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Wednesday, January 7
Have a quick question about starting or growing your small business? Want to bounce an idea off of someone and get some advice?
Pop into Ask an Advisor, a free informal online group session where you can ask questions, get guidance, and learn from other entrepreneurs.
Two of our experienced, full-time Business Advisors will be available to chat all things business, whether you’re in the early planning stages, running an established business or somewhere in between.
CEI’s business advisors are knowledgeable in a variety of topic areas including:
Marketing,
Finance and loan readiness,
Human Resources,
Preparing to buy or sell a business,
Navigating challenges,
And more – whatever is on your mind!
Our Ask an Advisor sessions are free to the public and designed to be interactive and supportive; we’re here to help. Come as you are, ask what you need, and leave with new ideas and connections.
Register to receive the Zoom link to join!PriceFREE
ContactTara Clark,
2077510442,
tara.clark@ceimaine.orgRegistration details Hosted byCoastal Enterprises, Inc.
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Friday, January 9
How do you battle burnout, find your spark, and stay fresh?
Join us to listen to, share with, and learn from one another in curious conversation. This is an informal and supportive gathering of entrepreneurial women where we exchange ideas and share insights.
Whether you are an aspiring or experienced business owner, bring your coffee, tea, or smoothie and connect with other women across Maine.
Register Today! Invite a friend!
Who Should Attend?
This program is designed for Maine-based female entrepreneurs at any stage of their business journey.
PriceFREE
ContactTara Clark,
2077510442,
tara.clark@ceimaine.orgRegistration details Hosted byCoastal Enterprises, Inc. Women's Business Center
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Wednesday, January 14
Have a quick question about starting or growing your small business? Want to bounce an idea off of someone and get some advice?
Pop into Ask an Advisor, a free informal online group session where you can ask questions, get guidance, and learn from other entrepreneurs.
Two of our experienced, full-time Business Advisors will be available to chat all things business, whether you’re in the early planning stages, running an established business or somewhere in between.
CEI’s business advisors are knowledgeable in a variety of topic areas including:
Marketing,
Finance and loan readiness,
Human Resources,
Preparing to buy or sell a business,
Navigating challenges,
And more – whatever is on your mind!
Our Ask an Advisor sessions are free to the public and designed to be interactive and supportive; we’re here to help. Come as you are, ask what you need, and leave with new ideas and connections.
Register to receive the Zoom link to join!PriceFREE
ContactTara Clark,
2077510442,
tara.clark@ceimaine.orgRegistration details Hosted byCoastal Enterprises, Inc.
A Statewide Coalition Ready to Move Hearts, Minds, and Policy – Be in the room where Maine’s housing future is being shaped.
Join us for an energizing, don’t-miss morning with the leaders behind Build Homes, Build Community—the powerful new statewide coalition driving real momentum for pro-housing solutions. This is your chance for direct access, real conversation, and insider insight into the campaign that’s rapidly becoming one of the most influential forces in Maine’s housing landscape. With the Legislature preparing to vote on critical housing bills, the timing couldn’t be more urgent—or more exciting.
Come ready to learn:
• What this campaign is
• Who is leading it
• How you can play an active role in shaping housing policy statewide
Leave inspired, informed, and equipped to help Maine tackle its most pressing challenge.
Panel Participants
• Bev Uhlenhake, Pierce Atwood (Moderator)
• Shannon Richards (Maine Real Estate & Development Association – MEREDA)
• Laura Mitchell (Maine Affordable Housing Coalition – MAHC)
• Patrick Woodcock (Maine State Chamber of Commerce)
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Join Us—Your Voice Matters
If you care about Maine’s future, its communities, or its economy, this is the conversation to be part of. Seats will go fast—say YES to housing and YES to being there.
This event is Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.PriceMembers: $45 each | Non-Members: $55 each
ContactShelly Clark,
207-874-0801 ,
info@mereda.orgRegistration detailsRefund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by January 7. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend, or who cancels after January 7.
Hosted by
Prices increase by $10 after January 7.MEREDA
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Thursday, January 15
Have a small business idea? Need a Business Plan? Want to grow your business?
We’re here to help!
Join this 1.5-hour workshop with CEI WBC Business Advisor, Ruth Feldman, to learn about useful resources to start or grow your business, including:
No-cost, confidential business advising services
Small business loans
Free small business resources
Introduction to business planning
Bring your questions, ideas, and curiosity!
Register Today!
Have a specific question you’d like to ask a small business advisor? Following the session, Ruth will be providing confidential business advising in person between 1:00pm – 3:30pm. Click here to register for a no-cost 45-minute confidential session.PriceFREE
ContactTara Clark,
2077510442,
tara.clark@ceimaine.orgRegistration details Hosted byCoastal Enterprises, Inc. Women's Business Center
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Tuesday, January 20
New year, new rules. Join us for a deep dive into the major compliance updates affecting Maine employers in 2026. We’ll cover changes to wage and hour laws, overtime and tip rules under the “Big Beautiful Bill,” updates to Maine Paid Leave and PFML, Secure 2.0 retirement plan requirements, and more.
You’ll walk away with practical steps to stay compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and prepare your business for success in 2026.
Perfect for small business owners, HR professionals, and payroll administrators looking to start 2026 with confidence.PriceFree
ContactJon Portanova,
2072057179,
jon@papertrails.comRegistration details Hosted byPaper Trails
Being a good leader is not just good business - it's the key to success. One of the most important predictors of staff retention and performance is the effectiveness of the boss.
Chances are, no one taught you how to be an effective leader...Don't panic! Like everything else with business, leadership is a skill you can develop and practice.
Cultivating a leadership mindset and learning how to execute effective leadership can help you grow your business and your confidence.
Led by Hannah Curtis, LCSW this 8-session peer group is designed to help you lead with compassion, confidence, and effectiveness.
Throughout this peer group, you'll unlock the confidence to explore and establish:
Intentional Leadership
Leadership Values
Communication Strategies
Emotional Regulation
Setting Boundaries
Conflict Management
Accountability
Leadership Sustainability
Session Dates:
Tuesday, January 20th, 9:00am - 10:30am
Tuesday, January 27th, 9:00am - 10:30am
Tuesday, February 3rd, 9:00am - 10:30am
Tuesday, February 10th, 9:00am - 10:30am
(No Session February 17th)
Tuesday, February 24th, 9:00am - 10:30am
Tuesday, March 3rd, 9:00am - 10:30am
Tuesday, March 10th, 9:00am - 10:30am
Tuesday, March 17th, 9:00am - 10:30am
Pre-register Today!
Who Should Attend?
This multi-session peer group is designed for Maine-based female business owners who are currently in business and have 4+ employees.
We define "in-business" as having formalized your business structure with the State of Maine (Sole Proprietor, LLC, etc.) and that you are actively selling your product/service.PriceFREE
ContactTara Clark,
2077510442,
tara.clark@ceimaine.orgRegistration details Hosted byCoastal Enterprises, Inc. Women's Business Center
We’ve all been told how important it is to have reasonable financial projections – but no one ever started a business because they liked playing in excel!
If you’re ready to take the step but don’t know where to start, consider joining us for our four-part series.
Join CEI’s Director of Business Advising, Raynor Large, to learn about:
A breakdown of the financial statements and the theory behind it
How to access and analyze your historic data in QuickBooks
How to use Excel to do the work for you
How to run your business with financial acumen – not as an accountant, but as an active owner/operator
Sessions will take place via Zoom on the following dates:
Tuesday, January 20th, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Wednesday, January 21st, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Thursday, January 22nd, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Friday, January 23rd, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
REGISTER TODAY!!
Who Should Attend?
Attendees will need access to QuickBooks and Excel or Google Sheets. This program is for Maine-based business owners who are currently in business.PriceFREE
ContactTara Clark,
2077510442,
tara.clark@ceimaine.orgRegistration details Hosted byCoastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)
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Wednesday, January 21
Coastal economies in the Gulf of Maine are entering a phase of accelerated opportunity while undergoing a multitude of social and environmental changes.
During this lecture, a GMRI expert and a key collaborator on this initiative will present how we are strengthening the blue economy and stewarding working waterfronts by supporting workforce development, investment, and waterfront access. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.
Doors will open at 5:30 pm with complimentary refreshments available, and the program will begin at 6:00 pm. Free parking is available for all registered attendees in the lot adjacent to our building.
This event will feature our Chief Community Officer, Jonathan Labaree, and Graham McKay, Executive Director, Lowell's Boat Shop.Price8
ContactChance Viles,
207-228-1698,
chancev@broadreachpr.comRegistration details Hosted byGulf of Maine Research Institute
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Thursday, January 22
A key growth strategy for many businesses is getting certified as woman-owned. But what exactly is the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Certification? What are the benefits to a small business owner?
In this 1-hour info session, Meghan Cunningham, WBENC New England Certification Manager at Center for Women & Enterprise will review the WBENC certification in addition to the application process and benefits for small business owners.
You'll be connected with resources and people who can help you scale to the point of being ready for certification, help you with the application process and help you utilize the certification once you have it.
There will be a Q+A after the presentation.
Register Today!
Who Should Attend?
This program is designed for Maine-based female entrepreneurs at any stage of their business journey.
PriceFREE
ContactTara Clark,
2077510442,
tara.clark@ceimaine.orgRegistration details Hosted byCoastal Enterprises, Inc. Women's Business Center
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Tuesday, February 3
The 14th Annual Genest Bootcamp Hardscape Expo brings together top suppliers from across the U.S. alongside Maine-based businesses that provide tools, materials, and support services tailored to the landscape and masonry trades. The event features a full day of hands-on training, live demonstrations, and educational sessions designed to help professionals sharpen their skills, explore new techniques, and discover products that can improve productivity and elevate their work. Ideal for hardscapers, landscapers, and masonry specialists, the expo helps contractors build stronger business relationships and stay competitive in Maine’s growing outdoor construction market. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner looking to learn more about hardscaping and masonry, all are welcome! BBQ lunch included.
Price$10 in advance / $25 at the door
ContactKatie O'Connor,
207-324-3250 Ext 124,
katieo@genest-concrete.comRegistration detailsRegister by January 19th to secure expo entry, access to all training and educational sessions, and lunch for $10! After that, admission is $25, and lunch availability is limited.
Hosted byGenest Concrete
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Thursday, February 26
Join the movers and shakers of Maine’s real estate industry on February 26th for MEREDA’s Forecast Conference & Member Showcase to be held at Holiday Inn By the Bay! Register now for a day filled with important conversations about the future of Maine’s real estate economy.
We are excited to announce this year’s Keynote Speaker, Steve Weikal, Industry Chair of the Real Estate Transformation Lab at the MIT Center for Real Estate, and the Managing Partner of MET Fund II. His session will examine AI’s transformative impact across the real estate sector—from development and operations to investment strategies. He’ll explore emerging meta-trends reshaping the industry, consider practical AI applications, and spotlight the innovative tech startups driving this transformation of the world’s largest asset class.PriceMember: $185 | Non-Member: $295 | Municipal Officials: $100 | Student: $0
ContactShelly Clark,
2078740801,
info@mereda.orgRegistration details Hosted byMEREDA
