SBDC launches resource center for Maine small business pandemic recovery
Screenshot / SBDC video
Maine SBDC advisors give the thumbs up in video promoting the new Resource & Recovery program.
The Maine Small Business Development Center has launched a resource program to help the state's small businesses respond to, and recover from, the COVID-19 epidemic.
The Recovery & Relaunch Resource Center offers free tools, both online and in person, that provide access to enhanced resources, integrating specialized and individualized resources for Maine entrepreneurs who are looking to recover, or start fresh.
"The goal of the Resource Center is to get business owners the tailored information they need to manage their businesses through this stressful time," said Mark Delisle, SBDC state director. "We want business owners to know they have support, and that they are in the right place to get the information they need to make good decisions for themselves and their business. We want them to feel confident in the steps they take to move forward."
A collaborative approach will connect and coordinate resources, including:
- Confidential no-cost advising for small business owners;
- Collaborative efforts tailored to business needs including connections to other resources in Maine;
- Specialized market research and financial benchmarking tools to understand a changing economies and market conditions;
- Specialists with in-depth expertise;
- Comprehensive website that walks business owners through recovery and relaunch;
- Online and webinar educational content that is relevant to what small businesses need; and
- University of Maine and University of Southern Maine students, resources, and services.
“Our mission is simple," Delisle said. "To guide and support Maine entrepreneurs in the success of their small businesses. We are dedicated to helping as many Maine businesses as possible through this trying time. We want entrepreneurs and business owners to know they are not alone. We are here and we can help them navigate the right next steps for their businesses.”
The initiative is funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of the federal CARES Act. The additional money provided to Small Business Development Centers across the country help to expand advising and training capacity to address issues facing small businesses as a result of the pandemic.
Amy Bassett, Maine SBA district director, said that the state's small businesses continue to need support. "Regardless of the stage they are at, resources like the Recovery & Relaunch Resource Center will be critical in helping them rebound from the significant challenges many are facing at this time."
The Maine SBDC in August launched a grant program to help small businesses in the state affected by the pandemic, and is supporting a bill, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine 2nd District, to provide enhanced funding for SBDCs across the country and expand their ability to market their resources.
The Maine SBDC, a program of the SBA, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and the University of Southern Maine, provides no-cost, comprehensive business advising to small businesses through a network of certified business advisors. Businesses can find out information about resources at the resource center webpage.
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