SBA 2019

A SALUTE TO

MAINE’S SMALL BUSINESSES 2019 Maine Small Business Persons of the Year

Janie Wang and Chris Anderson Modernist Pantry, LLC “Janie and Chris’ commitment to seeking new opportunities and to the quality of their products serves as a powerful example to all entrepreneurs,” said Amy Bassett, SBA District Director for Maine. “We are so pleased that SBA’s 504 loan program, in conjunction with financing through Bangor Savings Bank, supported the growth of this niche business in Maine. We look forward to further assisting Janie and Chris as they continue to grow the business and expand sales internationally.”

—Amy K. Bassett, Maine District Director U.S. Small Business Administration

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019

MAINE SMALL BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR: JANIE WANG AND CHRIS ANDERSON  MODERNIST PANTRY, LLC 2019 Award Winner

NOMINATED BY ROBERT NADEAU, BANGOR SAVINGS BANK

WANG’S trajectory to

When the growth continued, they moved the

through the Modernist Pantry website as

business ownership is likely familiar to many:

business to a 6,500-square-foot space just

well as through Amazon. Partnerships have

get a good education (in this case, New York

across the state line in Portsmouth, and Janie

also been developed with various cooking-

University and Harvard), find a job in a large

transitioned to Modernist Pantry full-time.

related businesses to help promote the

JIEMING

(JANIE)

company, and decide that it’s time to strike out

After taking on the business full-time, Janie

on your own. Also like many businesses, Janie

was able to see even further growth. As the

started hers working out of the basement of

product line expanded from the original 12

As Janie and Modernist Pantry continue

her home as a hobby. As she and her husband,

items to hundreds of kitchen gadgets and unique

to see business growth and expansion, Janie

Christopher, were avid home chefs, they

ingredients, there was clearly more work than

has taken an active role in shaping the future

decided to focus on products that would allow

she and Christopher could do on their own, and

of her town. In 2017, she was elected to the

people to enjoy modern cooking styles at home

a need for more space to do it in. The business

Eliot budget committee, where she aims to

without having to buy specialized ingredients

hired its first employees and provided jobs to 11

help the town focus on providing an attractive

or kitchen tools in bulk.

people and also sought funding for yet another

environment for other small business owners.

From this point, the story of Modernist Pantry diverges a bit from most small

expansion, this time back in Eliot, Maine, where Modernist Pantry had begun.

business and to receive feedback on what products Janie should carry.

“Winning a SBA award was such a surprise, just completely unexpected,” said Janie. “For

businesses in basements. Starting with a

Using an SBA 504 loan through Bangor

me it’s a tremendous honor to be distinguished

product line of about a dozen items and a staff

Savings Bank and Granite State Development

in a state that is full of entrepreneurship

of two (Janie and Christopher), the business

Corporation, Modernist Pantry was able to

and unique small businesses. I’ve met

started to see significant growth. Janie and

purchase land and build their new facility.

many business owners in the state and I’ve

Christopher first moved from the basement to

The current space allows room for the ever-

learned from each and every one of them. It’s

the 1,500-square-foot garage of their new home.

growing catalog of products that Janie sells

incredibly humbling.”

“FOR ME IT’S A TREMENDOUS HONOR TO BE DISTINGUISHED IN A STATE THAT IS FULL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND UNIQUE SMALL BUSINESSES. I’VE MET MANY BUSINESS OWNERS IN THE STATE AND I’VE LEARNED FROM EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. IT’S INCREDIBLY HUMBLING.” — JANIE WANG

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019

A SALUTE TO

MAINE’S SMALL BUSINESSES

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PUBLISHER Richard Warren

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ABOUT THE COVER

Janie Wang, Owner of Modernist Pantry, LLC PHOTO: COURTESY SBA © 2019 Bangor Daily News. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without express written consent.

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019

MAINE VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: THE VILLAGE WOODWORKER  BRIAN WARREN, OWNER NOMINATED BY ASHLEIGH BRIGGS, SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

2019 Award Winner

THE CONSISTENT GROWTH OF THE VILLAGE WOODWORKER WHILE STAYING TRUE TO ITS ROOTS, AND THE COMMITMENT OF BRIAN WARREN TO HIS CRAFT AND TO HIS COMMUNITY, ARE EXAMPLES FOR ALL OF MAINE’S VETERAN ENTREPRENEURS TO FOLLOW.

QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY are two of the

the change in ownership, Brian remained

industries. Brian also has been active in the local

most vital things that a business can express

committed to the product and has focused on

youth hockey league, where he has served as

in its products. Brian Warren, owner of The

the quality and comfort of each piece of the

president of the league, as well as a coach.

Village Woodworker, can take pride in the

ergonomically-correct furniture he makes.

The consistent growth of The Village

fact that his products show the same level of

Despite not sacrificing quality, Brian has grown

Woodworker while staying true to its roots, and

quality that they did when his father-in-law

sales over the past years, and has focused more

the commitment of Brian Warren to his craft

started the company back in 1983.

attention on marketing. As he transitions from

and to his community, are examples for all of

Since its founding by Robert Roakes, The

active duty with the U.S. Air Force and is able to

Maine’s veteran entrepreneurs to follow. For

Village Woodworker has provided its customers

direct more energy into his business, Brian plans

this reason, the SBA is pleased to award Brian

with classic, handmade wooden furniture.

to see expansions that will allow him to hire more

Warren, owner of The Village Woodworker, the

Originally operating out of a small workshop in

employees and grow sales even further.

2019 Veteran Owned Business of the Year Award.

Roakes’ home in the small town of Welchville,

As a typical small business owner in Maine,

“I am grateful for being selected for the

the business relocated after it was sold to Brian

Brian is active with a number of organizations

award in honor of being a veteran starting

to a larger space in Oxford after Brian obtained

and causes in his community. He serves as the

this new business venture,” said Brian. “I’m

funding through an SBA MicroLoan and

vice president of the United Maine Craftsmen,

thankful for the recognition as a veteran and

several hours of advice from the Small Business

providing opportunities for others to hone their

small business owner. It gives me honor to

Development Center. Despite the move and

skills and find gainful employment in traditional

receive this prestigious award.”

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019

THE VILLAGE WOODWORKER

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019

WOMAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: ALTERNATIVE WELLNESS SERVICES  AMBER ELLIOTT, CEO NOMINATED BY SARAH GUERETTE, WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER

2019 Award Winner SOME OF THE GREATEST CHALLENGES faced

clients needing assistance with daily life skills.

seek employment despite their challenges.

by our society are those centered around health

Since the launch of AWS, Amber has been able

Looking forward, Amber plans to expand the

care and, in particular, access to mental and

to expand these services to clients across five

services of AWS even further with treatment

behavioral health care. Amber Elliott understood

counties and grow her staff from three to 23 full-

options to assist those living with the effects of

this, and in 2014 she decided that she would start

time and three part-time employees.

opioid addiction.

her own business to address the needs she had

“My team is what makes AWS successful,”

For her commitment to the community

seen in her community. Alternative Wellness

said Amber. “Without a good team, we cannot

through her business as well as her personal

Services was born with assistance from both

provide a good service.”

life as for the continuing growth of Alternative

the Small Business Development Center and the Women’s Business Center in Portland.

Just as AWS expanded its coverage area, it

Wellness Services, the SBA is pleased to

also has begun expanding the services provided.

award Amber Elliott the 2019 Woman Owned

Building on her past experience working with

Veterans who have suffered the negative effects

Small Business of the Year Award.

at-risk populations, Amber noticed that there

of brain injury and neurological conditions

“I am very excited,” said Amber. “I

were often gaps in the services and coverage

can receive help as they work toward living

have worked really hard to establish AWS.

available to them. This was an early focus for

independently, and individuals who are legally

Honestly, it has impacted me in a very positive

AWS as the business offers personalized case

blind, as Amber herself is, can receive training

manner. It was nice to see the hard work that I

management and basic in-home support to

that empowers them to expand their skills and

have put into AWS be recognized.”

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019

MAINE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: GARBAGE TO GARDEN  TYLER FRANK, PRESIDENT NOMINATED BY NANCY STROJNY, PORTLAND SCORE

2019 Award Winner IN THE PAST DECADE or so, sustainability

living in apartments with no personal access

has become a much stronger focus for not only

to composting, to large festivals and fairs,

consumers, but businesses and institutions.

the adaptability of the business has allowed

As people at all levels try to find ways to build

Tyler to seek opportunities wherever they

sustainable practices into their lives, businesses

arise. To accommodate all of this growth and

like Garbage to Garden, founded by Tyler Frank

expansion, Garbage to Garden has also grown

in 2012, step in to make it a little easier.

its employee pool to 41. This is impressive in

Most people are used to regular trash and

itself, but Tyler is committed to best practices

recycling pickup. Tyler saw a need for another

and ensures that each of the employees is

option: regular pickup of compostable mate-

provided a $15 minimum hourly wage, full

rial. Starting out of his apartment, he began

health, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k),

seeking out clients at the local farmer’s markets and delivering the compostable waste to his mother’s backyard in North Yarmouth.

However, the number of

people

interested

in the service quickly outpaced this practice.

Through this process, Tyler

worked

with

the Portland chapter of SCORE to plan for

and paid time off.

TYLER FRANK’S COMMITMENT TO HIS CUSTOMERS, HIS COMMUNITY, AND HIS EMPLOYEES, AS WELL AS THE INCREDIBLE GROWTH OF GARBAGE TO GARDEN, PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE TO ALL ENTREPRENEURS IN THE STATE OF MAINE.

growth and to ensure that his business was prepared.

From the initial space, Garbage to Garden

“Garbage

to

Gar-

den is what it is today thanks to our supportive community,” said Tyler. “We have become so good at what we do because of the passionate

workers

we have been blessed to bring together, and have built a golden reputation by perpetually focusing on doing what is right.”

Tyler

Frank’s

customers,

his

commitment community,

to

his

and

his

moved into a 1,000-square-foot facility as the

employees, as well as the incredible growth

number of clients increased. But within two

of Garbage to Garden, provides an excellent

years, the business had experienced so much

example to all entrepreneurs in the State of

growth that they had to relocate again to an

Maine. For that reason, the SBA is pleased

even larger building. Now serving not only

to award Tyler Frank the 2019 Young

residential customers but schools, businesses,

Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

and municipalities, Garbage to Garden sought

“I am tremendously grateful to be honored

to branch out in a way that made sense.

by the SBA,” said Tyler. “Making composting

Again, Portland SCORE and the SBA’s Scale

accessible to so many people in so many

Up program were able to provide the guidance

places is rewarding work, but it has also

that Tyler needed to plan sustainable growth.

been very difficult and challenging. It feels

A little over six years since its inception,

good to be recognized for our hard-won

Garbage to Garden has expanded far beyond

accomplishments. Moreover, this award and

the original niche market it filled. With

the success behind it has been possible with

customers across Southern Maine and the

the assistance of my mentors with SCORE,

Boston metro area, ranging from people

and support from SBA's Scale-Up program.”

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019

JEFFREY BUTLAND FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: TYLOR KELLY CAMPS  WADE AND SUSAN KELLY, OWNERS NOMINATED BY JOSH NADEAU, SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

2019 Award Winner MAINE’S BRAND is one that is divided into

a bunkhouse to the business, a prelude of

two distinct aspects: lobster and lighthouses

what was to come.

It was in 2017 that the Kellys first reached

properties. With this work now completed,

out to the Small Business Development

Tylor Kelly Camps can boast two cabins

on the coast; and mountains, forests, and

In 1988, Tylor’s son Wade took a more

Center as part of their desire to pursue

and a lodge, with 25 beds between them, the

waterways further inland. It is around

active role in the business after Tylor was

further expansion and diversification of

original restaurant (the only one in town),

inland Maine’s brand that the Kelly family

injured in a logging accident. It was at this

their business. Josh Nadeau from the SBDC

guide services, and a small events venue

decided to build their business in their

point that the focus of the business began

worked with Wade and his wife Sue to

for those interested in the outdoor aesthetic

small town of Allagash.

transitioning to Maine’s outdoor heritage,

develop a formal business plan and apply for

that the Kellys show off on their Facebook

What began in 1975 with Tylor Kelly

as Wade became a registered Maine guide

CDBG funding. While unsuccessful in their

and Instagram accounts.

serving hot dogs to canoeists passing by on

along with his father. This can mean big

grant application, the Kellys were able to

“We are very excited to be recognized

the river saw gradual expansion over the

business, especially in Northern Maine,

develop their CDBG submission into a loan

for the award, especially being the only

years. First, in 1985, Tylor used salvaged

as the area is seen as prime hunting and

application through the local microlender,

business

wooden pillars from an ice bridge to lay

fishing ground across the country. As part

Northern Maine Development Commission.

said Wade. “I credit our success to our

the foundation of Two River Lunch, the

of the transition, the Kellys purchased and

Through the use of their loan, Wade and

commitment to hard work, honesty, and

full-restaurant version of the original

moved a small camp to their property to

Sue were able to purchase more real estate

perseverance through the bad times to

hot dog stand. The expansion also added

provide lodging to their customers in 1990.

and work on renovations of their existing

make it to the good times.”

north

of

Bangor

included,”

NEW ENGLAND HOME BASED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: HERBAL REVOLUTION FARM & APOTHECARY  KATHRYN LANGELIER, CEO NOMINATED BY NANCY STROJNY, PORTLAND SCORE

2019 Award Winner HERBS AND OTHER PLANTS have been used

own garden to make products such as tea

“Passion and creativity play important

knowledge that Kathryn has accrued can be

for their medicinal properties for thousands

and tonics. As she began to build a customer

roles in the success of my business along with

of years, so it shouldn’t be surprising that a

base, Kathryn launched an online store in

tenacity,” said Kathryn. “I've also reached

For the continuous, and sustainable growth

business based around the health benefits

2016 to expand her sales even further.

out over the course of my business to some of

of her business, and for the support that she

passed on to other farmers.

of these plants would see success. Herbal

With the launch of the online store and

the great business resources we have here in

provides for others in her community, the

Revolution Farm & Apothecary, started in

with products being sold in hundreds

Maine...and connected with some incredible

SBA is pleased to award Kathryn Langelier

2010 by Kathryn Langelier, has sought to use

of stores around the country, Herbal

mentors and advisors.”

and Herbal Revolution Farm & Apothecary

the business to inform people about the ways

Revolution

that they can benefit from the plants that grow

expansion. In 2018, Kathryn purchased

Kathryn is active with the Maine Organic

around them every day.

was

ready

for

a

major

As

a

sustainability-minded and

Growers

farmer,

the 2019 Home Based Business of the Year Award for Maine and New England.

9.5 acres of land to use as the source of

Farmers

Association

“I feel so honored to have received this

Working with SCORE and the Small

products as well as handle the shipping

(MOFGA), contributing to the organization

recognition from the SBA,” said Kathryn.

Business Development Center, Kathryn

and packaging for the business. This

financially and as a mentor for newer

“As an entrepreneur, my life is busy, often

developed her personal passion of botanical

expansion came at the right time as Herbal

farmers interested in organic agriculture.

working long hours with little time off.

medicine into Herbal Revolution. Working

Revolution recently also launched its

This support ensures that a vital part of

It's nice to stop for a minute to receive this

from her home in midcoast Maine, she

products on Amazon, broadening the pool

Maine’s farming heritage can be preserved

acknowledgment for the hard work and

began by gathering wild herbs and using her

of potential customers.

for the next generation, and that the

dedication to my work.”

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019

TYLOR KELLY CAMPS

HERBAL REVOLUTION

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019

SMALL BUSINESS EXPORTER OF THE YEAR: JYNX PRODUCTIONS, LLC  KATHLEEN O’HERON AND JOHANNES WIEBUS 2019 Award Winner

NOMINATED BY SARAH GUERETTE, WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER

EXPORTS CONSIST of two things: goods and services.

focus of much of the business is in short documentary film

hard to make every project the best it can be. Everyone

While much focus is placed on physical goods such as cars or

format segments that are produced for German television.

brings something unique and inspiring to the group, so I’d

food products, we often forget that the export of services is

These segments cover various topics as diverse as celebrity

say our people are our biggest asset.”

just as important to the economy, especially in the modern

doppelgangers, fracking in North Dakota, and a teenager

world. The team at Jynx Productions certainly hasn’t lost

running for office in Kansas.

sight of that market—they have built their business to take advantage of opportunities outside of the United States.

By focusing on non-traditional exports, Jynx productions has been able to grow from a two-person business to having

Of course, all of this would not be possible without the

nine employees, and from a minor production company, to

team that Jynx has built up over the years. Since starting

one that is approaching sales over a million dollars a year. For

Started in 2005 by Kathleen O’Heron and Johannes

out with just two employees in 2005, Jynx has grown to

these reasons, the SBA is honored to present Jynx Productions

Wiebus, both of whom had previously worked in television,

nine employees in 2019. This growth and expanded hiring

with the 2019 Small Business Exporter of the Year Award.

Jynx Productions allowed the two to relocate to Maine

was assisted by the Women’s Business Center as Kathleen

“The award came as a complete surprise, so I was

from New York to seek new opportunities. While Kathleen

sought help identifying areas of strategic growth that would

floored,” said Katleen. “It feels incredible to be recognized

had previously worked for a major media outlet in content

sustain Jynx Productions in the long run.

in the state we now call home, and we are proud to be a

production, she was now able to use her skills for her own

“The production world is a very competitive arena,

Maine-based company. Jynx has always been a labor of

and we are only ever as good as our last project,” said

love, and it’s been a lot of work. But we are a growing,

Jynx Productions has since built up its client base by

Kathleen. “If our quality slips, our business will fail.

vibrant company, bringing new business into the state of

focusing on the kinds of projects that attract attention. The

Luckily, we have amazing people on our team. They work

Maine. And it feels incredible to be recognized.”

business and find projects that she was passionate about.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019

MICRO-ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR: MAINE PIE COMPANY  JILL MILLER, MANAGING PARTNER 2019 Award Winner

NOMINATED BY NANCY STROJNY, PORTLAND SCORE

THERE ARE FEW THINGS better than a freshly baked pie, but many people don’t have the skill or patience to make one for themselves. Luckily, Maine Pie Company, owned by Jill Miller, is able to help out.

The company provides frozen gluten-free pies filled with wholesome ingredients to customers across New England, allowing everyone to have access to the taste of a freshly baked pie.

The Maine Pie Company is not Jill Miller’s first experience with commercial baking. She previously started a wholesale and retail bakery in New York in 1990 before deciding to relocate to Maine in 2000 with her family. She and her husband then started another bakery in Kennebunk before selling it after two years. After a bit of a hiatus and some time developing her recipes, Jill decided to launch Maine Pie Co. as a source for gluten-free options.

Working with the Portland Chapter of SCORE, Jill built her plan for the business in 2014 as Maine Pie Co. began its launch. With the additional help of an SBA loan in 2015, the business was able to set itself up in a newly-built production facility that was perfect for the needs of shipping and receiving. Shortly after the original space was acquired, additional room was added for storage and refrigeration.

This space has allowed Maine Pie Co. to expand its market to all of New England, into the Mid-Atlantic, and begin eyeing the West Coast. Sales have grown, and with the recent addition of an e-commerce portal on the company’s website, even greater potential exists for the business. At the same time, the business has grown from one employee working part-time to the current four fulltime employees, with additional workers brought in during high-demand times around the holidays.

As her business has grown, Jill Miller has stayed true to the quality product that Maine Pie Co. started with while providing quality jobs to her community and further contributing to her local community through fundraisers and donations to local organizations. For these reasons, the SBA is pleased to award Jill Miller, owner of Maine Pie Co., the 2019 Micro-Enterprise of the Year Award.

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019

MINORITY OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: 2019 Award Winner

AMEERA BREAD, LLC  AHMED ABBAS, OWNER NOMINATED BY JOHN SCRIBNER, CEI SMARTSTART

FOR MANY AMERICANS, their family story begins with an ancestor coming to this country seeking a safe home and the opportunity for a better life. The story of Ahmed Abbas and his business, Ameera Bread, should therefore be familiar and distinctly American to those connected to their immigrant heritage.

Ahmed came to the United States in 2012 as a refugee from Iraq at the age of 28. Once here, he found work at a local restaurant, Tandoor Bread and Restaurant, where he learned about the various aspects of the business over the course of two years. In 2014, Ahmed’s opportunity presented itself as the owner was seeking a buyer for the business. Ahmed took on the challenge of becoming a business owner.

To help him along the way, Ahmed sought out assistance from CEI through their SmartStart and MicroLoan programs. The technical assistance provided by CEI allowed Ahmed to be prepared as he started operating his business—now called Ameera Bread— and even plan for eventual expansion, while the financing provided by the MicroLoan program allowed him to purchase the business.

As he was starting out, Ahmed was focused on the core of his business (bread) and limited himself to baking bread and serving a few sandwiches. However, as he started to see growth in sales and new opportunities, Ameera Bread started to branch out.

Three employees were hired; the number of products expanded to include full meals, catering, and wholesale supply to grocery stores; and a second location in the Portland Public Market House was added. Ameera Bread continues to see growth, and there is no doubt as new opportunities present themselves, Ahmed will be prepared for them.

“I underestimated our ability to grow, and soon we were so busy,” said Ahmed. “We couldn’t realize how big we’d get in our customers’ eyes and our community’s eyes.”

Since coming to the U.S., Ahmed has bought a business, grown it to two locations, hired three employees, and become a U.S. citizen. He has engaged with his local community through his neighborhood association and chamber of commerce and donated to local schools and community events. Ahmed Abbas and Ameera Bread are truly examples of the “American dream” in action, and the SBA is honored to present him with the 2019 Minority Owned Small Business of the Year Award. “[Winning the award] was a big shock for me,” said Ahmed.

“I couldn’t expect that all our efforts and work would bring this change to my life and to Ameera Bread as a business. So it was a big shock for me. I’m happy.”

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019

MAINE FINANCIAL SERVICES CHAMPION OF THE YEAR: MAINE TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE  BRIAN WHITNEY, PRESIDENT NOMINATED BY STEVE LEVESQUE, MIDCOAST REGIONAL REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

2019 Award Winner

ONE OF THE GREATEST challenges an

In addition to these investments, MTI also

funds available through the SBIR/STTR

“MTI is coming off its most impactful

entrepreneur faces is where to find the

works closely with the University of Maine

programs. MTI provides business owners and

year ever, having invested $57 million

necessary financing they need to start or grow.

and the Community College system to ensure

entrepreneurs with the technical assistance

across Maine through investments in 175

While an entrepreneur may have a great idea,

that supports exist for business owners and

and guidance that they need to develop

innovative projects,” said Maine Technology

that alone doesn’t guarantee the company

entrepreneurs to access at any stage of their

competitive applications for these programs.

Institute

or idea will get off the ground. That’s where

development. MTI has also stepped up to fill

In fiscal year 2017, they were able to help

“According to an independent economic

Maine Technology Institute(MTI) comes in.

President

Brian

Whitney.

gaps left by state funding cuts in the cases of

Maine businesses leverage $7 million in

impact analysis, those investments will

and

the state’s three tech centers The Maine Center

federal funding that was used to develop new

create 5,350 jobs and generate approximately

commercialization in the form of grants, loans,

for Entrepreneurs, Aquaculture Innovation

products and technologies.

$1.4 billion in economic impact over the

and equity investments, as well as guidance

Center, and the Target Technology Center,

For their tireless work over the past 20 years

next three years. Given that the award

and mentorship, to support the entrepreneurial

providing the funds needed to continue these

in support of Maine’s entrepreneurs, and the

recognizes organizations that demonstrate

ecosystem of Maine. Over the past 20 years, MTI

important programs.

wide range of their assistance to organizations

‘measurable accomplishments to advance

MTI

offers

early-stage

capital

has disbursed over $260 million across more than

Finally, MTI provides assistance to Maine

across the state with a similar mission, the SBA

small business interests,’ I am really

2,500 projects, and has helped entrepreneurs

individuals and companies interested in

is pleased to award Maine Technology Institute

pleased that the SBA felt that MTI merited

leverage over $1 billion in private funding.

attracting a piece of the $2.5 billion in federal

the 2019 Financial Services Champion Award.

the recognition.”

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • bangordailynews.com • April 30, 2019

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 30, 2019

SMALL BUSINESS MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR: ALFRED’S UPHOLSTERY & CO.  REBECCA DELANO, OWNER NOMINATED BY SARAH GUERETTE, WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER

2019 Award Winner FAMILY AND TRADITION are a strong part of

produced. This wasn’t enough, however, and by

family furniture business. The new space

As an entrepreneur building on her

the story behind Alfred’s Upholstery, owned

2005 Rebecca and Troy purchased a 2,000-square-

provided them with ten times the room as the

family legacy while still forging her own

by Rebecca Delano, in the town of Alfred.

foot building, vastly expanding the space

previous location and allowed the business

path, Rebecca Delano has provided a

Rebecca’s family has operated a 119-year-old

available to the business for future growth. This

to bring in new employees, growing from the

shining example of what Maine’s small

furniture store in town, and so she decided to

was at the same time that the business website

original two employees to fifteen in 2018.

business owners are capable of. For that

start her own business while still remaining

was launched, providing another avenue for

true to the roots of the family business. In

customer interaction and sales.

“My husband Troy, he believed in me and

reason, the SBA is pleased to award

saw this gift that I had before I even saw it,”

Alfred’s Upholstery the 2019 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year Award.

1997, she launched Alfred’s Upholstery in

As Rebecca and Troy built up their client

said Rebecca. “He said, ‘Wow, I think we

a 200-square-foot building given to her as a

base and gradually attracted larger customers,

really can do something with this. You have

wedding present by her grandfather.

they began to outgrow even the expanded

something super special.’ He believed in the

Rebecca. “I was actually surprised when

“I

definitely

feel

honored,”

said

Within three years, the business had

space that they had purchased in 2005. With

opportunity, believed in what I was doing

we got the award. I feel like we have put

expanded into the basement of Rebecca’s home

some assistance from the Women’s Business

and said “I want to come alongside you, let’s

in a lot of hard work, and we’ve really

as she and her husband, Troy, started seeking

Center and an SBA backed loan in 2018,

do something with this.’ We’re a husband

been committed and rode out the ups and

out larger customers for the custom upholstery

Alfred’s Upholstery was able to purchase an

and wife team and we’ve been working

downs with the economy, and just really

designs and architectural furnishings they

underutilized building belonging to Rebecca’s

together for 21 years now.”

stayed with it.”