PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Ignite Presque Isle recently received a $50,000 donation from Maine Mutual Group that will dedicate the co-workspace and business center at the Northeastland Hotel.
The nonprofit Ignite PI acquired the hotel in June and plans to run the lodging portion, along with restaurant options and a community co-working space.
The donation will support the build-out and design of renovations to the former Copper’s Lounge to create an innovative hub for entrepreneurship. The space will have a mixture of shared space, dedicated desks, and independent offices for rent to businesses and individuals choosing Presque Isle as their home.
The announcement of the donation comes as the same time as Maine Community Foundation awarded Ignite PI a $25,000 grant for furniture and equipment for its co-workspace. The grant is from the Makerspace and Incubator Fund as recommended by the Start Up Scale Up advisers. This award comes just a few weeks after the announcement of Ignite PI receiving a $10,000 Community Building Grant from the Maine Community Foundation.
Executive Director of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce LaNiece Sirois stated, “I am so excited for Ignite PI and our area. Having a modern co-workspace for entrepreneurs adds so much energy into the Downtown of Presque Isle. And it is so good to see companies like MMG rallying behind this initiative to support Ignite PI as it takes on an exciting project and renovation of The Northeastland Hotel.”
“MMG Insurance is pleased to support Ignite Presque Isle’s development of a co-working office space. This new concept will provide an office structure, amenities, and access to technology necessary for many entrepreneurs and small business owners, that also fosters collaboration and innovation.” said Larry Shaw, MMG Insurance President and CEO.
“We believe this co-working space will also bring new energy to downtown Presque Isle and offer a point of attraction to the area that will benefit the entire city. We look forward to the opening and future success of Ignite PI.”
The Board of Ignite PI is working with local contractors and financial institutions to develop a phased plan for renovations. The co-workspace that design has already begun will occupy the area of Northeastland Hotel that was Copper’s Lounge. Current plans are to establish a new restaurant in a renovated Sidewalk Café renamed Rodney’s at 436 Main.
Future plans include a larger restaurant named 436 Main, in what was previously named Café Rouge on the main floor.
