As part of our efforts to support and nurture small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Katahdin Region, Our Katahdin teamed up with Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) to offer a 6 week business development class called Baxter Business Works. We are so pleased to collaborate with great Maine-based organizations to support our local businesses!

CEI enlisted  Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE) to develop a robust and relevant curriculum including:

• Customer Discovery and Marketing
• Legal Panel
• Financials, Budgeting and Getting Financing
• Branding/Telling Your Story
• Making the Pitch
• Team Building and Culture

At the beginning of March, ten participants representing eight businesses gathered around our conference table and launched into the robust curriculum developed and presented by MCE:  

• Randy Jackson, manager of Hill Crest Golf Club, a nine-hole course in Millinocket
• Roger and Sarah Buzby, owners of Mainely Coffee, a small-batch coffee roaster in Millinocket
• Joy McEwen, owner of Spirit of Katahdin Artistry, and Great Northern Greenhouse in Millinocket
• Lindsey Downing, owner of Mt. Chase Lodge, a year-round, lodging and food experience in Upper Shin Pond
• Rick “Smiley” Allen, owner of The Sugar Shack, a maple syrup producer and retailer in Millinocket
• Canaan York, owner of Katahdin Collectibles, a gift shop in East Millinocket
• Jeff Brooks, owner of Brooks Equipment Service, an excavator service and repair shop in Island Falls
• Paul and Rebecca Dorobis, owners of Rebecca Mail, a subscription gift box service.

“There is a lot of optimism across the Katahdin region, driven in large part by all the work these diverse small business owners are doing,” said Jennifer Sporzynski, senior vice president for business and workforce development at CEI. “The excitement is infectious. There is such a strong commitment to place and investing in the growth and success of the people who live here.”

CEI organized Baxter Business Works with funding from KeyBank and collaboration with MaineStream Finance and Eastern Maine Development Corporation, and curriculum developed by Maine Center for Entrepreneurs.