While the 51 applications for the Maine Family Business Awards aren’t a statewide survey, they offer the contest organizers another valuable window into how broader economic challenges are playing out inside Maine’s family-owned businesses.
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Out of 505 nominations submitted to the 2026 Maine Family Business Awards, 51 have been named semifinalists. They cover a range of sectors, from brewing and baking to pet care, including Uncle Buggy's Hotel for Dogs in Ellsworth. (Scroll down for the full list.)
"While the number is exciting, what really stood out to me was what these 51 family businesses told us about operating and growing in Maine," Catherine Wygant Fossett, executive director of the Institute for Family-Owned Business, told Mainebiz.
As part of the application, the Portland-based nonprofit asked nominees what's missing in Maine that would help their business grow.
"Workforce came through strongly, but not as a stand-alone issue," Wygant Fossett noted. "Businesses connected finding and keeping people with housing, health care, child care, education and skilled-worker training.
"We also heard about the cost and complexity of doing business, access to capital, and the particular challenges established businesses face as they try to reach their next stage of growth," she added.
Winners of the 2026 Maine Family Business Awards will be announced at a gala evening ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 19, in Portland. Registration is available via IFOB's website.
Business continuity
Business continuity is another consideration for family-owned enterprises.
"Family businesses are thinking about developing future leaders, transferring ownership and keeping viable businesses and jobs rooted in Maine for the long term," Wygant Fossett said.
She also said that while the 51 applications are not a statewide survey, they give IFOB another valuable window into how larger economic issues are being experienced inside Maine family businesses.
"Combined with our ongoing research, surveys and conversations with members, they help us understand what family businesses need today and what will matter to their ability to remain and grow in Maine for the long term," she said.
Wygant Fossett was honored as a Mainebiz Woman to Watch in 2024.
2026 semifinalists
- The Anchor
- Autotronics LLC
- Bissell Brothers Brewing
- Budget Document Technology
- Coastal Maine Popcorn
- Cormier's Dog House
- Crossroads Youth Center
- Danny's DJ Services
- Dirigo Ranch Feed & Seed
- Elmhurst Pottery Studio
- Franks Bake Shop
- Ghostly Engraving LLC
- Git in my Belly Bakery
- Great Falls Construction
- Hailey's Kitchen
- Hammond Lumber Co.
- Hebert Construction LLC
- Hero's On Wheels LLC
- Hews Co. LLC
- Integrity Services of Maine
- J.Plum Home
- Kate's Homemade Butter
- KindKids Music
- Lafayette Hotels
- Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
- Looney Moose Cafe
- MacDonald Pet Care dba Carden Kennels and Uncommon Dog
- Malone Commercial Brokers
- Octagon Cleaning + Restoration
- Ossipee Garage Doors LLC
- P&A Bookkeeping
- Pawsitive Play LLC
- Planson International
- Polar Treat LLC
- Polished Angel Nails By Cody Pedicure Specialist
- Portable Pie Place
- ProInfoNet
- Republic Jewelry & Collectibles
- Rosemont Market & Bakery
- Salon Mimosa Suite 4 LLC
- The Scone Goddess
- Sea-Vu Campground
- Sweatt Investments, doing business as Aging Excellence
- Tibbetts Farm
- Tree of Life Chiropractic
- Tripping Gnome Farm
- Uncle Buggy's Hotel for Dogs
- Webster's Service Center
- Wheeler Spring MX LLC
- Wiggly Bridge Distillery
- The Woods Maine Shop
