| | | | Main Street America’s Small Business Hub |
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Main Street America’s Small Business Hub is a free, national level space where business owners can connect with peers and access practical tools and learning, whether they are just opening their doors or looking to grow. After signing up, entrepreneurs can explore quick online trainings and a resource library with guidance that’s useful across the life of a business, from funding and marketing to day to day operations, compliance, and long term sustainability. It’s an easy way to tap into broader Main Street knowledge and bring new ideas back to local Main Street work. |
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| | | Opportunities & Resources to Know |
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| At the March 2 City Council workshop, Economic Development Director Twila Fisher presented the proposed Downtown Corridor Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, an economic development tool designed to reinvest new growth directly back into downtown. A TIF captures a portion of the new property value created by development within a defined area and uses that increment to fund improvements like streets, utilities, housing, and public infrastructure without raising existing taxes. Because many of these improvements directly impact the downtown experience, the TIF would also help reinforce the kind of environment where small businesses, community events, and placemaking efforts can thrive alongside private investment. As discussions move forward, it represents an important opportunity to align public investment, private development, and the ongoing work that supports a vibrant downtown. |
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Maine Downtown Foundation is working with the Maine State Chamber of Commerce to gather your thoughts and perspectives on the state’s economic climate, challenges, and opportunities. They are asking business leaders and employers to please fill out the Maine Economic Vision 2035 Survey. It should take only about 10 minutes of your time. Your responses will directly inform the 2026 report (formerly known as Making Maine Work) and help ensure your voice is reflected in future decisions. Participation is confidential. |
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| With summer tourism season approaching, many Downeast businesses are already beginning to hire or thinking about seasonal staffing needs. This free hiring strategy guide from Chalifour Consulting Group focuses specifically on hiring for small businesses and offers practical ideas for attracting the right people and building stronger teams. While it comes from a consulting group, the guide itself is a useful overview of strategies that can help small employers plan ahead rather than scrambling to fill roles mid-season. One of the key takeaways is the value of leaning into what makes small businesses unique. The guide encourages businesses to highlight company culture, mission, flexibility, and the opportunity for employees to have a direct impact. Showing personality in job postings and sharing what makes your workplace different can help attract candidates who are a better fit and more likely to stay through the season and beyond. |
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| A common need we hear from business owners is help with social media and marketing. Many owners know it matters but finding the time or going through a full hiring process is not always realistic. Heart of Ellsworth is exploring ways to help connect businesses with college students who are looking for hands on experience. Students studying communications, marketing, and media often need real projects but may not feel confident reaching out to businesses on their own. Husson University is hosting the NESCom (New England College of Communication) Career Café on March 25, which is helping spark this conversation about how students and small businesses could better connect. If you would be interested in potentially connecting with a student for help with social media or marketing projects, reach out to Chesnee. This is an early step to gauge interest and explore what a future connection program could look like. |
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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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14 Water Street High exposure, good parking, 800 sqft, half bath, back entrance, full basement for dry storage, plus a washer/dryer, kitchen (can be pulled out/reconfigured for a commercial kitchen). Great for a salon, yoga/exercise studio, small cafe/restaurant, or office space. $1,400 per month. 207.266.0912 |
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16 State Street
Artist Studio for Rent. Heat, electricity, and internet included. First, last, and security deposit required. Join a vibrant creative community in the heart of downtown! 207.479.5011 |
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415 Water Street
2 private office spaces available. One is 117Sf. The other is a 2 room suite. If you’re looking for something more permanent than their co-work desks, pop them a note. |
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| | | Listed for Sale: 93 Main Street, 108 Main Street, 2-4 State Street |
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| | | Ask an Advisor, Online, 12PM: 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8 Thursdays, March 12 - April 16, 11:30AM. Online. Boundaries for a Thriving Business Friday, March 20, 8AM. Online. EmpowerHR: Writing a Clear Job Description Tuesday, March 24, 11AM. Online. Sole Prop or LLC: Which Business Structure is Right for Me and How to Set It Up Tuesday, March 31, 9AM. Online. Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification 101 Friday, April 3, 8AM. Online. April Biz Fit: 4000 Weeks Tuesday, April 7. 12PM. Online. Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Certification Info Session Thursday, April 9. 1PM. Online. Make Your Marketing Matter: Build a Social Media Strategy Thursday, April 9. 2PM & Friday, April 10. 9AM. Online. Business Planning for Makers, Craft Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs
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| | | | | | | UNION CENTER FOR INNOVATION |
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| | Marketing Tip From Chesnee |
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| | When you post on social media, are you only sharing promotions or also sharing the story behind your business? That balance can make a big difference in how people engage. |
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| Think of your social media as two lanes that work together. One lane is sales content. That is your specials, new arrivals, openings, and events. The other lane is organic marketing content. That is the content that builds recognition and trust by showing who you are, what you care about, and why your business belongs in this community. Organic marketing content is meant to charm and connect, while sales content is meant to convince and convert. When you lead with organic posts, people are more likely to like, comment, share, and save. That engagement matters because it helps your content reach more people, which means your promotional posts are more likely to be seen when you share them. A good starting balance is about 70% to 80% organic content and 20% to 30% percent sales content. If you are not sure what to post, start simple. Share a quick behind the scenes moment, introduce a team member, or post a customer favorite with a short story. Then layer in your sales posts once you have people paying attention.
If you want to go deeper on this idea, check out the Forbes article linked below. If you have questions about what this could look like for your business, let’s meet! |
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