Development of a downtown hub to support entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small businesses in downtown Millinocket is underway. Our Katahdin is pleased to announce that Liz Trice, the founder and owner of the co-working space PelotonLabs in Portland, ME has been awarded a contract to work with the Our Katahdin team to design a business plan and operations manual for a co-working space at 230 Penobscot Avenue in Millinocket, ME.

Our Katahdin firmly believes that supporting and growing small businesses in rural communities will lead to sustainable economic growth and more vibrant downtowns.

Creating a space for entrepreneurs to access and share resources and collaborate and connect is an essential component. "Currently, we have Safe Environmental Solutions in the building abating mold and asbestos to prepare the space for future tenants. Having Liz on board to help us create a business model that works for our region by applying her on-going research on the roles and benefits of co-working spaces in rural communities is an exciting and essential next step in revitalizing 230 Penobscot and attracting more workers and jobs,” says Lucy Van Hook, Community Development Director at Our Katahdin.

Bringing this capacity to Penobscot Avenue helps strengthen concurrent economic development efforts throughout the region, and builds on growing momentum. “We’re so happy to be part of this project, and be part of the exciting work Our Katahdin is doing to spark rural entrepreneurship,” Liz Trice said after being awarded the contract.

Eastern Maine Development Corporation is funding Liz Trice’s work with Our Katahdin as part of an EDA grant to support rural economic development. CEO Lee Umphrey says, “We are pleased to continue supporting Our Katahdin’s efforts to revitalize the area. Bringing in this co-working expertise of PelotonLabs will encourage other entrepreneurs and innovators and lead to long-term economic growth and stability.”

About Our Katahdin
Our Katahdin uses a combination of community ownership, natural resources and emerging digital technologies to create platforms, infrastructure and connections that build on local competitive advantages to spur economic and community development. In the wake of regional paper industry collapse, we started with “small wins” and have scaled to community-driven downtown revitalization and mill site redevelopment.

About EMDC
Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) is a non-profit organization that provides services to businesses, communities and individuals in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington Counties. The organization also offers statewide business assistance and lending programs. EMDC encourages collaboration and fosters the creation of a thriving economic climate. For more information visit www.emdc.org​.

About PelotonLabs
PelotonLabs is a coworking space in the West End of Portland, Maine dedicated to connecting and encouraging people who are stepping out of traditional modes of employment so they can improve their lives and contribute to the world around them. They provide a combination of coworking space, coaching, networking opportunities, workshops, and social activities to help members meet their goals. For more information visit​ www.pelotonlabsportland.com​.