Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

Updated: August 28, 2023 2023 Fact Book: Doing Business in Maine

Town of Scarborough: A Fresh Approach —Grow your Business in Scarborough

Photo by Amanda Huebner Crown is one of the many new companies in the Innovation District at The Downs.

Welcome to Scarborough, home to just over 23,000 people and 17,000 jobs. Scarborough attracts both residents and businesses because of its unique blend of rich natural resources and unbeatable location. With four beaches, a 10-minute commute to downtown Portland, direct access to the Maine Turnpike, the Scarborough Marsh, and the Eastern Trail, Scarborough is committed to balancing the needs of business while preserving those elements that are the basis of our attraction.

Economic Vitality

Scarborough added 3,200 net new residents (17% increase) between 2010 and 2020 according to the 2020 Census, more than any other community in the state. Scarborough is now the sixth most populous municipality in Maine. Housing units increased by 20% in this same time-period, with a rise in multifamily development helping to diversify the types of units available in town.

Since 2020, Scarborough added 1,083 new residents and 1,037 new wage and salary jobs. In 2022, Scarborough was the sixth largest economy in the state.

Health care is our largest economic sector lead by MaineHealth, Martin’s Point, and several specialty practices. Retail is the next largest sector, followed by manufacturing. Cabela’s, Walmart, Homegoods and Lowe’s are just some of the retailers choosing Scarborough as a location.

In addition, Hannaford’s corporate headquarters is located in Scarborough as well as a flagship retail store. In the fall of 2023, Hannaford will open a second retail location, having acquired and renovated an existing building.

Abbott Labs leads the way in the manufacturing sector, with this bioscience company making an international impact with the production of COVID testing kits.

Evolution of Business in Scarborough

With the approval of The Downs, a mixed-use project situated south of the municipal complex, Scarborough has the opportunity to rethink a town center. This 500+ acre project is the largest development in the town’s history and includes housing, office, retail and manufacturing. Also included is a trail system and the potential for additional civic uses around a town green.

Part of The Downs includes the Innovation District, geared toward modern manufacturing and flex space. This area of The Downs is sold out, with IDEXX purchasing the largest area within the Innovation District for a new manufacturing facility. With the Innovation District sold out, the next focus area will be the Town Center. Over the next year, plans for the Town Center should begin to take shape.

The Enterprise Business Park, located next to The Downs, also welcomed new developments over the past year, including Bluebird Storage, which opened in the Spring of 2023.

Another major milestone for Scarborough is the renovation and revitalization of the former public safety building in the heart of Oak Hill. Made available for redevelopment by the completion of a new public safety building, this site, known as Firehouse Village, came to life with an exciting renovation that included Harbor Fish and Rosemont Market. These two retailers incorporated visual elements of the former fire station in the architecture. Additional businesses on the site include a restaurant, a gym as well as housing soon.

The Sea Dog Brewing Company opened a restaurant in 2023 in the Gateway Shoppes retail center. Allagash Brewing Company will also be making a debut in Scarborough in the coming year, with plans to open a location at The Downs.

Photo by Amanda Huebner
An aerial view shows the mix of housing units in the center of town, providing a variety of housing opportunities with direct access to the Eastern Trail.

SEDCO Mission

With all the development happening in Scarborough, it’s good to know that there is a resource for new and expanding businesses. The Scarborough Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) provides a first contact for those starting their projects – whether you are a start-up or a seasoned developer.

SEDCO serves as the economic development department for the town of Scarborough with a mission to develop, support and promote sustainable economic development practices.

SEDCO’s website provides a wealth of demographic information for those seeking to grow or expand in Scarborough. SEDCO, in partnership with our local Chamber and Scarborough Buy Local, keeps residents and businesses up to date on what’s happening with the Business Update Scarborough (BUS) Facebook page.

Town of Scarborough

Scarborough Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO)

360 U.S. Route 1, Suite 204, Scarborough, ME 04074

Karen Martin, Executive Director / (207) 883-4893 / hello@sedcomaine.com

SEDCOMaine.com

VisitScarboroughMaine.com

facebook.com/UpdateScarborough