Please join SCORE and SBA Resource Partners Maine Small Business Development Center, Maine Veterans Business Outreach Center, and us at the CEI Women's Business Centers as we celebrate Women’s History Month with a panel discussion including small business owners and small business resources. Margo Walsh, Founder and CEO of Maine Works will be our Keynote Speaker. Hear more about how these incredible businesswomen have been successful during challenging times and the resources available to help you as you start, grow, or expand your business! Register today for this empowering event to be held on March 28th from 9am to 10:30am at the US Custom House, 312 Fore Street, Portland, ME

Please join SCORE and SBA Resource Partners Maine Small Business Development Center, Maine Veterans Business Outreach Center, and us at the CEI Women's Business Centers as we celebrate Women’s History Month with a panel discussion including small business owners and small business resources. Margo Walsh, Founder and CEO of Maine Works will be our Keynote Speaker. Hear more about how these incredible businesswomen have been successful during challenging times and the resources available to help you as you start, grow, or expand your business! Register today for this empowering event to be held on March 28th from 9am to 10:30am at the US Custom House, 312 Fore Street, Portland, ME

Whether you are in start-up mode, or part of a family dynasty that needs updating, this session is for you. We’ll learn from two experienced camp operators, Katie Dunn of Pleasant Mountain Camp, and Rheanna Sinnett of Otoykwa and Just Add Water Floating Camps. In a moderated discussion plus an interactive Q+A , we’ll share some of the basics and successful practices from rustic to “glamping”, how your vision translates into business model, legal / entity structure, and behind the scenes marketing ideas and reservation system. Register Today!

This 12-week cohort provides technical guidance to 10-12 women of color who are either at the pre-start or very early stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Each 90 minute, in-person session will be facilitated by Grace Mo-Phillips, WBC Business Advisor. Through practical business training and peer discussions, participants help one another define and refine their business ideas, identify where the opportunities and challenges lie, and develop strategies to overcome barriers in starting or growing their business. At the end of the cohort, participants will have a clearly defined business plan using the Business Model Canvas. Participants will also learn about available resources

Join experts from the Bureau of Labor Standards to learn what you need to know when it comes to hiring an employee! Wage & Hour session: This presentation will cover resources for: Hiring employees, Youth Employment Laws, and The importance of timesheet and scheduling practices. SafetyWorks! session: This presentation will cover: Top 10 most common safety violations, Available on-site consultation for your business, The SafetyWorks! Training Institute, and OSHA Voluntary Protection programs Both sessions will provide time for Q+A with attendees. Session Dates: April 5th 10:00am-11:30am April 6th 10:00am-11:30am Register Today to receive the Zoom link for both sessions!

Even in the best of times, running a business is an act of vulnerability. From the financial unknowns, to the fear of failure, being a business owner is ripe for feelings of insecurity of every kind. The pandemic has been a source of tremendous stress, increasing the sense of self-doubt for many business owners. Working to recover emotionally from this tremendous curveball takes some time, and a new toolbox of skills. Whatever your situation, building a foundation of self-worth will help you in business. Feeling more confident in yourself helps you take those calculated risks that can improve your ability

Without an actual truck, what can you do with your mobile food business this season? WBC Business advisor, Ruth Feldman will discuss some ways to think creatively about alternative venues. We will also touch upon: licenses & permits, insurance, and marketing best practices to help you get your food business up and running. This workshop will also provide an opportunity for participants to connect with one another about tips and experience from on the ground. Register Today!