponsor of the Business After Hours on the lawn at URCI.  Guests will enjoy light refreshments and beverages from several Ellsworth establishments thanks to support from MTI.  FMI: Website Score Workshops  August 19th: 1PM, Online. The Franchise Advantage: Proven Systems for Building and Scaling Your Business   August 21st: 1PM, Online. From Overwhelmed to Organized - How A Virtual Assistant Can Help You Grow   August 26th: 1PM, Online. Think Like a CEO - How to Structure Your Business for Sustainable Growth CEI Workshops August 19th: 7PM, Online. Child Care Business Lab: Explore Facility and Family Child Care Settings   August 27th: 10AM, Online. Sole Prop or LLC: Which Business Structure is Right for Me and How to Set It Up Funding Opportunities Grow Maine: Small Business Loan and Capital Program Are you a non-profit or for-profit business with fewer than 750 employees? You may be eligible for Grow Maine. Grow Maine is the $62 million state allocation of State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). This program will fund direct loans, subordinated debt, loan guarantees, and equity capital to support eligible Maine businesses and nonprofits. LEARN MORE Downtown Ellsworth Real Estate + Office Rentals As Maine’s newest designated Main Street America community, Ellsworth offers an unparalleled environment for businesses to thrive and grow.  Interested in investing in Ellsworth? There are nine businesses and buildings for sale right in our vibrant downtown. Click on each image to be directed to the sales listing. Just looking to lease a space? There are several prime options available to you, whether you're looking for a business storefront or an office space:  102 Main Street, 108 Main Street, 112 Main Street, 192 Main Street, 59 Franklin Street, and 6 State Street For more information on leasing opportunities in the downtown district and to learn more about what Ellsworth has to offer, email: cara@heartofellsworth.org and visit www.heartofellsworth.org. Follow us on Facebook for profiles of each of the above properties. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK Do you have space in downtown Ellsworth that is available to rent or is for sale? Please email us and we'll include it here! Elevate your business visibility by sponsoring The Ellsworth Business Pulse, our monthly e-newsletter reaching a wide network of engaged community members and local leaders. Email Us for More Info. Thank you for reading this edition of the Ellsworth Business Pulse! Check out our Business Benefits page for more information on how we can support your business! Support a Vibrant Downtown! DONATE Copyright © 2025 Heart of Ellsworth, All rights reserved. Building & Business Owner List 2016 Work in Progress... Our mailing address is: Heart of Ellsworth PO Box 954 Ellsworth, ME 04605 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.