Basic Internet Safety
2025-01-06 11:30 - 12:30 UTC | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Date: January 6th
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias
Details: Staying safe online is essential in today’s world. This one-hour overview class teaches you how to keep your information and your devices safe. Presented in partnership with the National Digital Equity Center and MaineStreet Business Building.
Requirements: All participants must be enrolled with NDEC and registered for the class.
More Information & Enrollment/Registration: Register here or contact Dodie at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or 207-217-2132 for assistance.

Claim What’s Yours: A Guide to Tax Credits for Working Families
2025-01-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Online via Zoom
Claim What’s Yours: A Guide to Tax Credits for Working Families
Date: January 7th
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Details: Join us to discover tax credits that can put money back in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers! This event will cover both refundable and non-refundable tax credits to help you save. Presented in partnership with the IRS and MaineStreet Business Building.
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1XmZVm4Gbn/
More Information: Contact Dodie at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or 207-217-2132.

Disaster Preparedness for Small Business
2025-01-14 11:30 - 12:30 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Disaster Preparedness for Small Business
Date: January 14th
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias or Zoom
Details: Join MSBB, the Red Cross, and the Machias Chamber of Commerce for a disaster preparedness session tailored for small businesses.
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/19f7Hgu51o/
More Information: Contact Dodie at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or 207-217-2132.

Identifying Frauds & Scams
2025-01-15 16:30 - 17:30 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Identifying Frauds & Scams – Postponed – Stay Tuned for updated date/time
Date: January 15th
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias
Details: Learn about the different types of internet fraud and scams, the dos and don’ts of protecting yourself online, and what to do if you have experienced online fraud or abuse.
Requirements: All participants must be enrolled with NDEC and registered for the class.
More Information & Enrollment/Registration: Register here or contact Dodie at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or 207-217-2132 for assistance.

Jonesport Alternative Lobster Gear Demonstration Day
2025-02-06 13:00 - 17:00 | Jonesport Marina, 2 Marina Way, Jonesport, ME, 04649, United States
Jonesport Demonstration Day will focus on Alternative Fishing Gear
Jonesport, Maine – Area fishermen and members of the public are invited to an afternoon of demonstrations and informal discussion focusing on the use of alternative lobster fishing gear on February 6, 2025 from 1-5 pm in Jonesport (snow date: February 18, 1-5 pm). The event, hosted by Sunrise County Economic Council in partnership with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, will include live demonstrations of alternative gear on the Jonesport town marina (2 Marina Way, at the end of Sawyer Square) as well as simultaneous informal discussions about the program and testing of alternative gear at the Peabody Memorial Library (162 Main St, Jonesport). Attendees are welcome to come anytime at either location between 1 and 5 pm, as demonstrations will be based on their specific interests and needs.
The Jonesport demonstration day is an effort to familiarize fishermen and the public with alternative gear, including acoustic on-demand systems as well as other technologies, such as timed- and spring-releases. Alternative gear technology may provide an opportunity for fishermen to access areas which prohibit the use of traditional gear due to federal rules designed to protect the North Atlantic right whale. Goals of testing and research include identifying which designs and technologies work best, ensuring that the legal use of the gear can be enforced, and providing information to those fishermen who will make the business decision to access those restricted areas, or not, in the future.
The Maine Department of Marine Resources is working with Sunrise County Economic Council to provide Maine fixed gear fishermen free access to different gear types to test through their Innovative Gear Library, launched in 2024. The Library supports fishermen in real-world testing and in understanding of the capabilities and challenges of a broad range of alternative gear technologies and supports.
Participation by fishermen is crucial in this effort. Without industry’s participation in testing, technology could be approved and required that does not work for Maine fishermen. This is an opportunity to provide data and input that manufacturers and regulators will hear.
Registration is not required to participate in the Jonesport demonstration day. Refreshments will be provided. For questions, please contact Brooke Hachey at 207-707-0962. Please check sunrisecounty.org and the Sunrise County Economic Council Facebook page for updates due to inclement weather.

Facebook Pages for Business
2025-02-11 13:30 - 14:30, 2025-02-18 13:30 - 14:30 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Facebook Pages for Business
Date: February 11th & 18th
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias
Details: This two-session class teaches participants how to create their first Facebook Page for a business, nonprofit, or cause. We also go over inviting friends to like your page, producing content, and page management to have a successful page on Facebook. Participants must have a device connected to the internet and a Facebook account for this class.
More Information & Enrollment/Registration: Register here or contact Dodie at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or 207-217-2132 for assistance.

Machias Community Connections: Jobs, Resources, and Family Fun Fairs
2025-03-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Machias Memorial High School, 1 Bulldog Lane, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Event Details:
Machias Fair
Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 (Snow date: March 26)
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Machias Memorial High School Gym
We’re thrilled to invite you to the Community Connections: Jobs, Resources, and Family Fun Fairs—exciting events where you can connect with local talent, showcase your organization, and engage with the community in a meaningful way!

Check Out Who’s Coming to the Community Connections Fair!

We have an amazing lineup of employers and resource providers ready to meet you! Whether you’re looking for a job, career support, helpful community resources, or a fun time—this event has something for everyone!

Employers:

AC INC
Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center
Cooke Inc. – Cooke Aquaculture/True North Maine
Downeast Community Partners / Head Start
Eurovia -Eurovia Atlantic Coast dba Northeast Paving
Harrington Family Health Center
HealthWays/Regional Medical Center at Lubec
Living Innovations
Machias Savings Bank
Evergreen Care Homes – Magnolia Assisted Living
Maine Seacoast Mission
Mano en Mano | Hand in Hand
University Credit Union
Wings for Children & Families

Resource Providers:

Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine, Inc. & The Kinship Program
Aroostook Mental Health Center – AMHC
Better Business Bureau
Community Caring Collaborative – The Connection Initiative
Coastal Enterprises Inc. – Business Development Services
Downeast Rainbow Alliance
Child Development Services Early Intervention Program – Early Intervention for ME
Eastern Maine Development Corporation
Family Futures Downeast
Gateway Retirement Solutions
Groups Recover Together
Help Me Grow Maine
JMG
JustME for JustUS
Know Your OPTIONS
Machias Ambulance
Maine APEX Accelerator
Maine State Library
MDOA Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Program
Maine Department of Education – College & Career Success
MaineStreet Business Building
National Digital Equity Center
NextStep Domestic Violence Project
PathStone Corporation Maine
Preble Street – Labor Trafficking Outreach
American Red Cross of Northern New England
Start Up Downeast
University of Maine
Washington County CareerCenter
Washington County Community College (WCCC)
Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network

Plus, enjoy games, crafts, face painting for the kids, and exciting door prizes!

For any questions, feel free to reach out to me at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or 207-271-2132.
We can’t wait to see you there and work together to make a lasting impact on our community!

Tik Tok for Business
2025-04-11 11:00 - 13:00 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Are you ready to take your business to the next level on TikTok?!

We’ve partnered with Jillian Taylor of Community Clicks to bring you an exciting FREE 1-hour workshop that’s all about promoting your business on TikTok!
This hands-on workshop is packed with practical tips and tricks to help you create engaging posts that will make your business stand out. Be sure to bring your smartphone and some video content so we can dive straight into the fun stuff – creating amazing TikTok content!

Workshop Details: Date: April 11th, 2025 Location: MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main St, Machias, ME 04654 Choose from two one-hour sessions: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Provided!

Registration closed.

DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism Stakeholder Meeting
2025-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States

Calais Community Connections: Jobs, Resources, and Family Fun Fairs
2025-04-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Washington County Community College, 1 College Way, Calais, ME, 04619, United States
We’re thrilled to invite you to the Community Connections: Jobs, Resources, and Family Fun Fairs—exciting events where you can connectwith local talent, showcase your organization, and engage with the community in a meaningful way!
Event Details:
Calais Fair
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Washington County Community College Gym
Why Participate?
Recruit Talent: Meet eager job seekers ready to explore your opportunities!
Increase Visibility: Show how your organization is making a difference.
Build Connections: Network with fellow employers, community leaders, and partners.
Engage with the Community: Join a fun, family-friendly event that brings everyone together!
How to Register:
For any questions, feel free to reach out to me at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or 207-271-2132.
We can’t wait to see you there and work together to make a lasting impact on our community!

Intermediate Microsoft Excel
2025-04-30 13:30 - 14:30 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Take Your Excel Skills to the Next Level!
Join us for a FREE Intermediate Microsoft Excel class—a 3-part series designed to boost your spreadsheet skills!
Dates:• April 30 | 1:30–2:30 PM• May 1 | 1:30–2:30 PM• May 2 | 1:30–2:30 PM
Location:MaineStreet Business Building19 Main Street, Machias
We’ll dive into tables, charts, data analysis, sorting, formulas & functions, and even pivot tables!
Requirements:• Completion of Intro to Excel or equivalent experience• A computer with MS Excel 2016 or later
Register here!

Questions or need help registering? Reach out to Dodie Emerson at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or 207-271-2132.

Opportunities Fair
2025-05-13 09:30 - 13:30 | Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology, 11 Addison Road, Columbia, ME, United States
Helping Students Dream Big: Opportunities Fair Set for May 13 in Columbia
We’re thrilled to invite students, schools, and community partners to something really special—the 2025 Opportunities Fair, happening Tuesday, May 13th from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology (11 Addison Rd, Columbia). (Rain date: Wednesday, May 14th)
This fair is all about giving students in grades 7–12 a fun, hands-on way to explore what their future could look like. Whether they’re thinking about college, joining the military, learning a trade, starting a business, or heading straight into the workforce—this event has something for everyone.
We’ll be welcoming:

Local employers and small business owners

Trade programs and apprenticeship opportunities

Colleges, universities, and training providers

Military reps and public service professionals

Support and advocacy organizations

Entrepreneurship and start-up resources

Students will get to chat with real people, try out tools, ask questions, and walk away with ideas (and inspiration!) about what comes next. It’s a chance to explore options, make connections, and start building their path forward.
“When students get the chance to see, touch, and talk about real-world opportunities, it sparks something powerful. This fair is about more than careers—it’s about helping young people imagine what’s possible and giving them the tools and connections to chase it.”
— “Dodie” Emerson, Downeast Community Catalyst
Exhibitors will be offering career insights, hands-on activities, and resources related to job searches, training, financial aid, and more. The goal is to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of workers, creators, and leaders.
Don’t Miss Out!
For more information, or to get involved, contact Dodie Emerson at 207-271-2132 or demerson@sunrisecounty.org.

ChatGPT for Your Business
2025-05-29 12:00 - 14:00 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Discover how ChatGPT can help you better understand your audience, improve your website, and simplify your content creation process. This free workshop is led by Cary Weston of The ChatGPT Experiment, and will provide straightforward, actionable advice to enhance your business marketing.
In this session, we’ll explore how ChatGPT can become your marketing assistant, helping you craft content that resonates, streamlining your messaging, and making your marketing tasks easier to tackle.
This workshop is for anyone who wants to make their marketing more effective.
Lunch will be provided.
Register Here!

Virtual Lunch & Learn with Rich Brooks: LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive
2025-06-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Online via Zoom
Are you on LinkedIn but feel like you’re not using it as effectively as you could?
Join us for a Virtual Lunch & Learn with Rich Brooks:
LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive to Recruit & Build Trust
Register Here!
📅 A 2-Part Series: June 3 & 4, 2025
⏰ 1:00-2:00 PM
📍 Online via Zoom
There is no cost to participate!
You’ll discover:
How to optimize your profile
How to reach more people in the newsfeed
How to prospect and connect with your network
How to improve your company page
How to get a lot accomplished in very little time
We’ll also have time to look at your company page or your profile if you’d like some expert feedback and recommendations!
About The Instructor:
Rich Brooks is the founder and president of flyte new media, a digital agency in Portland, Maine, that’s been in business for over 28 years. He is a nationally recognized speaker on entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and social media.
He appears regularly as the “tech guru” on the evening news show, 207, which airs on the NBC affiliates in Maine. He has also appeared in Inc. Magazine, The Huffington Post, Fast Company, CNN, the Social Media Examiner, and many other news sources for stories on digital marketing.
Take advantage of this exciting opportunity! Register Here!
Sponsored by Northern Maine Development Commission

Intro to Maine APEX
2025-06-26 10:00 - 11:00 | MaineStreet Business Building and via Zoom, 19 Main Street, Machias, 04654, United States
Hybrid Event: In-person at MaineStreet Business Building and via Zoom.
Could government contracting be right for your business? Please join Maine APEX Accelerator, Jessica Crowley, to learn how she can help you find and win government contracts. Please contact Jessica Crowley with questions at (207) 255-0983 or jcrowley@sunrisecounty.org
Register here!

Tech Support at MSBB
2025-09-03 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-10 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-17 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-24 09:00 - 13:00 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH:
Recovering your password(s)
Email
Account Recovery
Syncing or backing up devices
Setting up a new device
Remote storage
Internet access/safety, etc.
FREE 1 on 1 Tech Support with Geoffrey Lagat, Client Technology Officer, every Wednesday, 9am-1pm until October 29!
Walk-ins welcome! You can also reserve a spot by scanning the QR code or visiting this link: https://bit.ly/msbb-tech-support
Questions? Contact glagat@sunrisecounty.org or 207-255-0983.
TECH SUPPORT PROVIDED BY SUNRISE COUNTY ECONOMIC COUNCIL, WITH SUPPORT FROM MAINE CONNECTIVITY AUTHORITY.
Questions? Call 207-255-0983.

Introduction to Self-Employment & Best Practices for Startup Success
2025-09-18 14:00 - 17:00 | ME
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Introduction to Self-Employment: The Entrepreneurial Mindset, you’ll discover what it truly means to be your own boss. We’ll explore the entrepreneurial mindset, the benefits and challenges of self-employment, and how to decide if this path is right for you.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in Best Practices for Startup Success: Learn From the Pros, we’ll dive into the essential practices that successful entrepreneurs swear by. From idea validation to execution, get insider tips on how to avoid common pitfalls and set your business up for success.
Sign up to attend this workshop

Want to take Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form for access to all workshops!

Business Building Blocks & Start Up and Lead
2025-09-25 14:00 - 17:00 | ME
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Business Building Blocks: Let’s Get Started, you’ll lay the foundation for your business. This session covers the initial steps of starting a business, including idea generation, market research, and forming your business entity.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
In Start Up & Lead with Confidence: Management Strategies & Opportunities, you’ll Explore various management strategies and find the best fit for your business. Learn how to build a strong team, delegate effectively, and foster a positive work environment.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form for access to all workshops!

Value Proposition & Intentional Culture from the Start
2025-10-02 14:00 - 17:00 | ME
Value Proposition: What Makes Your Business Unique? will teach you how to articulate what sets your business apart from the competition. This workshop will help you identify and communicate your unique value proposition to potential customers. Featuring Sam Miller of SCORE Mentors.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Then, in Intentional Culture from the Start: Build a Healthy Work Environment, you’ll learn the importance of company culture and how to create a positive and productive work environment from day one. Learn strategies to cultivate a culture that aligns with your business values. Featuring Abby Frutchey and Charley Martin-Berry from Community Caring Collaborative.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form for access to all workshops!

Get to Know MSBB
2025-10-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Online via Zoom
Get to Know MSBB
Get to know the staff of MaineStreet Business Building and learn about the services that each provides (most at no-cost) to Washington County residents, business owners, and entrepreneurs!
Available services include:
– Business advising
– Courses and workshops for small businesses
– Technology assistance
– Business transition services
– Grant and loan program assistance
– Guidance on the Washington County Recovery
– Friendly Workplace Network
– Help with winning federal contracts for your
products or services
– Workforce training and college credit
Register here!

Know Your Ideal Customer and Mission/Vision Alignment
2025-10-09 14:00 - 17:00 | ME
2:00 – 3:30 pm
In Know Your Ideal Customer: Marketing Plan 101, you’ll develop a comprehensive marketing plan tailored to your target audience. Learn how to conduct market research, identify customer needs, and create effective marketing campaigns.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm
Then, in Mission, Clarity and Vision Alignment: Define Your Path, you’ll craft a compelling mission statement and vision for your business. Understand the importance of these guiding principles and how they can shape your business strategy.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form for access to all workshops!

2025 Passamaquoddy Health Fair
2025-10-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Passamaquoddy Health Center, 401 Peter Dana Point Rd, Princeton, ME, 04668, United States
Join us at the 2025 Passamaquoddy Health Fair to learn about available services in the area. The MaineStreet Business Building team will be there to answer questions about our services, including:

Business advising
Courses and workshops for small businesses
Technology assistance
Business transition services
Grant and loan program assistance
Guidance on the Washington County Recovery
Friendly Workplace Network
Help with winning federal contracts for your products or services
Workforce training and college credit

Registration is not required. Drop in anytime!

Downeast Fishing Family Forum
2025-10-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Woodlawn Event Center, 19 Black House Dr, Ellsworth, ME, United States
1st Annual Downeast Fishing Family Forum
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 10 am – 2 pm
Woodlawn Event Center, Ellsworth
Click here to Register!
Over the last decade, Maine’s fishing families have faced hard times, and we’ve had to lean on the incredible strength of our communities. As fishing family members ourselves, we have faced the fear of losing an industry our communities have depended on for generations. We have faced the grief of coming together again and again to search for loved ones lost at sea. We also know that resilience runs deep in our families and communities, and that we will continue to show up for each other and keep going – together.
That’s why we are hosting the First Annual Fishing Family Forum — a gathering for fishing families along Maine’s Downeast coast to connect, share, and talk about what matters most, including: Safety on the water, harvester health & well-being, mental health supports, community response in emergencies, financial literacy & family stability.

Register Today!
$10 Suggested Donation (use code FREE for free admission)
Admission includes refreshments, light brunch, and catered lunch. Free childcare available.
Please note: Woodlawn is a smoke-free venue.

Branding Basics & SWOT Analysis
2025-10-16 14:00 - 17:00 | ME
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Branding Basics: What is Your Business’s Personality? you’ll discover how to develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. We’ll cover branding basics, including logo design, color schemes, and brand messaging.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in SWOT Analysis: Assess Your Business Landscape, you’ll conduct a SWOT analysis to identify your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Use this powerful tool to make informed strategic decisions.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form

All Things Legal
2025-10-23 14:00 - 17:00 | ME
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In All Things Legal: Navigating the Legal Landscape at Startup, you’ll get acquainted with the legal aspects of starting a business. This workshop covers business licenses, permits, zoning laws, and other legal requirements. Learn the legal distinctions between independent contractors and employees. Understand the implications for hiring, taxes, and compliance to ensure you’re following the law.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in All Things Legal: Hiring Essentials, you’ll learn the legal distinctions between independent contractors and employees. Understand the implications for hiring, taxes, and compliance to ensure you’re following the law.
Sign up to attend this workshop
