Starting a small, online based business in Maine (lease, loans)

[GrittyMcDuffy]

What resources, in terms of tax breaks and maybe small business loans, does Maine offer its residents if they want to start an online business? I am thinking that a green friendly business would be the way to go. Looks like Maine needs businesses that will not impact much with a physical footprint or air/water footprint. Any ideas what Maine can offer that other people would crave in the rest of the USA that they could get online from here?

[dmyankee]

Check with FAME

Financial Authority of Maine.

[mollysmiles]

I'm currently starting an at home business, primarily online, that is "green".....I'll let you know what I learn about deductions as I go along. It's ideal for me!

[Acadianlion]

If you are looking for any encouragement in Maine for starting a business, think in terms of how many JOBS your business will create.

You will want to go to Coastal Enterprises - Home. That organization has many programs that will assist small business that is interested in job creation in various industries, inclusing agriculture and waterfront.

[GrittyMcDuffy]

The CEI website is interesting.

[mainebrokerman]

the economic development council of maine has many business resources,
maine.gov has a section on what licenses you need, and the secretary of state website,
may be useful for filing and registering a business name.
the sba (small business administration, and as someone stated fame, has much info)

you can look up "maine business grants" to see if you are applicable for any business assistance, or grants,, hey its worth a shot, you got nothing to lose.

score (retired business counselors) has a very active chapter in maine,,
also
, someone will meet with you in person and walk you thru a business plan, projections, business set up, etc, FOR FREE

there are "revolving loan funds" for different towns/business zones

research, research, research all available info yo can,,,and there's a huge amount online!!

[GrittyMcDuffy]

Absolutely good stuff.

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by GrittyMcDuffy

What resources, in terms of tax breaks and maybe small business loans, does Maine offer its residents if they want to start an online business? I am thinking that a green friendly business would be the way to go. Looks like Maine needs businesses that will not impact much with a physical footprint or air/water footprint. Any ideas what Maine can offer that other people would crave in the rest of the USA that they could get online from here?

i heard something the other day, which i thought was quite clever, some lobsterman, auctioned off (online)and sold some of his lobster-traps, yet the lobsterman still did the hauling, and the "owner" of the trap, was shipped what was caught all summer. so at least once a week, the owner had maine lobsters steadily coming to him/her.
ive got to think, more lobsterman could lease there traps for the summer, to outside buyers.

i also think there was a webcam, or video was taken when "thier" trap was being hauled in the boat,,,so they could share in the anticipation,,of what might be there....

yes, i know its wide-open for a lobsterman to be dishonest,,,but ,,of the lobsterman i know,, id trust them...

[Nancy-NJ-NY-ME?]

Great resources! Thanks for sharing them.

[Maine Writer]

I used the business clinic at the county's cooperative extension a lot. It's paid for with our taxes. I had an hour long appointment once a month.

SBDC Small Business Development Center.