HOULTON, Maine – Local businesses have one week left to apply for one of three $10,000 grants aimed at helping small businesses grow.
The Southern Aroostook Development Corp. is offering three microeconomic development grants aimed at providing critical financial support to businesses that may otherwise struggle to survive or grow.
The funding can stabilize operations, allow for essential investments, and bridge gaps that might prevent businesses from reaching their potential, said Johanna Johnston, SADC executive director, adding that the grant goes beyond immediate relief by sparking innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for long-term growth.
“By helping businesses secure the resources they need, the program supports job creation, increases local spending, and strengthens the overall economic ecosystem,” said Johnston. “It’s not just about sustaining individual businesses – it’s about empowering them to thrive in ways that uplift the entire community.”
Eligible businesses include startups, sole proprietors, or established enterprises who started after Jan 1, 2020 and are looking to expand. Recipients can use the grant to purchase equipment, make capital improvements, hire employees, or invest in marketing initiatives.
The Houlton community has beefed up economic development efforts in recent years and was one of 10 Maine towns – Ellsworth, Augusta, Bath, Belfast, Biddeford, Saco, Gardiner, Rockland and Westbrook – chosen to receive assistance from the Maine Downtown Center as part of its Entrepreneur Ecosystem program, funded in part by Congressionally-designated spending.
A town ecosystem is basically a support system and Houlton is exploring how they can best support businesses at all levels, new, existing and transitioning, said Nancy Ketch, Houlton director of community development.
“We reviewed and evaluated the findings and recommendations in a report prepared by Matthew Wagner, Chief Program Officer with Main Street America,” Ketch said. “This review led to the identification of several of the gaps. We also learned that there are a lot of services available in the town, but people are not aware of them.”
For example, she said they may not know that the SADC has teams that will meet with a business and offer guidance.
About two years ago, the Northern Maine Development Commission received funding to assist businesses impacted by the pandemic. Through this initiative, SADC became a spoke in NMDC’s Hub program, providing technical support to businesses seeking grant funding.
“As a spoke, our role is to provide direct, hands-on support to businesses in our region, leveraging the resources and framework established by NMDC,” said Johnston.
Currently, they provide technical support by helping businesses navigate the grant application process. This includes reviewing applications, assisting with the required documentation, and offering tailored advice to strengthen their proposals.
“We also act as a liaison between applicants and funding opportunities, ensuring they understand the criteria and have the best chance of success,” she said. “Beyond the application process, we follow up with businesses to offer advice on how to maximize the impact of any funding they receive.”
Johnston said that they have so-called strike teams that connect entrepreneurs with SADC board members or investors who have expertise in specific areas of business. These mentors provide valuable guidance and support tailored to the entrepreneur’s needs, helping them navigate challenges and develop their ideas effectively, she said.
The SADC grants also foster long term economic growth for the community. The grant is not only a lifeline for individual businesses but also a catalyst for local economic development. By supporting microenterprises, the program helps create jobs, strengthen the tax base, and foster a thriving local economy, said Johnston.
Businesses can apply for these grants on our website by submitting an application and supporting documentation. The application deadline is Dec. 31.
“Understanding a business idea and its needs goes beyond reviewing spreadsheets,” said Johnston. “Early next year, we will invite select applicants to present their projects to a committee, giving us a clearer understanding of their vision and potential impact.”
