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Downtown Property Owners, Let’s Talk About What’s Next |
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| If you own property in downtown Ellsworth, you may have recently received a letter from us. We mailed 100+ letters to downtown property owners, and we’re extending that invitation here to reach you through another channel. This outreach is part of our Downtown Property Inventory Assessment, supported by national and local partners, including Main Street America. We’re combining public records research with direct conversations to better understand downtown’s buildings, opportunities and needs. The records provide a starting point. Your experience, goals and knowledge of your property help build a fuller picture. Do you have 15 minutes to connect with our Project Coordinator? We’d like to hear what’s working, what challenges you’re navigating and what you’re considering for your property’s future. These conversations will help us identify shared needs and connect owners with available resources. Project findings will be shared in December. Whether you’re responding to the letter or seeing this invitation for the first time, we’d love to include your perspective. |
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| | | | Opportunities & Resources to Know |
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| Supporting local artists and makers means helping them build sustainable livelihoods from their work. That goal is central to our Makerspace at 16 State Street and the $25,000 grant awarded through Main Street America and The Hartford’s Small Business Accelerator program. On Monday, Nov. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m., Heart of Ellsworth and CEI’s Women’s Business Center are cohosting Business Planning for Makers, Craft Artists, and Creative Entrepreneurs at 16 State Street. This hands-on workshop will help participants consider their customers, their market and their finances using a one-page business plan designed specifically for artists and makers. Whether you’re beginning to sell your work or refreshing an established business plan, you’ll leave with ideas and practical next steps to support your growth. This is part of our continued work to make the Makerspace a place where creative entrepreneurs can build visibility, generate income and develop the skills to sustain their businesses. Join us, or share this opportunity with an artist or maker in your network. |
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| We are hosting the Maine Office of Tourism and Discover New England for Bringing the World to Maine: A Conversation on International Markets on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at our office at 16 State Street. Thanks to the team at DART for making this connection and bringing one of these statewide roundtables to downtown Ellsworth. We’re extending the invitation to our local business community to help ensure Ellsworth is represented in the conversation. The roundtable will explore emerging travel trends, ways to reach international visitors and partnerships that help Maine destinations connect with global audiences. Whether you already welcome international customers or are curious about the opportunity, join us to learn, share your perspective and make connections. Attendance is in person only, and space is limited. Register early to reserve your seat. Coffee and snacks will be provided. |
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| A conversation with another business owner can offer a fresh approach to something you’re working through. Main Street America’s Small Business Hub makes those connections possible across the country, with free discussion forums where owners can ask questions, exchange ideas and share what’s working. As a Main Street America Accredited organization, Heart of Ellsworth is connected to this national network, and we want local businesses to benefit from its knowledge and experience. The Hub also offers online courses and a resource library covering marketing, funding, staffing and everyday operations. We’ve shared this resource before, and it’s worth another look. Start with one topic relevant to your business, explore a course or bring a question to the discussion forum. It’s a practical way to find support and learn from people doing similar work in other downtowns. |
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| As you plan for winter expenses and future improvements, Maine’s Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE) grant program is worth a look. The program offers two pathways: technical assistance for energy audits, assessments and project planning, or funding for eligible energy equipment and installation costs. It’s an opportunity to explore improvements that could reduce ongoing operating expenses and strengthen your business over time. Funding is intended for eligible small rural businesses. Review the application’s location, business and project requirements to determine whether your business qualifies. Applications are due Nov. 3, 2026, at 4 p.m. Find the application and supporting documents through Maine’s Vendor Self Service System by searching RFA #202609150. |
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| | | Commercial Spaces Available in Downtown |
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| | Downtown Ellsworth has space for what is next. From small offices to full buildings ready for new owners, there are opportunities for businesses looking to grow, relocate, or invest locally. |
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| Listed for Sale: 108 Main Street 2-4 State Street 66 Main Street 50 Church Street 15-13 High Street |
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| | | | | Ask an Advisor. Online. 12PM: 10/21, 10/28, 11/4 Wednesday, October 21, 9AM & 6PM. Online. CEI Business Resources Info Session Thursday, October 29. 12PM. Online. Planning for Winter Cashflow Wednesday, November 4. 9:30AM. Online. Biz Fit LIVE: Check In & Check Up Thursday, November 5. 10AM. Online. Money Matters: Managing Your Cash Flow Friday, November 6. 8AM. Online. November Biz Fit: Letting Go of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Monday, November 9. 10AM. Online. Simplify Your Business Thursday, November 12. 12PM. Online. Navigating Tax Season: A Small Business Owner’s Tax Prep Checklist Thursday, November 12. 4PM. Online. Planning for Winter Cashflow Thursday, November 12. 5:30PM. Online. Pivot Your Business: Knowing When to Change Course |
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| | | | | | Marketing Tip From Chesnee |
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| | When I’m scrolling, a photo I can place catches my attention. Recognizing a business and seeing what’s happening there gives me a reason to pause. Over time, those glimpses help me feel connected to the place and the people running it. |
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| That’s something I think local businesses can give themselves more credit for. Being familiar with your own work can make it difficult to see what someone else might find interesting about it. Your audience brings a different perspective. What feels routine to you may be something they’ve never seen, or something they enjoy keeping up with. Meta’s direction this year supports sharing content of your own. In March, the company confirmed that it is prioritizing original content in Facebook Feed and Reels, including content created directly by the person or business behind a page. Its Oct. 13 update also describes how Facebook is making recommendations more responsive to people’s individual interests. My takeaway is that the everyday deserves a place in your marketing. A real photo with some context can help people understand your business and feel more familiar with it before their next visit. As holiday promotions pick up, I’d keep that in mind. Alongside what you want customers to buy or attend, there’s value in letting them stay connected to the business itself. You know your work. Sharing your perspective on it gives people something they can only get from you. |
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