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Maine Small Business Development Center at AVCOG
Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) are dedicated to helping
Maine's small businesses succeed by engaging in development activities that
contribute to the improvement of the economic climate for and the success of
micro and small businesses throughout the State of Maine. Its focus is to
assist in the creation of and the maintenance of viable micro and small
businesses and the jobs these businesses provide. The Maine SBDC hosted by
AVCOG serves Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford County towns. Maine SBDC is a
partnership program of the United States Small Business Administration (SBA)
through support given by the SBA/SBDC, Maine Department of Economic and
Community Development (DECD), the University of Southern Maine (USM) and AVCOG.
What do the Maine Small Business Development Centers do?
Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) provide comprehensive
business assistance and information services to Maine's small business
community through a network of Service Centers and Outreach Offices,
conveniently located through out the state.
What do the Maine Small Business Development Centers offer?
Business Counseling Services
One-on-one management assistance is provided at no cost-to-client, to potential
and existing business owners and managers. Maine SBDC Counselors are qualified
business people with diverse educational and business experience. They provide
assistance in the following areas: business start-up/acquisition, sources of
credit and financing, marketing and sales, market research, government
procurement, accounting, record keeping and cash flow analysis, operations,
personnel management, loan packaging, business liquidation/sale, international
trade, and various other business issues.
Training Programs
The Maine SBDC offers training seminars and conferences on business-related
topics. Training events are held at key locations around the state; minimal
fees are sometimes charged. Programs are geared to local and regional needs as
well as to fundamental business subjects.
Technical Assistance
Depending on client need, Maine SBDC Business Technicians can provide focused
expertise on a project basis in the areas of marketing and financial
management. This service is available on a no cost-to-client basis.
Research and Information
Maine SBDC Counselors can aid access to information, resources, technology,
markets, and research that assists business owners in the profitable operation
of their businesses.
What is the role of AVCOG in the Maine SBDC Program?
AVCOG is a hosting organization to the Maine SBDC Service Center in Auburn and
four Other Maine SBDC Outreach Offices located in Rumford, South Paris, Wilton
and at the Business Information Center (BIC) in Lewiston. AVCOG provides the
link between Maine's statewide network of small business development centers
and a regional framework of additional federal, state and local economic and
community development services, based at AVCOG, such as business financing
programs, tourism promotion, land use planning, business development, advocacy
and attraction, manufacturing technical assistance, comprehensive economic
development strategy oversight, and environmental and community policy
education.
How does one find out more about the Maine SBDC Program at AVCOG?
Please visit the Maine SBDC State Website at www.mainesbdc.org or contact the
Maine SBDC at AVCOG: Center Director/Business Counselor Bob Kasputes or
Business Counselor Greg Gould by e- mail; or call (207)783-9186
to schedule an appointment or complete an on-line
Request for Counseling.
The support given to the Maine SBDC at AVCOG by the
fore-mentioned organizations through funding or otherwise does not constitute
an expressed or implied endorsement of any co-sponsors' or participants'
opinions, products or services. All Maine SBDC programs are equal opportunity
events. Locations are handicap accessible.
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