4 Aroostook entrepreneurs get grants to grow businesses

4 weeks ago

HOULTON, Maine — Microenterprise grant funds have been awarded to four innovative County entrepreneurs for new equipment, tools and signage.

Out of a pool of $220,000 grant requests submitted by County businesses, the Southern Aroostook Development Corp. selected these businesses to receive a total of $30,000 in its 2024 microenterprise grant funding.

Following two weeks of interviews and presentations earlier this month, the selection committee chose local entrepreneurs whose innovative business plans, community impact and dedication to growth exemplified the spirit of small business success in Aroostook County, said Johanna Johnston, SADC executive director.

“These entrepreneurs demonstrate the resilience and innovation needed to drive economic growth in Southern Aroostook County,” said Johnston. “Their projects reflect not only individual success but also the collective strength of our community.”

Jordan Wotton, owner of J. Wotton Excavation, LLC, and Erica Burkhart, owner of Serendipity Embroidery and Design, will each receive $10,000; Tammie Mulvey, owner of Chadwick Florist and Greenhouses, and Adam Bolz, owner of Nickle-Back Redemption, will each receive $5,000.

The selection process was based on a detailed scoring metric that evaluated applicants on business feasibility, community impact, innovation, experience, use of funds and alignment with the program’s goals. 

Erica Burkhart, co-owner of Bulrush Farm in Hodgdon and Serendipity Embroidery in Houlton, was just awarded a $10,000 Southern Aroostook Development Corp. Microenterprise Grant to expand her embroidery business. (Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli | Houlton Pioneer Times)

Eligible businesses included startups, sole proprietors or established enterprises who started after Jan 1, 2020 and were looking to expand. 

According to Johnston, the funding was earmarked for the grants to help stabilize operations, allow for essential investments and bridge gaps that might prevent businesses from reaching their potential.

“By helping businesses secure the resources they need, the program supports job creation, increases local spending, and strengthens the overall economic ecosystem,” she said. 

After purchasing Serendipity Embroidery in January 2024, Erica Burkhart has grown her business to serve the uniform embroidery needs of clients in Aroostook and Penobscot counties as well as national customers acquired during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Her expansion includes custom retail embroidery for visitors and walk-ins. With the $10,000 in grant funds, Burkart will purchase an advanced embroidery machine, allowing her to continuously operate two machines while dedicating one to immediate customer requests, she said. 

Jordan Wotton has been steadily developing his excavation business on weekends while still working as a full-time water operator at Houlton Water Company. Wotton will use the grant funds for essential equipment, reducing his reliance on rentals, said Johnston.  

Tammie Mulvey bought Chadwick Florist and Greenhouses in 2020 and the $5,000 grant will allow her to modernize operations by replacing a 13-year-old computer system that will help her send personalized customer reminders, forecast more effectively, and drive additional revenue.

Adam Bolz, the new owner of Nickle-Back Redemption, the former Graham’s Redemption Center, has already doubled the business by extending operating hours, offering no-limit redemption, and improving the facility. The $5,000 grant will fund new signage and property upgrades.

The grant selection committee included Johnston, executive director, Southern Aroostook Development Corporation; Nancy Ketch, Houlton community development director; Jane Torres, executive director, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce; Christopher Hinshaw, executive director, Greater East Grand Economic Council; and Chris Phillips, economic development director, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.

“This year’s applicants exceeded expectations,” said Ketch. “It’s inspiring to see how small businesses can address local needs, create opportunities, and improve the quality of life for our residents.”