Best Small Business Resources in the Portland Area

Description

The MCE is a leading organization that provides entrepreneurship mentoring and support to promising new business ventures. They typically support startups via an accelerator program called Top Gun or by connecting teams to compatible, local mentors. Top Gun is an annual program with a competitive selection process and a low fee for teams. The program entails weekly mentoring, workshops, and talks on relevant topics.

Description

ACE is a non-profit association of independent business consultants in Maine, offering a broad range of support areas. Their consultants can help with anything from developing a marketing plan to financial advice. Though the organization is a non-profit, the consulting is paid.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

New Ventures Maine is a non-profit economic development organization, offering free workshops and one-on-one counseling to adults seeking financial security. This statewide organization has several locations offering classes about starting a business (as well as personal finance and career preparation). The classes are free and offered online and/or in person.

Description

The Portland Public Library offers access to research databases and educational classes on entrepreneurial topics. Databases include information on business publications, legal forms, and business insights.

Restrictions

A library membership may be required for some services.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

Think Tank Coworking offers a creative coworking atmosphere in the heart of Portland’s Arts District. The space offers a variety of membership options ranging from shared spaces to private offices. Amenities include conference rooms, an event space, and lounge areas. This venue also hosts networking and entrepreneurial events like pitch competitions.