An eco-friendly housecleaning service in Portland is one of only two dozen finalists — out of more than 700 applicants — in the Dream Big Awards, a small business competition sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Green Clean Maine is up for the Green/Sustainable Business Achievement Award, along with two other finalists, from Miami and Portland, Ore., according to a news release Tuesday.
The Maine company and a Massachusetts contender for the Woman-Owned Business Achievement Award are the only finalists from New England.
The Dream Big Awards recognize excellence among small U.S. companies in six categories: emerging, green/sustainable, minority-owned, veteran-owned, woman-owned, and young entrepreneur businesses.
Green Clean Maine was founded in 2007 by Joe Walsh as a “non-toxic alternative to the traditional cleaning company,” according to its website. The company says it uses eco-friendly cleaning formulas, microfiber mops that cut down on wasted paper and water, a fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles, and smart scheduling that cuts down on carbon emissions.
Green Clean, with a staff of about 20, serves hundreds of clients in 12 southern Maine communities.
“Over the last several months, small business owners have faced challenge after challenge. Yet, despite these challenges small business owners never stop innovating, pivoting, taking risks, working hard, and dreaming big,” said Tom Sullivan, U.S. Chamber vice president of small business policy.
“Small businesses are a critical and vibrant sector of the U.S. economy and the U.S. Chamber is proud to celebrate the very best in American small business through our Dream Big Awards.”
The U.S. Chamber will announce winners of the awards, which are presented by Chase for Business with support from MetLife, on Oct. 15.