Heart of Ellsworth is happy to announce the map of food and retail businesses in Downtown Ellsworth has been updated and posted in the Franklin Street Parklet. Print postcards of these maps will be available soon.
Thanks to Banner City Graphics for printing and installing the map!
Kimberly Laplant has always dreamed of opening a vintage store. In 2018, she started collecting and selling vintage clothes on Etsy. Early in 2024, a retail space in downtown Ellsworth became available, and Kimberly decided to take the leap and transition her hobby into a full-time brick-and-mortar business.
"I've always been interested in how clothes represent different eras," Kimberly said, clothes stacked in orderly piles around her. We talked in early July as she was busy preparing for her soft opening. "The hardest part was to decide, "Ok, I'm going to do it," she continued. Kimberly had been a history teacher for over 20 years, and owning and running a physical business was new. However, she knew that she wanted a change of pace and to transition away from teaching full-time.
"I already feel supported," Kimberly said. "People keep dropping by and asking when I'll be open." The week after our interview, Raven and Maine Consignment and Vintage officially opened its doors on July 12th. The shop sells upscale, current, and vintage styles for women, and is named after her children.
"I felt a lot of comfort knowing that the Heart of Ellsworth was just upstairs," Kimberly said, talking about what made her decide to start her business. "Because Ellsworth doesn't currently have a higher-end consignment boutique and because the downtown area is so vibrant, being able to build a business here is a dream come true!"
The consignment store will have its official grand opening in early August. In the meantime, you can visit Raven and Maine at 6 State Street and see for yourself how cute and unique her clothing is. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 – 5:00 pm, and Sunday until 3:00 pm. If you're interested in selling clothes and accessories to Ravan and Maine, Kimberly is available by appointment and can be contacted via her email: ravenandmaine@gmail.com.
Join us in welcoming Kimberly Laplant to the downtown Ellsworth business scene. With luck, you’ll find a cute new – or old -- outfit!
If you’re interested in starting a business in Ellsworth, there’s no better time to see the strength of our local business economy and community than attending “HELLO SUMMER” – a local summer celebration highlighting local businesses and nonprofits on July 20th.
There will be something for everyone during this fun, downtown-wide summer event: free cotton candy at the Sweet Spot, kitten adoption and chair massages at Bliss, live music at the Black Moon Public House, a tea party at Elizabeth's, a sidewalk sale at Dreamcatcher, a doorbuster sale at Poppy & Polka Dot, and more! Visit area businesses for in-store events, sales, and refreshments. Black Sheep Food Truck will be on Main Street all day. This event will support local nonprofits, Loaves and Fishes, and the SPCA of Trenton.
Union River Center for Innovation - Co-working Space Available
In the area and need a space to get some work done for the day? Looking for a meeting space? Need an equipped space to work remotely? The Union River Center for Innovation has a co-working space available on either a day pass or monthly membership basis, where their facility amenities are available for you to use at your convenience.
Day pass and monthly membership holders may access the conference room for $25 an hour, or non-members may utilize a-la-cart conference room rentals.
Located in the heart of downtown Ellsworth, at the corner of State & Main Street, this building offers great visibility, access and parking. Class A office space within a masonry bank building offering large windows, high ceilings and ample natural light.
Two room office for rent behind Union River Book and Toy Company in Downtown Ellsworth, with handicap access front and back, and back entrance has access any time of day! Asking $800/mo, WiFi & all utilities included. Call or text Michael at 288-8295.
SCORE Maine hosts affordable small business workshops -- both online webinars and live, in-person. You can find everything you need to know to start a business or discover tools to help your small business grow.
MTI - Grants & Programs for your Business - July 24th, 12 PM - This workshop will equip innovators (entrepreneurs, inventors, business owners and more) with insights into grants and funding through the Maine Technology Institute.
Starting Your Own Business - July 26th, 12 PM - Do you dream of starting your own business? Join SCORE for an immersive webinar where you'll discover the essential foundations of launching a successful business.
For a list of all upcoming events and workshops, click here.
The CEI Women’s Business Center is a home for women who want to start or grow their own business in Maine. They offer courses, cohorts, workshops, and events which encourage peer-to-peer learning and community building, as well as 1:1 business advising support.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Biz Fit: Open Space - August 2, 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Topic: Managing a Business. Join them for some Open Space time and bring your knowledge or curiosities to share.* You don’t have to be an expert to share!
For a list of all upcoming events and workshops, click here.
New Ventures Maine creates an empowering environment for Maine people to define and achieve their career, financial, and small business goals. Through tuition-free classes and individual coaching, they help people find good jobs, start or return to college, launch small businesses, manage their money and build their assets.
Venturing Forth is a free, online comprehensive business planning class starting Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Designed for new entrepreneurs or existing business owners, Venturing Forth helps participants create a written business plan from start to finish with feedback from facilitators and fellow entrepreneurs. Individuals complete an online application and attend an orientation and individual interview to participate in the class.
The application is accessible online and is due by Noon on Tuesday, August 27. Class size is limited to 15. Anyone with a business idea or current business is welcome to apply.
The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs has several food accelerator programs accepting applications on a rolling basis. Receive expert guidance from industry leaders in grocery, retail, e-commerce, and food service sectors and take advantage of their unique benefits with other Maine food and beverage companies.
Whether you’re just starting your food business, planning to scale up, or expanding your market distribution, MCE has got you covered through each stage of your business. Check out the available programs at: https://mced.biz/mce-food-accelerator-programs
Biddeford's Elements: Books Coffee Beer Featured on Main Street Business Insights Podcast
Main Street Business Insights, a national podcast highlighting Main Street entrepreneurs across the country, uncovered the story behind Biddeford's own Elements: Books Coffee Beer. Co-owners Michael Macomber and Katie Pinard share their journey from taking an idea to reality, propelled by a shared vision and unwavering commitment to community.
Listen to Crafting Community: The Elements of Success ft. Michael Macomber and Katie Pinard here.
Thank you for reading this edition of the Ellsworth Business Pulse!
Check out our Business Benefits page for more information on how we can support your business!
