Coastal Enterprises Inc.

The project is designed to address a gap in Maine’s small business ecosystem, according to Sarah Guerette, senior program director for business development services.

New startup funding routes in Maine include a venture capital firm aiming to close its first two investments this month; a venture studio that’s tapping academic talent to get new businesses off the ground; and a revenue-based debt instrument for growth capital.

To mark Women’s History Month this March nd International Women’s Day on March 8, Mainebiz asked a handful of leaders to share learnings from elder female family members and other women in their lives.

The action staves off a foreclosure auction that had been scheduled for Jan. 28.

Coastal Enterprises Inc. provided $17.7 million in financing in its 2025 fiscal year, the group's latest impact report shows.

CEI Capital Management will use new federal tax credits to draw private investment into manufacturers creating good-paying jobs in Maine and beyond.

The KeyBank Foundation grant will help expand CEI's work providing free and low-cost business advising services to entrepreneurs.

The delegation builds on previous trips to learn how scallops are grown, harvested, processed, marketed and made into various products in Japan, toward diversifying Maine’s coastal economy.

Now in its fourth year, the Mainebiz 40 Under 40 program recognizes the state's up-and-coming leaders, the next generation of individuals who are shaping Maine and its economy. 

By keeping the first few meetups intimate and authentic, you create an environment where people feel comfortable showing up and contributing, our guest columnist writes.