Guide to Maine State Small Business Services and Resources

Begin with the Secretary of State's office

The Maine Secretary of State's Web site serves as a gateway for information on business registration, licensing, regulations and other matters.

I recommend: You can access the proper forms for filing a business at the Maine Secretary of State's Division of Corporations.

Tap the Small Business Development Center for free services

The state of Maine's SBDC network pairs experienced business analysts with small business owners to assist with counseling, training and advice on all facets of running a successful company.

I recommend: Access Maine's SBDC Web site to find offices throughout the state.

Consult with the Small Business Administration for financial assistance

Maine has a SBA district office in Augusta. The site offers information on loan and assistance programs, outreach efforts and initiatives to aid small businesses.

I recommend: The Maine's SBA site provides a list of financial and other SBA services.

Check out chambers of commerce for local support

If you've chosen a business site, or need more background on an area, the local chamber of commerce can provide firsthand insight into the state's business climate.

I recommend: Access the Maine Chamber of Commerce's services at Mainechamber.org. Find a local chamber of commerce or other business advocacy organization throughout Maine and elsewhere at Chamberofcommerce.com.

Take advantage of Maine's economic development incentives

Business owners in Maine benefit from the state's high quality of life, abundant recreational opportunities and relatively low cost of living. The state provides financial assistance, technical assistance and employee training programs as incentives to expanding companies.

I recommend: Go to Mainebiz.org to investigate the state's assistance programs. Download the Maine Pocket Guide to Business Resources. Get details on the state's tax structure from Maine Revenue Services.

Research Maine's economic conditions

Get the fine-print details needed to help your business succeed by searching out information on Maine's population, economy and other factors that influence the cost of doing business in the state.

I recommend: Explore the economic and demographic information at the Business Climate Web page located on the state's Maine.gov Web portal.

Discover online what small businesses need to know

Maine's newspapers, magazines and other online publications monitor business activities throughout the state.

I recommend: Tune into the SBA's work in the state with the agency's free Maine News newsletter (scroll down after linking). Access Maine newspapers' Web sites using the links at the Internet Public Library. Also check out the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Maine Connections newsletter.