At SCORE’s annual luncheon, nine small businesses were presented with awards. The event, held in Freeport and attended by 120 people, is a “must-attend” annual occasion for the business community.
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SCORE, which matches mentors with entrepreneurs, is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
In June, at SCORE’s annual luncheon, nine small businesses were presented with awards. The event, held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport and attended by 120 people, is a “must-attend” annual occasion for the business community, with recognition not only for SCORE volunteer mentors but also for the people who run small businesses in Maine.
Among the guests at the 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.
SCORE awards
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
