Black Owned Maine and Main Street Skowhegan are among 11 nonprofits that will share $225,000 in Maine Community Foundation Start Up/Scale Up grants.
This marks the second year of grants through the program, which provides funding to nonprofits helping new ventures grow through shared work spaces as well as incubator and accelerator programs.
Maine Community Foundation partners made an additional eight grants totaling $183,141.
While not specifying the size of each grant, the foundation noted on its website that the average award amount in 2021 was $20,445, with 28% of applicants receiving grants. A total of 39 applications were submitted in the latest round, the foundation said.
2021 grant recipients
Black Owned Maine, Saco, to develop an entrepreneurship program for those who wish to master African hair artistry while learning skills to become a successful business owner.
Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Farmington, to create a maker-space within its downtown retail store so that youth can strengthen skills and engage in entrepreneurial ventures.
Ignite Presque Isle, to buy furniture and equipment for new coworking space and conference rooms at the downtown hub.
Main Street Skowhegan, to create a business accelerator program and entrepreneurial facility to assist rural entrepreneurs and small business owners in Skowhegan.
Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, Portland, to develop an intensive business training program for early-stage outdoor recreation businesses in Maine in collaboration with the Maine Outdoor Brands trade association.
New Ventures Maine, Bangor, to provide cohort training, individual coaching and network building opportunities for new and existing microbusiness owners, primarily in rural areas.
Our Katahdin, to develop affordable space in downtown Millinocket to incubate small businesses and create a vibrant environment for entrepreneurs and the community to connect and access resources.
Sunrise County Economic Council, Machias, to expand outreach and re-run successful Pathways in Entrepreneurship programs offering free college credit, micro-credentials and workshop opportunities in Washington County and beyond.
Town of Lisbon, to support the Digital Advertising Bootcamp, a training and tailored consulting for entrepreneurs in Lisbon and throughout the state.
Town of Monson, to expand the town’s coworking pilot program and evaluate options for a larger, permanent location.
UpStart Maine, Bangor, to connect innovation-driven startups with community and financial resources.
