Heart of Ellsworth has compiled a comprehensive collection of resources tailored to support local entrepreneurs and business owners. Whether you’re just starting out or have an existing business, these resources will help you along your entrepreneurial journey.

On this page:

• Local Resources

• State-wide resources

The City of Ellsworth supports local businesses and entrepreneurs. Ensure a seamless start to your entrepreneurial journey with the City’s detailed City of Ellsworth Business Guide.

Eric Treworgy (left) serves as the SBDC Business Advisor for Hancock and Washington Counties, operating out of Ellsworth. As a member of Coastal Enterprises, Inc.’s (CEI) Business Advising team, Eric provides free and confidential guidance to both current and prospective entrepreneurs, helping them advance their businesses or ideas.

CEI is a Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to fostering a fairer economy by creating good quality jobs, supporting diverse business ownership, and promoting a just transition to a climate-resilient future.

Learn more about CEI in the state-based resources below.

Discover Ellsworth is your city-sponsored destination for local jobs, programs, and comprehensive assistance for businesses at any stage.

Ellsworth Adult Education is a department of the Ellsworth School Department. They provide relevant, responsive, effective and respectful learning opportunities supporting the economic self-sufficiency and vibrancy of individuals, families, businesses and the community.

Connect with the local business community through the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, whose priority is to foster collaboration and growth.

Ellsworth Business Development Corporation (EBDC) is an economic development organization, founded in 2014, with the purpose of working with the City of Ellsworth to promote economic development, foster economic growth and facilitate job creation. Business and community leaders from throughout the area are working together to help coordinate, promote and guide new business creation and workforce development.

Union River Center for Innovation offers entrepreneurs and startups the opportunity to grow their companies by providing resources like their business incubator, co-working spaces or rentals, free seminars, and private offices to get your business up and running. URCI also offers business coaching and mentorship as a service.

Heart of Ellsworth is here to support you every step of the way as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey. As you explore resources at local, state, and national levels, please reach out for assistance. We're ready to help you navigate local opportunities and make state-wide and national connections. Your success is our priority.

Check out all of the business benefits that Heart of Ellsworth provides, including marketing, downtown events, programs, advocacy and custom solutions tailored to you and your business.

With CEI Maine & CEI Women’s Business Center you can benefit from business development services and business financing options, including a helpful Grant Resource Guide, provided by CEI Maine. They also have beginner-level guides for marketing, planning, and how to grow your business when it’s time to hire help. Empower women entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and support from the CEI Women’s Business Center.

Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) explores financing options and resources offered by FAME to support the growth and development of Maine businesses.

Genesis helps our partners create affordable housing and other essential community resources. They have a 30-year track record of making loans and helping guide projects. See if they can help you, through lending, guidance, or both.

Connect with Maine Angels, a network of investors supporting early-stage businesses in the state.

Tap into the resources and programs offered by the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs to accelerate your business growth.

Explore initiatives and resources focused on economic development in Maine through the Maine Development Foundation.

Leverage the expertise of the Maine Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for personalized business advising and educational programs.

Maine’s Office of Business Development offers a suite of financial incentives and resources for businesses to make relocating, expanding, or starting your business in Maine easier. Check out Maine’s financial incentives and resources to find the support you need.

Maine Technology Institute can help businesses with a technology component, especially if you offer online sales. Explore their funding programs or Maine Entrepreneur Resource Corp (MERC) to see if your business or project qualifies.

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, New Ventures Maine helps people find good jobs, start or return to college, launch small businesses, manage their money and build their assets.

Local business, Profit Decoder, makes understanding your numbers accessible—no math or accounting required. Enter your numbers the way you understand them, and in a few clicks you can see how changes to costs or price impact profits.

Proprietor is a membership community centered on supporting acquiring or transferring entrepreneurs at all stages of their journeys, and provides a valuable network and essential tools for successfully acquiring or transferring small businesses.

SCORE Maine is a nonprofit organization that offers free confidential business mentoring assitance, from financial matters such as cash flow management, to business planning, marking, and numerous other areas of importance to a successful small business. Tap into the expertise of SCORE Maine for mentorship, workshops, and resources to help your business thrive. Don’t miss their useful Financial Projections Template to forecast your business’ future income and expenses.

Access research-based information and resources tailored for small businesses through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Small Business program.

Gain access to national-level resources and support from the Small Business Administration (SBA), offering guidance, loans, and educational programs.

Access the IRS’s Small Business & Existing Tax Center for comprehensive tax information and guidance.

Tune in to Main Street America’s Business Insights podcast and discover the inventive methods Main Street businesses employ to overcome challenges, be it launching a new venture or sustaining a multi-generational enterprise, and glean valuable advice for steering your own business toward success.