Maine is a stronghold of woman-owned businesses. From hotels to artisan marketplaces to gourmet restaurants in Portland’s foodie scene, it’s no secret that these businesses make our communities tick. 

And now, for the first time, you’ll be able to find them all in one place. 

Maine Women’s Business List is the first public directory of woman-owned businesses in our state. The Women’s Business Center at Coastal Maine Enterprises (CEI) launched the directory in November. At mainewomensbusinesslist.com, patrons can access a list of area businesses that are at least 50% woman-owned (CEI “aligns with the definition of women and female that explicitly includes not only cis women, but also trans women and femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer and non-binary individuals”). The easy-to-use site allows users to search by town or by service offered. Any Maine woman who owns a business can register with the directory for free. 

WASHINGTON (AP) — As ransomware attacks surge, the FBI is doubling down on its guidance to affected businesses: Don’t pay the cybercriminals. But the U.S. government also offers a little-noticed incentive for those who do pay: The ransoms may be tax deductible.

The IRS offers no formal guidance on ransomware payments, but multiple tax experts interviewed by The Associated Press said deductions are usually allowed under law and established guidance. It’s a “silver lining” to ransomware victims, as some tax lawyers and accountants put it.

But those looking to discourage payments are less sanguine. They fear the deduction is a potentially problematic incentive that could entice businesses to pay ransoms against the advice of law enforcement. At a minimum, they say, the deductibility sends a discordant message to businesses under duress.