A SALUTE TO
MAINE’S SMALL BUSINESSES 2019 Maine Small Business Persons of the Year
Janie Wang and Chris Anderson Modernist Pantry, LLC “Janie and Chris’ commitment to seeking new opportunities and to the quality of their products serves as a powerful example to all entrepreneurs,” said Amy Bassett, SBA District Director for Maine. “We are so pleased that SBA’s 504 loan program, in conjunction with financing through Bangor Savings Bank, supported the growth of this niche business in Maine. We look forward to further assisting Janie and Chris as they continue to grow the business and expand sales internationally.” —Amy K. Bassett, Maine District Director U.S. Small Business Administration
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019
MAINE SMALL BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR: JANIE WANG AND CHRIS ANDERSON MODERNIST PANTRY, LLC 2019 Award Winner
NOMINATED BY ROBERT NADEAU, BANGOR SAVINGS BANK
WANG’S trajectory to
When the growth continued, they moved the
through the Modernist Pantry website as
business ownership is likely familiar to many:
business to a 6,500-square-foot space just
well as through Amazon. Partnerships have
get a good education (in this case, New York
across the state line in Portsmouth, and Janie
also been developed with various cooking-
University and Harvard), find a job in a large
transitioned to Modernist Pantry full-time.
related businesses to help promote the
JIEMING
(JANIE)
company, and decide that it’s time to strike out
After taking on the business full-time, Janie
on your own. Also like many businesses, Janie
was able to see even further growth. As the
started hers working out of the basement of
product line expanded from the original 12
As Janie and Modernist Pantry continue
her home as a hobby. As she and her husband,
items to hundreds of kitchen gadgets and unique
to see business growth and expansion, Janie
Christopher, were avid home chefs, they
ingredients, there was clearly more work than
has taken an active role in shaping the future
decided to focus on products that would allow
she and Christopher could do on their own, and
of her town. In 2017, she was elected to the
people to enjoy modern cooking styles at home
a need for more space to do it in. The business
Eliot budget committee, where she aims to
without having to buy specialized ingredients
hired its first employees and provided jobs to 11
help the town focus on providing an attractive
or kitchen tools in bulk.
people and also sought funding for yet another
environment for other small business owners.
From this point, the story of Modernist Pantry diverges a bit from most small
expansion, this time back in Eliot, Maine, where Modernist Pantry had begun.
business and to receive feedback on what products Janie should carry.
“Winning a SBA award was such a surprise, just completely unexpected,” said Janie. “For
businesses in basements. Starting with a
Using an SBA 504 loan through Bangor
me it’s a tremendous honor to be distinguished
product line of about a dozen items and a staff
Savings Bank and Granite State Development
in a state that is full of entrepreneurship
of two (Janie and Christopher), the business
Corporation, Modernist Pantry was able to
and unique small businesses. I’ve met
started to see significant growth. Janie and
purchase land and build their new facility.
many business owners in the state and I’ve
Christopher first moved from the basement to
The current space allows room for the ever-
learned from each and every one of them. It’s
the 1,500-square-foot garage of their new home.
growing catalog of products that Janie sells
incredibly humbling.”
“FOR ME IT’S A TREMENDOUS HONOR TO BE DISTINGUISHED IN A STATE THAT IS FULL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND UNIQUE SMALL BUSINESSES. I’VE MET MANY BUSINESS OWNERS IN THE STATE AND I’VE LEARNED FROM EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. IT’S INCREDIBLY HUMBLING.” — JANIE WANG
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019
A SALUTE TO
MAINE’S SMALL BUSINESSES
THIS PUBLICATION WAS PRODUCED BY Bangor Daily News
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ABOUT THE COVER
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019
MAINE VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: THE VILLAGE WOODWORKER BRIAN WARREN, OWNER NOMINATED BY ASHLEIGH BRIGGS, SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
2019 Award Winner
THE CONSISTENT GROWTH OF THE VILLAGE WOODWORKER WHILE STAYING TRUE TO ITS ROOTS, AND THE COMMITMENT OF BRIAN WARREN TO HIS CRAFT AND TO HIS COMMUNITY, ARE EXAMPLES FOR ALL OF MAINE’S VETERAN ENTREPRENEURS TO FOLLOW.
QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY are two of the
the change in ownership, Brian remained
industries. Brian also has been active in the local
most vital things that a business can express
committed to the product and has focused on
youth hockey league, where he has served as
in its products. Brian Warren, owner of The
the quality and comfort of each piece of the
president of the league, as well as a coach.
Village Woodworker, can take pride in the
ergonomically-correct furniture he makes.
The consistent growth of The Village
fact that his products show the same level of
Despite not sacrificing quality, Brian has grown
Woodworker while staying true to its roots, and
quality that they did when his father-in-law
sales over the past years, and has focused more
the commitment of Brian Warren to his craft
started the company back in 1983.
attention on marketing. As he transitions from
and to his community, are examples for all of
Since its founding by Robert Roakes, The
active duty with the U.S. Air Force and is able to
Maine’s veteran entrepreneurs to follow. For
Village Woodworker has provided its customers
direct more energy into his business, Brian plans
this reason, the SBA is pleased to award Brian
with classic, handmade wooden furniture.
to see expansions that will allow him to hire more
Warren, owner of The Village Woodworker, the
Originally operating out of a small workshop in
employees and grow sales even further.
2019 Veteran Owned Business of the Year Award.
Roakes’ home in the small town of Welchville,
As a typical small business owner in Maine,
“I am grateful for being selected for the
the business relocated after it was sold to Brian
Brian is active with a number of organizations
award in honor of being a veteran starting
to a larger space in Oxford after Brian obtained
and causes in his community. He serves as the
this new business venture,” said Brian. “I’m
funding through an SBA MicroLoan and
vice president of the United Maine Craftsmen,
thankful for the recognition as a veteran and
several hours of advice from the Small Business
providing opportunities for others to hone their
small business owner. It gives me honor to
Development Center. Despite the move and
skills and find gainful employment in traditional
receive this prestigious award.”
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019
THE VILLAGE WOODWORKER
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019
WOMAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: ALTERNATIVE WELLNESS SERVICES AMBER ELLIOTT, CEO NOMINATED BY SARAH GUERETTE, WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER
2019 Award Winner SOME OF THE GREATEST CHALLENGES faced
clients needing assistance with daily life skills.
seek employment despite their challenges.
by our society are those centered around health
Since the launch of AWS, Amber has been able
Looking forward, Amber plans to expand the
care and, in particular, access to mental and
to expand these services to clients across five
services of AWS even further with treatment
behavioral health care. Amber Elliott understood
counties and grow her staff from three to 23 full-
options to assist those living with the effects of
this, and in 2014 she decided that she would start
time and three part-time employees.
opioid addiction.
her own business to address the needs she had
“My team is what makes AWS successful,”
For her commitment to the community
seen in her community. Alternative Wellness
said Amber. “Without a good team, we cannot
through her business as well as her personal
Services was born with assistance from both
provide a good service.”
life as for the continuing growth of Alternative
the Small Business Development Center and the Women’s Business Center in Portland.
Just as AWS expanded its coverage area, it
Wellness Services, the SBA is pleased to
also has begun expanding the services provided.
award Amber Elliott the 2019 Woman Owned
Building on her past experience working with
Veterans who have suffered the negative effects
Small Business of the Year Award.
at-risk populations, Amber noticed that there
of brain injury and neurological conditions
“I am very excited,” said Amber. “I
were often gaps in the services and coverage
can receive help as they work toward living
have worked really hard to establish AWS.
available to them. This was an early focus for
independently, and individuals who are legally
Honestly, it has impacted me in a very positive
AWS as the business offers personalized case
blind, as Amber herself is, can receive training
manner. It was nice to see the hard work that I
management and basic in-home support to
that empowers them to expand their skills and
have put into AWS be recognized.”
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019
MAINE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: GARBAGE TO GARDEN TYLER FRANK, PRESIDENT NOMINATED BY NANCY STROJNY, PORTLAND SCORE
2019 Award Winner IN THE PAST DECADE or so, sustainability
living in apartments with no personal access
has become a much stronger focus for not only
to composting, to large festivals and fairs,
consumers, but businesses and institutions.
the adaptability of the business has allowed
As people at all levels try to find ways to build
Tyler to seek opportunities wherever they
sustainable practices into their lives, businesses
arise. To accommodate all of this growth and
like Garbage to Garden, founded by Tyler Frank
expansion, Garbage to Garden has also grown
in 2012, step in to make it a little easier.
its employee pool to 41. This is impressive in
Most people are used to regular trash and
itself, but Tyler is committed to best practices
recycling pickup. Tyler saw a need for another
and ensures that each of the employees is
option: regular pickup of compostable mate-
provided a $15 minimum hourly wage, full
rial. Starting out of his apartment, he began
health, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k),
seeking out clients at the local farmer’s markets and delivering the compostable waste to his mother’s backyard in North Yarmouth. However, the number of
people
interested
in the service quickly outpaced this practice. Through this process, Tyler
worked
with
the Portland chapter of SCORE to plan for
and paid time off.
TYLER FRANK’S COMMITMENT TO HIS CUSTOMERS, HIS COMMUNITY, AND HIS EMPLOYEES, AS WELL AS THE INCREDIBLE GROWTH OF GARBAGE TO GARDEN, PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE TO ALL ENTREPRENEURS IN THE STATE OF MAINE.
growth and to ensure that his business was prepared. From the initial space, Garbage to Garden
“Garbage
to
Gar-
den is what it is today thanks to our supportive community,” said Tyler. “We have become so good at what we do because of the passionate
workers
we have been blessed to bring together, and have built a golden reputation by perpetually focusing on doing what is right.”
Tyler
Frank’s
customers,
his
commitment community,
to
his
and
his
moved into a 1,000-square-foot facility as the
employees, as well as the incredible growth
number of clients increased. But within two
of Garbage to Garden, provides an excellent
years, the business had experienced so much
example to all entrepreneurs in the State of
growth that they had to relocate again to an
Maine. For that reason, the SBA is pleased
even larger building. Now serving not only
to award Tyler Frank the 2019 Young
residential customers but schools, businesses,
Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
and municipalities, Garbage to Garden sought
“I am tremendously grateful to be honored
to branch out in a way that made sense.
by the SBA,” said Tyler. “Making composting
Again, Portland SCORE and the SBA’s Scale
accessible to so many people in so many
Up program were able to provide the guidance
places is rewarding work, but it has also
that Tyler needed to plan sustainable growth.
been very difficult and challenging. It feels
A little over six years since its inception,
good to be recognized for our hard-won
Garbage to Garden has expanded far beyond
accomplishments. Moreover, this award and
the original niche market it filled. With
the success behind it has been possible with
customers across Southern Maine and the
the assistance of my mentors with SCORE,
Boston metro area, ranging from people
and support from SBA's Scale-Up program.”
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019
JEFFREY BUTLAND FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: TYLOR KELLY CAMPS WADE AND SUSAN KELLY, OWNERS NOMINATED BY JOSH NADEAU, SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
2019 Award Winner MAINE’S BRAND is one that is divided into
a bunkhouse to the business, a prelude of
two distinct aspects: lobster and lighthouses
what was to come.
It was in 2017 that the Kellys first reached
properties. With this work now completed,
out to the Small Business Development
Tylor Kelly Camps can boast two cabins
on the coast; and mountains, forests, and
In 1988, Tylor’s son Wade took a more
Center as part of their desire to pursue
and a lodge, with 25 beds between them, the
waterways further inland. It is around
active role in the business after Tylor was
further expansion and diversification of
original restaurant (the only one in town),
inland Maine’s brand that the Kelly family
injured in a logging accident. It was at this
their business. Josh Nadeau from the SBDC
guide services, and a small events venue
decided to build their business in their
point that the focus of the business began
worked with Wade and his wife Sue to
for those interested in the outdoor aesthetic
small town of Allagash.
transitioning to Maine’s outdoor heritage,
develop a formal business plan and apply for
that the Kellys show off on their Facebook
What began in 1975 with Tylor Kelly
as Wade became a registered Maine guide
CDBG funding. While unsuccessful in their
and Instagram accounts.
serving hot dogs to canoeists passing by on
along with his father. This can mean big
grant application, the Kellys were able to
“We are very excited to be recognized
the river saw gradual expansion over the
business, especially in Northern Maine,
develop their CDBG submission into a loan
for the award, especially being the only
years. First, in 1985, Tylor used salvaged
as the area is seen as prime hunting and
application through the local microlender,
business
wooden pillars from an ice bridge to lay
fishing ground across the country. As part
Northern Maine Development Commission.
said Wade. “I credit our success to our
the foundation of Two River Lunch, the
of the transition, the Kellys purchased and
Through the use of their loan, Wade and
commitment to hard work, honesty, and
full-restaurant version of the original
moved a small camp to their property to
Sue were able to purchase more real estate
perseverance through the bad times to
hot dog stand. The expansion also added
provide lodging to their customers in 1990.
and work on renovations of their existing
make it to the good times.”
north
of
Bangor
included,”
NEW ENGLAND HOME BASED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: HERBAL REVOLUTION FARM & APOTHECARY KATHRYN LANGELIER, CEO NOMINATED BY NANCY STROJNY, PORTLAND SCORE
2019 Award Winner HERBS AND OTHER PLANTS have been used
own garden to make products such as tea
“Passion and creativity play important
knowledge that Kathryn has accrued can be
for their medicinal properties for thousands
and tonics. As she began to build a customer
roles in the success of my business along with
of years, so it shouldn’t be surprising that a
base, Kathryn launched an online store in
tenacity,” said Kathryn. “I've also reached
For the continuous, and sustainable growth
business based around the health benefits
2016 to expand her sales even further.
out over the course of my business to some of
of her business, and for the support that she
passed on to other farmers.
of these plants would see success. Herbal
With the launch of the online store and
the great business resources we have here in
provides for others in her community, the
Revolution Farm & Apothecary, started in
with products being sold in hundreds
Maine...and connected with some incredible
SBA is pleased to award Kathryn Langelier
2010 by Kathryn Langelier, has sought to use
of stores around the country, Herbal
mentors and advisors.”
and Herbal Revolution Farm & Apothecary
the business to inform people about the ways
Revolution
that they can benefit from the plants that grow
expansion. In 2018, Kathryn purchased
Kathryn is active with the Maine Organic
around them every day.
was
ready
for
a
major
As
a
sustainability-minded and
Growers
farmer,
the 2019 Home Based Business of the Year Award for Maine and New England.
9.5 acres of land to use as the source of
Farmers
Association
“I feel so honored to have received this
Working with SCORE and the Small
products as well as handle the shipping
(MOFGA), contributing to the organization
recognition from the SBA,” said Kathryn.
Business Development Center, Kathryn
and packaging for the business. This
financially and as a mentor for newer
“As an entrepreneur, my life is busy, often
developed her personal passion of botanical
expansion came at the right time as Herbal
farmers interested in organic agriculture.
working long hours with little time off.
medicine into Herbal Revolution. Working
Revolution recently also launched its
This support ensures that a vital part of
It's nice to stop for a minute to receive this
from her home in midcoast Maine, she
products on Amazon, broadening the pool
Maine’s farming heritage can be preserved
acknowledgment for the hard work and
began by gathering wild herbs and using her
of potential customers.
for the next generation, and that the
dedication to my work.”
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019
TYLOR KELLY CAMPS
HERBAL REVOLUTION
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019
SMALL BUSINESS EXPORTER OF THE YEAR: JYNX PRODUCTIONS, LLC KATHLEEN O’HERON AND JOHANNES WIEBUS 2019 Award Winner
NOMINATED BY SARAH GUERETTE, WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER
EXPORTS CONSIST of two things: goods and services.
focus of much of the business is in short documentary film
hard to make every project the best it can be. Everyone
While much focus is placed on physical goods such as cars or
format segments that are produced for German television.
brings something unique and inspiring to the group, so I’d
food products, we often forget that the export of services is
These segments cover various topics as diverse as celebrity
say our people are our biggest asset.”
just as important to the economy, especially in the modern
doppelgangers, fracking in North Dakota, and a teenager
world. The team at Jynx Productions certainly hasn’t lost
running for office in Kansas.
sight of that market—they have built their business to take advantage of opportunities outside of the United States.
By focusing on non-traditional exports, Jynx productions has been able to grow from a two-person business to having
Of course, all of this would not be possible without the
nine employees, and from a minor production company, to
team that Jynx has built up over the years. Since starting
one that is approaching sales over a million dollars a year. For
Started in 2005 by Kathleen O’Heron and Johannes
out with just two employees in 2005, Jynx has grown to
these reasons, the SBA is honored to present Jynx Productions
Wiebus, both of whom had previously worked in television,
nine employees in 2019. This growth and expanded hiring
with the 2019 Small Business Exporter of the Year Award.
Jynx Productions allowed the two to relocate to Maine
was assisted by the Women’s Business Center as Kathleen
“The award came as a complete surprise, so I was
from New York to seek new opportunities. While Kathleen
sought help identifying areas of strategic growth that would
floored,” said Katleen. “It feels incredible to be recognized
had previously worked for a major media outlet in content
sustain Jynx Productions in the long run.
in the state we now call home, and we are proud to be a
production, she was now able to use her skills for her own
“The production world is a very competitive arena,
Maine-based company. Jynx has always been a labor of
and we are only ever as good as our last project,” said
love, and it’s been a lot of work. But we are a growing,
Jynx Productions has since built up its client base by
Kathleen. “If our quality slips, our business will fail.
vibrant company, bringing new business into the state of
focusing on the kinds of projects that attract attention. The
Luckily, we have amazing people on our team. They work
Maine. And it feels incredible to be recognized.”
business and find projects that she was passionate about.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019
MICRO-ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR: MAINE PIE COMPANY JILL MILLER, MANAGING PARTNER 2019 Award Winner
NOMINATED BY NANCY STROJNY, PORTLAND SCORE
THERE ARE FEW THINGS better than a freshly baked pie, but many people don’t have the skill or patience to make one for themselves. Luckily, Maine Pie Company, owned by Jill Miller, is able to help out. The company provides frozen gluten-free pies filled with wholesome ingredients to customers across New England, allowing everyone to have access to the taste of a freshly baked pie.
The Maine Pie Company is not Jill Miller’s first experience with commercial baking. She previously started a wholesale and retail bakery in New York in 1990 before deciding to relocate to Maine in 2000 with her family. She and her husband then started another bakery in Kennebunk before selling it after two years. After a bit of a hiatus and some time developing her recipes, Jill decided to launch Maine Pie Co. as a source for gluten-free options. Working with the Portland Chapter of SCORE, Jill built her plan for the business in 2014 as Maine Pie Co. began its launch. With the additional help of an SBA loan in 2015, the business was able to set itself up in a newly-built production facility that was perfect for the needs of shipping and receiving. Shortly after the original space was acquired, additional room was added for storage and refrigeration. This space has allowed Maine Pie Co. to expand its market to all of New England, into the Mid-Atlantic, and begin eyeing the West Coast. Sales have grown, and with the recent addition of an e-commerce portal on the company’s website, even greater potential exists for the business. At the same time, the business has grown from one employee working part-time to the current four fulltime employees, with additional workers brought in during high-demand times around the holidays. As her business has grown, Jill Miller has stayed true to the quality product that Maine Pie Co. started with while providing quality jobs to her community and further contributing to her local community through fundraisers and donations to local organizations. For these reasons, the SBA is pleased to award Jill Miller, owner of Maine Pie Co., the 2019 Micro-Enterprise of the Year Award.
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019
MINORITY OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: 2019 Award Winner
AMEERA BREAD, LLC AHMED ABBAS, OWNER NOMINATED BY JOHN SCRIBNER, CEI SMARTSTART
FOR MANY AMERICANS, their family story begins with an ancestor coming to this country seeking a safe home and the opportunity for a better life. The story of Ahmed Abbas and his business, Ameera Bread, should therefore be familiar and distinctly American to those connected to their immigrant heritage. Ahmed came to the United States in 2012 as a refugee from Iraq at the age of 28. Once here, he found work at a local restaurant, Tandoor Bread and Restaurant, where he learned about the various aspects of the business over the course of two years. In 2014, Ahmed’s opportunity presented itself as the owner was seeking a buyer for the business. Ahmed took on the challenge of becoming a business owner. To help him along the way, Ahmed sought out assistance from CEI through their SmartStart and MicroLoan programs. The technical assistance provided by CEI allowed Ahmed to be prepared as he started operating his business—now called Ameera Bread— and even plan for eventual expansion, while the financing provided by the MicroLoan program allowed him to purchase the business. As he was starting out, Ahmed was focused on the core of his business (bread) and limited himself to baking bread and serving a few sandwiches. However, as he started to see growth in sales and new opportunities, Ameera Bread started to branch out. Three employees were hired; the number of products expanded to include full meals, catering, and wholesale supply to grocery stores; and a second location in the Portland Public Market House was added. Ameera Bread continues to see growth, and there is no doubt as new opportunities present themselves, Ahmed will be prepared for them. “I underestimated our ability to grow, and soon we were so busy,” said Ahmed. “We couldn’t realize how big we’d get in our customers’ eyes and our community’s eyes.” Since coming to the U.S., Ahmed has bought a business, grown it to two locations, hired three employees, and become a U.S. citizen. He has engaged with his local community through his neighborhood association and chamber of commerce and donated to local schools and community events. Ahmed Abbas and Ameera Bread are truly examples of the “American dream” in action, and the SBA is honored to present him with the 2019 Minority Owned Small Business of the Year Award. “[Winning the award] was a big shock for me,” said Ahmed. “I couldn’t expect that all our efforts and work would bring this change to my life and to Ameera Bread as a business. So it was a big shock for me. I’m happy.”
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019
MAINE FINANCIAL SERVICES CHAMPION OF THE YEAR: MAINE TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE BRIAN WHITNEY, PRESIDENT NOMINATED BY STEVE LEVESQUE, MIDCOAST REGIONAL REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
2019 Award Winner
ONE OF THE GREATEST challenges an
In addition to these investments, MTI also
funds available through the SBIR/STTR
“MTI is coming off its most impactful
entrepreneur faces is where to find the
works closely with the University of Maine
programs. MTI provides business owners and
year ever, having invested $57 million
necessary financing they need to start or grow.
and the Community College system to ensure
entrepreneurs with the technical assistance
across Maine through investments in 175
While an entrepreneur may have a great idea,
that supports exist for business owners and
and guidance that they need to develop
innovative projects,” said Maine Technology
that alone doesn’t guarantee the company
entrepreneurs to access at any stage of their
competitive applications for these programs.
Institute
or idea will get off the ground. That’s where
development. MTI has also stepped up to fill
In fiscal year 2017, they were able to help
“According to an independent economic
Maine Technology Institute(MTI) comes in.
President
Brian
Whitney.
gaps left by state funding cuts in the cases of
Maine businesses leverage $7 million in
impact analysis, those investments will
and
the state’s three tech centers The Maine Center
federal funding that was used to develop new
create 5,350 jobs and generate approximately
commercialization in the form of grants, loans,
for Entrepreneurs, Aquaculture Innovation
products and technologies.
$1.4 billion in economic impact over the
and equity investments, as well as guidance
Center, and the Target Technology Center,
For their tireless work over the past 20 years
next three years. Given that the award
and mentorship, to support the entrepreneurial
providing the funds needed to continue these
in support of Maine’s entrepreneurs, and the
recognizes organizations that demonstrate
ecosystem of Maine. Over the past 20 years, MTI
important programs.
wide range of their assistance to organizations
‘measurable accomplishments to advance
MTI
offers
early-stage
capital
has disbursed over $260 million across more than
Finally, MTI provides assistance to Maine
across the state with a similar mission, the SBA
small business interests,’ I am really
2,500 projects, and has helped entrepreneurs
individuals and companies interested in
is pleased to award Maine Technology Institute
pleased that the SBA felt that MTI merited
leverage over $1 billion in private funding.
attracting a piece of the $2.5 billion in federal
the 2019 Financial Services Champion Award.
the recognition.”
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019
SMALL BUSINESS MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR: ALFRED’S UPHOLSTERY & CO. REBECCA DELANO, OWNER NOMINATED BY SARAH GUERETTE, WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER
2019 Award Winner FAMILY AND TRADITION are a strong part of
produced. This wasn’t enough, however, and by
family furniture business. The new space
As an entrepreneur building on her
the story behind Alfred’s Upholstery, owned
2005 Rebecca and Troy purchased a 2,000-square-
provided them with ten times the room as the
family legacy while still forging her own
by Rebecca Delano, in the town of Alfred.
foot building, vastly expanding the space
previous location and allowed the business
path, Rebecca Delano has provided a
Rebecca’s family has operated a 119-year-old
available to the business for future growth. This
to bring in new employees, growing from the
shining example of what Maine’s small
furniture store in town, and so she decided to
was at the same time that the business website
original two employees to fifteen in 2018.
business owners are capable of. For that
start her own business while still remaining
was launched, providing another avenue for
true to the roots of the family business. In
customer interaction and sales.
“My husband Troy, he believed in me and
reason, the SBA is pleased to award
saw this gift that I had before I even saw it,”
Alfred’s Upholstery the 2019 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year Award.
1997, she launched Alfred’s Upholstery in
As Rebecca and Troy built up their client
said Rebecca. “He said, ‘Wow, I think we
a 200-square-foot building given to her as a
base and gradually attracted larger customers,
really can do something with this. You have
wedding present by her grandfather.
they began to outgrow even the expanded
something super special.’ He believed in the
Rebecca. “I was actually surprised when
“I
definitely
feel
honored,”
said
Within three years, the business had
space that they had purchased in 2005. With
opportunity, believed in what I was doing
we got the award. I feel like we have put
expanded into the basement of Rebecca’s home
some assistance from the Women’s Business
and said “I want to come alongside you, let’s
in a lot of hard work, and we’ve really
as she and her husband, Troy, started seeking
Center and an SBA backed loan in 2018,
do something with this.’ We’re a husband
been committed and rode out the ups and
out larger customers for the custom upholstery
Alfred’s Upholstery was able to purchase an
and wife team and we’ve been working
downs with the economy, and just really
designs and architectural furnishings they
underutilized building belonging to Rebecca’s
together for 21 years now.”
stayed with it.”