Coworking in the State of Maine
Coworking spaces, privately-owned collaborative workspaces, have popped up around the country over the last 10 years, enabled by technology and the growth of remote work. Coworking spaces build community and connection for early-stage entrepreneurs, free-lancers, and remote workers. These spaces foster dreaming, sharing, iteration, and risk-taking through their energy, density of people, and community-building activities.
In addition, coworking spaces are at the nexus of multiple areas of economic strategy – they are among the amenities that can be offered to tourists, they serve as a hub of information and community for remote workers, they stimulate innovation, and they serve as a signal to entrepreneurs and new businesses that a community understands the value of connection.
Coworking Development Fund and Program
The Coworking Development Fund and accompanying program supports the success of these spaces by providing financial assistance and opportunities for collaboration and connection between and among Maine’s coworking spaces and other collaborative work spaces.
DECD’s Office of Business Development partners with collaborative workspace businesses who are serving key roles in their local communities. Funding is subject to legislative approval and has historically been included in the States biennial budget. Please email BizAwards.DECD@maine.gov if you would like to be notified when grant details are released.
Spring 2025 Grant Cycle
Applications open Friday, February 21
Applications due Tuesday, March 25 - EXTENDED until Thursday March 27
For more information (including how to apply) please see the Program Guidelines (PDF)
Questions will be accepted through March 11, 2025
View Questions and Answers Here
For more information contact BizAwards.DECD@maine.gov
MJRP Coworking Grant
The Maine Jobs & Recovery Coworking Grant Program aimed to provide direct financial support to coworking spaces in the State of Maine that experienced impacts during the pandemic. It also builds on other Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan programs. These programs included remote worker supports and previous financial support to Maine’s libraries that also serve as much-needed remote work locations in many Maine communities.