"These awards have a direct impact on the economic stability and sustainability of Maine's small businesses," said DECD Commissioner George Gervais. "The investments made in these communities not only benefit the individual businesses, it also helps create new career opportunities for Maine people. The grants represent the LePage Administration's commitment to becoming better partners with the private sector, leveraging new private investment to achieve greater prosperity across Maine."
The Micro-Enterprise Assistance (MEA) Grant Program provides grant funds to communities to assist in innovative solutions to problems faced by micro-enterprise businesses. Assistance to businesses may be in the form of grants or loans at the discretion of the community, including a match from the benefiting business. Communities and businesses included in the latest round of MEA awards are as follows:
Lubec- $75,000 - Assistance to four businesses:The Lubec Brewing Company- expansion of two 80 gallon fermenters and inventory;Love at First Light- store lighting and inventory tracking system;Old Crow Gardens- add a greenhouse, tilling tractor, add poultry products; Gove Point Farms- add tiller, mechanical seeder, add greenhouse.
Lisbon- $150,000 - Seven businesses in the Lisbon Falls village area to participate in faade improvements.
Carrabassett Valley- $135,000 - Assistance to four businesses:Harmony House- equipment and training;Carrabassett Cedar Works- new finishing room and equipment;All Points Transportation- 7-passenger SUV;KC's Kreativity Center- new kiln and administrative assistance.
Ashland- $150,000 - Eight businesses in the village core area and Rt. 163 and Rt. 11 corridor for faade improvements.
Greenville- $100,000 - Assistance to two businesses:Maine Mountain Soap and Candle- replace computer, point of sale system for tracking inventory, new signage;Porter's Garage- replace three garage bay doors, windows, retrofit office area for customer service.
Sangerville- $50,000 - Assistance toMartin Cleaning Servicefor purchase of reconditioned propane buffer and auto scrubber, commercial van with equipment racks and pullout loading ramp.
Brunswick- $30,300 - Assistance toPathways Rehabilitation Servicesfor purchase of adaptive equipment and technology for special needs driving program.
