🔒Entrepreneurs score big at SCORE luncheon

Entrepreneurs from around Maine were feted on Wednesday at the annual SCORE luncheon. The event, which was attended by roughly 120 people, was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport. It's a must-attend event for the business community, with recognition not only for SCORE volunteer mentors but also for the people who run small businesses in Maine. SCORE, which matches mentors with entrepreneurs, is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Among the guests at Wednesday's luncheon were Diane Sturgeon, district director of the SBA's Maine operations; Mike Duguay, commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development; Brian Whitney of Maine Technology Institute; and Gail Kezar, a representative from the office of U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine.

The keynote speaker was Amanda Lacy, CEO of Bijou Build, which makes packable backyard play structures that have found a customer base around the world. The Camden-based company had its first sale on Christmas Day 2022, and is on track to reach $8 million in sales this year. After the pandemic, "play is the connection we're all craving," she told the audience.

Honorees

Charlie Weidhas, assistant district director at SCORE Maine, introduced SCORE's 2026 Success Award winners and Nancy Strojny presented the awards to: Veteran-Owned Business: Brian Bates, of the Outpost barbecue restaurant in Farmington. SCORE mentor: Jon Anderson Woman-Owned Business: Julia Lipner, Triflorum Designs, a Portland-based floral shop. Mentor: Jeanine Bekas Hospitality Business: Ashley Cunningham, Downtown Charcuterie in Brewer. Mentor: David Green Successful Young Entrepreneurs: Michael and Justine DiSalvo, Beach Bum Threads, an apparel retailer with stores in Ogunquit and Portland. Mentor: Jeff Gray Home-Based Business: Nondas Iacovou and Melissa Fuller, Studio 89, a maker of handmade furniture based in Scarborough. Mentor: Joe Michaud Nonprofit Business: Chris Olson, Welcome to Housing, a Bangor furniture bank. Mentor: Dennis Wint. Construction/Trades Business: Brett Cary, Cary Construction. Mentor: Jeanine Bekas Successful Business Cycle: Pam Laskey, owner of Maine Day Ventures, Maine Foodie Tours and Maine History Tours. Mentor: Charlie Weidhas.