Getting the word out about your business and finding new markets for your products can be challenging. These resources and organizations specialize in overcoming these challenges and helping you grow your business’s reach. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Business Development with questions.
The State of Maine does not vet or endorse any specific resource, but we are confident you will find supports that match your needs.
Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund (AMLF)
Low-cost financing to help farmers, food processors, and aquaculture operators adopt new and innovative equipment and facilities in order to improve and enhance the manufacturing, marketability, and production of Maine products. Maximum loan: $250,000.
Forest Opportunity Roadmap / Maine (FOR/Maine)
FOR/Maine is an industry-led coalition working to grow, diversify, and modernize Maine’s forest products industry, including by undertaking market research and providing information about new market opportunities for Maine forest products companies.
Seafood Economic Accelerator for Maine (SEAMaine)
SEAMaine is working to grow and improve the resiliency of Maine’s seafood economy, including by growing and diversifying markets for Maine seafood.
Maine Made
Coalition of Maine companies unified under one highly recognizable logo with supporting internet exposure. Members can take advantage of free or low-cost branding as well as the possibility of exhibiting at the annual New England Products Trade Show in Portland.
Maine Office of Tourism (MOT)
MOT is the state’s tourism marketing and support organization, with resources for businesses, non-profits, and governmental agencies to increase tourism-related economic activity throughout the state.
PR Partner Program
MOT offers a free Public Relations Partner Program that businesses can sign up for to help promote tourism-related business activities, including experiential tourism opportunities.
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
This division of MOT works to support and grow businesses in the Outdoor Recreation industry.
Selling to the Government
The federal government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services, and state and local governments also spend billions of dollars on procurement every year. Expanding into the public sector market could be a great next step to grow your business. Use these sites to explore:
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)
Maine PTAC provides assistance with obtaining government contracts at all levels of government to businesses of all sizes, including through technical assistance, registration assistance, help finding opportunities, and post-award performance support.
SBA Federal Contracting Assistance
The federal government sets aside 23% of its awarded dollars for contracts with small businesses. SBA can help your small business register in the federal contracting system, help you understand the process, and help you secure your compliance certification.
State of Maine Procurement & Vendor Information
Information about doing business with the State of Maine, including current Requests for Proposals.
Maine Domestic Trade Program
The Office of Business Development’s new domestic trade program helps Maine businesses identify and pursue markets within the United States for their products. Let us help you navigate resources, access market data, and meet goals for your brand.
MarketShare - Food, Beverage & Ag Sales Accelerator
Maine Center for Entrepreneurs program to help value-added food, beverage, and agriculture businesses sell their products out of state.
International Trade
Expanding into international markets is a big step for your business that can unlock incredible opportunities. Here are some resources to help you make the jump successfully.
Maine International Trade Center (MITC)
MITC offers access to market reports, trade assistance, one-on-one counseling, grant funding information, and attendance at overseas trade shows.
Global U: Practical Skills Training
Three-tiered training series for business owners and their staff to succeed in international markets. On-demand training and live seminars are available from MITC.
Market Access Program (MAP)
Provides assistance to trade groups and small businesses to share the costs of overseas marketing and promotional activities to build commercial export markets.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
SBA grant administered by MITC to reimburse Maine companies for costs associated with seeking new international sales opportunities.
Maine Port Authority: First Pallet Free
Helps Maine companies expand their sales into other countries by exporting. The Maine Port Authority offers to cover the shipping cost of the first pallet. Call 207-200-2430 for more information.
Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) in Maine
The U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program offers businesses engaged in international trade the means to decrease overall costs, increase supply-chain pace, and provide the FTZ user with a more competitive cost structure and increase their global competitiveness. For more information, visit Foreign Trade Zones in Maine.