A regional conference designed for senior HR leaders located throughout New England.

While attending, you will have the opportunity to meet and network with 200+ peers from across New England who are focused on the same challenges as your organization, absorb content from a selection of over 20 sessions, trainings, and keynotes, as well as meet with potential business partner resources that could have a positive impact on your company.

Join New England's most vibrant & enduring Lean community in October 2025 at GBMP's 21st annual Northeast Lean Conference. It's a goldmine of applicable insights & inspiration for Lean practitioners - from those just starting out to seasoned leaders - through engaging and informative sessions led by fellow practitioners. Don't miss this amazing learning & networking experience!

The 21st Annual Northeast Lean Conference - "Transforming Together: Paving a Unified Path to Excellence" - brings together 500 passionate Lean practitioners and business professionals dedicated to driving continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing and the Toyota Production System (TPS). Set in an intimate and collaborative environment, this event offers an exclusive opportunity to engage in high-level conversations and deep learning with experts and peers alike. Attendees will experience inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking educational sessions, and hands-on workshops designed to sharpen their skills and expand their knowledge. The conference emphasizes networking and benchmarking, enabling participants to share best practices, exchange innovative ideas, and forge valuable connections. This is a unique occasion to come together as a community of Lean leaders committed to transforming their organizations and industries towards excellence, by paving a unified path built on shared insights and a relentless pursuit of operational perfection.

A regional conference designed for senior HR leaders located throughout New England.

While attending, you will have the opportunity to meet and network with 200+ peers from across New England who are focused on the same challenges as your organization, absorb content from a selection of over 20 sessions, trainings, and keynotes, as well as meet with potential business partner resources that could have a positive impact on your company.

What does it really take to start and grow a small business in Maine?

In this candid panel discussion, you'll hear from Maine SBDC clients who have weathered the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Our panelists will share how they overcame unexpected challenges, what they wish they knew starting out, and the wins that made it all worth it.

You’ll learn:

- Real-world lessons from starting or expanding a business
- Mistakes and pivots that helped shape success
- The unexpected realities of running a business in Maine
- Advice they wish they’d had earlier

Bring your questions for a live Q&A with our panelists!

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact mainesbdc@maine.edu

AI isn’t just for big brands—it’s a powerful tool that hospitality businesses can use to work smarter, not harder. In this practical workshop, we’ll explore how small hotels, inns, B&Bs, and short-term rentals can use AI to streamline marketing, personalize guest experiences, and make data-driven decisions.

You’ll discover how to:

- Automate responses and guest communications
- Create compelling content for social media, email, and listings
- Offer personalized recommendations to drive repeat bookings
- Optimize pricing and promotions with AI insights

No tech background needed—just real-world tools and strategies to help you compete, grow, and wow your guests.

This October, the Franco Center is transforming its historic sanctuary (church space) into a spine-chilling Halloween escape room experience: Escape from the Sanctuary to the Crypt! We invite you, your friends, co-workers, and family to join us for a memorable, immersive adventure perfect for groups of up to 10 participants.
What to Expect:
One-hour escape room adventure: Navigate a dark, eerie environment filled with spooky decorations, unsettling sounds, and live costumed actors. Flashlights will be provided.
Dates: Available nightly throughout October (reservations required at least one day in advance via https://bookeo.com/franco
Cost: $15 per person
Group Size: Up to 10 per session. Minimum of four. Once you book an hour-long session through Bookeo, that time slot is not available to others. Your group will remain intact.
Special Creepy Crypt Bar Nights:
Enhance the experience with our brand-new Creepy Crypt Bar & Lounge, open exclusively on:
Tuesday, Oct. 28 & Thursday, Oct. 30 from 7:00–11:00 p.m. for the Escape adventures (first group starts at 7pm, last group starts at 10pm).
The Creepy Crypt Bar opens at 6:00 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m.
Enjoy drinks, music, and a chance to mingle in the Franco Center basement (former church crypt) before and/or after your escape room adventure. The bar and lounge will be open to the public on those two nights, not just the escape adventurers.
This event is a unique opportunity to offer family, friends, employees, clients, or colleagues a fun experience with a Halloween twist—while supporting a local community landmark.
Reserve Your Group:
Spots are limited, so book early to guarantee your group’s preferred time slot: Book Your Escape Room

Blitz is a one-day event for entrepreneurs of all stages and people who are considering starting their own business. Attendees will attend workshop sessions, discussions, and network with founders, makers, and corporate entrepreneurs. Sessions include topics on navigating pricing in a shifting economy, finding innovation amid disruption, and communicating what you’re worth. Workshops include a group brainstorm and crafting your value statement. Multiple networking breaks throughout the day serve as opportunities for attendees to expand their networks and ask questions of presenters.
Blitz is where Maine’s boldest entrepreneurs come together to pitch, connect, and ignite new opportunities. At UpStart Maine, we’re proud to fuel innovation and celebrate the spirit of Maine’s startup community.

In advance of Building Science Week, join us for a discussion with leaders of organizations in Maine that provide professional development and training opportunities on building science topics to create higher performing, healthy and efficient homes.

Featuring:
+ Christy Crocker, Executive Director, Maine Indoor Air Quality Council
+ Emily Mottram, Owner, Mottram Architecture
+ Erin Scally, Training Director, passivhausMAINE

Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4817599565616/WN_eNPT6z6WQzmc0nuwzOd0Dg

City Hall to Construction Site: Bangor and Brewer leaders are pulling back the curtain on how municipal partnerships can help projects move from concept to completion. From navigating permitting to aligning infrastructure improvements and even leveraging the City of Bangor’s Foreign Trade Zone, this panel will give you an insider’s view of how local leadership can accelerate growth in the region.

Whether you’re a developer, lender, contractor, or simply curious about the forces shaping the Greater Bangor area, this session offers takeaways and a fresh perspective on what’s possible when municipalities and the private sector work together.

This event is Sponsored by Harnum Holdings, Bowman Constructors, Epstein Commercial Real Estate, Haley Ward, and S.W. Cole Engineering.

Join us every Thursday for the Local Goods Market @ Fork Food Lab, your weekly celebration of local flavor, community vibes, and culinary creativity! This market features a rotating lineup of Fork Food Lab members and other Maine makers offering delicious bites, sips, and one-of-a-kind products.

It’s the perfect after-work destination: grab a bite, connect with friends, and explore what Maine’s vibrant food scene has to offer. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just looking to support small businesses in a laid-back setting, the Local Goods Market is the place to be!

Fork Food Lab is Maine’s only non-profit food business incubator and shared manufacturing and processing facility. They have around 80 small businesses working out of their shared commercial kitchen. Their mission is to support a just, diverse, and sustainable food economy in Maine, where food entrepreneurs are supported in their quest to produce high quality and sustainable products utilizing locally sourced ingredients.

Follow @forkfoodlab on Instagram for weekly vendor updates

Are you ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship? This workshop is designed to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the early stages of launching a business with confidence. Whether you're refining an idea or just getting started, you'll gain insight into the foundational elements of starting your own business.

This session explores the realities of entrepreneurship and the building blocks of business success—like defining your value proposition, choosing the right structure, securing funding, understanding your customer, and crafting a business plan that evolves with your goals. You’ll also receive guidance on how to tap into trusted networks like SCORE for mentorship and support.

What You’ll Learn:

How to evaluate your readiness and resources for business ownership
The components of a strong business plan and why it's essential
How to identify your customers and test your value proposition
What business structure might be right for you
Sources of funding, including grants, loans, and bootstrapping strategies
The importance of professional advisors and regulatory compliance

Ready to turn your dream into a business?

Join us for this free workshop and start building a foundation for success!

This October, the Franco Center is transforming its historic sanctuary (church space) into a spine-chilling Halloween escape room experience: Escape from the Sanctuary to the Crypt! We invite you, your friends, co-workers, and family to join us for a memorable, immersive adventure perfect for groups of up to 10 participants.
What to Expect:
One-hour escape room adventure: Navigate a dark, eerie environment filled with spooky decorations, unsettling sounds, and live costumed actors. Flashlights will be provided.
Dates: Available nightly throughout October (reservations required at least one day in advance via https://bookeo.com/franco
Cost: $15 per person
Group Size: Up to 10 per session. Minimum of four. Once you book an hour-long session through Bookeo, that time slot is not available to others. Your group will remain intact.
Special Creepy Crypt Bar Nights:
Enhance the experience with our brand-new Creepy Crypt Bar & Lounge, open exclusively on:
Tuesday, Oct. 28 & Thursday, Oct. 30 from 7:00–11:00 p.m. for the Escape adventures (first group starts at 7pm, last group starts at 10pm).
The Creepy Crypt Bar opens at 6:00 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m.
Enjoy drinks, music, and a chance to mingle in the Franco Center basement (former church crypt) before and/or after your escape room adventure. The bar and lounge will be open to the public on those two nights, not just the escape adventurers.
This event is a unique opportunity to offer family, friends, employees, clients, or colleagues a fun experience with a Halloween twist—while supporting a local community landmark.
Reserve Your Group:
Spots are limited, so book early to guarantee your group’s preferred time slot: Book Your Escape Room

Join WBC Business Advisor, Jodi Cordes, for an informal networking meeting with new, existing, or aspiring female entrepreneurs from Greater Franklin County!

We meet on the first Tuesday each month for great conversation among business owners, at any stage.

Come together to connect, share expertise, and learn from each other about running a business.

Location: H&R Block at 118 Knowlton Corner Rd Farmington, ME 04938

Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration in advance is highly encouraged.

REGISTER TODAY!!

Thinking about selling wholesale? Wondering if your products are a good fit?

If you're a Maine maker or food-based business looking to grow, wholesale could be a valuable next step. But the key is that it’s not the same as retail. In this webinar, Business Advisor Chris Cole will walk you through what it takes to succeed in the wholesale market and how to decide if it's the right move for your business.

We’ll cover:

- The main differences between retail and wholesale
- How to assess demand and market readiness
- Pricing strategies that protect your margins
- Common wholesale terms and what they really mean
- Pitfalls to avoid when entering the wholesale space
- What to do next if you’re preparing for a trade show or wholesale pitch

This session is a great fit for businesses preparing for shows like New England Made Spring 2026 or those just beginning to explore the wholesale path.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact mainesbdc@maine.edu

The Maine Tax Forum (MTF) is a two-day program offering in-depth updates on federal and Maine tax law, ethics, and emerging issues that impact today’s tax professionals. Designed with working professionals in mind, MTF brings together experts, regulators, and practitioners to provide timely, relevant guidance that helps attendees stay compliant, avoid costly missteps, and better serve their clients.

This year’s agenda includes topics such as the 2025 tax law changes, SECURE 2.0 planning, real estate taxation, digital assets, business entity structuring, ethics, and updates on estate and gift tax law—delivered by experienced presenters and regulators.
Who Should Attend the Maine Tax Forum?

MTF is designed for professionals at all stages of their careers, providing both foundational insights and advanced strategies to support compliance, improve client service, and fulfill continuing education requirements. Attendees typically include tax preparers, Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys who want to stay current on the issues that matter most.

Maine Tax Forum – MTF is expected to provide 16 IRS CE (Continuing Education) credits (or 15 or 14 if you attend one or both of the Maine Tax Update breakout sessions), 13.5 CLE ( Continuing Legal Education) credits, and 16 CPE (Continuing Professional Education for CPAs) credits. Your certificate will be sent to you via email two weeks after the completion of the Maine Tax Forum.