Department of Economic & Community Development Resources
Business Development Specialists - DECD Business Development Specialists are experts in economic and community development who work directly with businesses and economic development organizations to identify and respond to the specific needs of Maine businesses. DECD Business Development Specialists are strategically located at regional offices throughout the state.
Business Answers - Maine’s toll-free business information hotline (1-800-872-3838) and web resource. Business Answers publishes “A Guide to Doing Business in Maine” ($4), provides information on various state and other small business development resources and helps entrepreneurs identify state business licensing requirements via toll-free telephone call or its online Business Licensing Assistant.
Maine Products Marketing - DECD’s Maine Products Marketing Program builds recognition for Maine-made products, their producers and Maine businesses in general. Producers of quality consumer products that are substantially made in Maine can participate:
- Complimentary profile on the Maine Made Web Site for qualifying companies including web and e-mail
hotlinks
- Point-of-purchase “Maine Made-America’s Best” product identification hang tags, labels, acrylic table-top displays, banners and “open” flags are available at a modest
cost
- Kiosk display opportunities in Augusta’s State Capitol
Complex
- And more...
Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) - DECD provides major funding for Maine SBDC business management counseling, group training and information resources for small businesses. The Maine SBDC and its technology-based business resource, the Maine Small Business and Technology Development Centers (Maine SBTDC), delivers its services via a network of eleven service centers and twenty-five outreach offices located conveniently throughout the state.
Maine Technology Institute (MTI) - Under DECD’s Office of Innovation, the Maine Technology Institute supports Maine companies’ early-stage research and development efforts leading to commercialization of new products and services. MTI makes investments up to $500,000 that are awarded on a competitive basis several times a year. All MTI awards require a 1:1 cash match. All awards are made to private businesses and non-profit organizations that will increase the level and pace of research and development in the state’s technology sectors and create new jobs for Maine people.
Applied Technology Development Centers - Also under DECD’s Office of Innovation, the Applied Technology Development Centers are technology incubators for start-up companies commercializing products and services in Maine’s seven targeted technology sectors. The ATDCs provide cost-effective facilities and services, including training and access to business, technical and financial resources. ATDCs exist for the information technology, composite materials, precision manufacturing, biotechnology, forestry and agriculture, environmental and aquaculture industries.
Maine International Trade Center (MITC) - Promotes the expansion of Maine's economy through increased international trade in goods, services and related activities. Small- to medium-sized Maine businesses benefit from MITC’s expertise in technical assistance, trade counseling, import and export leads, international credit reports, workshops, coordinated trade missions and trade shows and many other useful services to help Maine companies seeking to succeed in international markets. |
