April 5, 2021 EditionEdition

A contributor from the Association for Consulting Expertise recommends how a reader can improve customer engagement now, during the pandemic, and also reap rewards in the future.

The Mainebiz roundup of businesses and businesspeople that have been making changes in recent weeks. Check out our compilation of new hires, promotions, accomplishments and more.

Mainebiz talked with the head of the fast-growing Portland firm about the importance of regulatory compliance, the firm's acquisition strategy, and the value of a Maine address — even when many of your clients are from outside the state.

A program of the U.S. Small Business Administration isn't widely known, but provides fixed-rate, long-term loans as secondary financing for eligible businesses. For some, it's become a critical part of their expansion plans.

The startup's planned conversion of a former paper mill in Madison had taken three years, and now the funding had to be finalized. The pandemic busted the deal. With the Finance Authority of Maine, GO Lab found a plan B.

The emergency loan program started last year with initial funding of $349 million, but in two weeks the money was gone. Businesses and banks had to scramble and get what they could. The PPP has been a lifesaver, but has also taught Mainers to learn and adapt.

A year ago, companies were just starting to make their revised sales projections for the year. When the...