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!

For many small businesses, their first formal equity investment will come from an angel investor. In Maine, we have a robust network of angel investors who play a sizable role in our startup economy. In this second part of a three-part series on equity investments, you’ll learn about the ins and outs of leveraging angel investors to raise equity for your business. During this session, we’ll cover: What is angel investing? What does an angel investment mean for you and your business? What types of businesses are a good fit? What stage of business is a good fit? I think

As businesses grow and scale, venture capital may be a feasible source of equity investment. We are lucky to have several Maine-based venture capital funds that invest in our local startups. In this third part of a three-part series on equity investments, you’ll learn about the ins and outs of leveraging venture capital to raise equity for your business. During this session, we’ll cover: What is venture capital? What does a venture capital investment mean for you and your business? What types of businesses are a good fit? What stage of business is a good fit? What’s the “average” investment