MaineStreet Business Building

Tech Support at MSBB
2025-09-10 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-17 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-24 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | 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
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
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.
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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
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
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
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
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

Pricing Your Products and Services & Startup Expenses
2025-10-30 14:00 - 17:00
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Pricing Your Products & Services: Find the Sweet Spot, you’ll master the art of pricing. This session will cover various pricing strategies, how to calculate costs, and how to price your products or services to maximize profitability.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in Startup Expenses: Budget for Success, you’ll learn about the costs associated with starting a business. Learn how to create a startup budget, manage expenses, and allocate resources effectively.
Sign up to attend this workshop

AI Essentials: How It Works & Where It Fails
2025-11-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Eastport Port Authority Welcome Center, 141 Water Street, Eastport, ME, 04631, United States
Join us for an eye-opening introduction to artificial intelligence, complete with a live demo showing how AI can be used. See firsthand what everyone needs to know about AI’s power and risks. Light refreshments will be served.
Questions? Contact Elaine Abbott at eabbott@sunrisecounty.org or 207-255-0983

Cash Flow Management & Making Your Business Bankable
2025-11-06 14:00 - 17:00
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Cash Flow Management Success: Framework to Know Your Numbers, you’ll gain insights into managing your business’s cash flow. Learn how to track income and expenses, create cash flow projections, and maintain financial stability.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in Making Your Business Bankable: Prepare to Attract Investors and Lenders, you’ll discover what it takes to make your business attractive to investors and lenders. Learn how to prepare financial statements, pitch your business, and secure funding.
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Startup Automations and Pulling It All Together
2025-11-13 14:00 - 17:00
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Startup Automations: Work Smarter, Not Harder, you’ll explore tools and technologies that can automate your business processes. From marketing automation to customer relationship management, learn how to streamline operations and save time.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00:
Then, in Pulling it All Together: A Forum for Advice, Tips & Tools, you’ll integrate everything you’ve learned into a cohesive business plan. This session provides practical advice, tools, and resources from business advisors and service providers to help you finalize your plan and prepare for launch.
Sign up to attend this workshop

2025 Economic Summit
2025-11-14 08:30 - 14:30 | Cobscook Institute, 10 Commissary Point Rd, Trescott Township, ME, 04652, United States
Join us on November 14 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at Cobscook Institute for SCEC’s Annual Economic Summit.
The title of this year’s summit is “Jobs and Prosperity in Washington County: Workforce Attraction, Retention and Development Strategies that Work Here.”
There is no cost to attend, but space is limited. Subscribe to Local Happenings, keep an eye on our Facebook page or check back here soon for a link to register!

Ask Us Anything About Business (Webinar)
2025-11-19 13:30 - 14:30 | Online via Zoom
Ask Us Anything About Business
Join the MSBB team for an open Q&A where you can ask us anything about business! We will do our best to answer your business questions, or refer you to someone who can help.
This webinar is open to all, whether you are an established business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur!
Register here!

Opportunity Presentations & Next Steps
2025-11-20 14:00
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Opportunity Presentations: Networking & Growth, you’ll engage with business advisors and support professionals. This session offers opportunities to share your business ideas and gain feedback, network, and learn about potential growth opportunities.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in Next Steps: Building Your Action Plan, you’ll develop and fine-tune a clear action plan for the next steps in your entrepreneurial journey. Identify key milestones, set goals, and create a timeline for achieving them.
Sign up to attend this workshop

Holiday Cupcake Decorating with Sarah Reed!
2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
🌟 New Workshop Series to Spotlight Local Entrepreneurs! 🌟
MaineStreet Business Building is launching a brand-new series designed to spotlight local entrepreneurs and bring fun, hands-on learning opportunities to our community. We’re kicking the series off with Sarah Reed, of Mrs Sarah’s Specialty Cakes!
🎄 Join Sarah for Holiday Cupcake Decorating! 🎄
Learn cool decorating tricks and turn simple cupcakes into festive masterpieces. Whether you’re a newbie or a decorating pro, get ready to sprinkle some fun this holiday season!
Participants will be led through how to frost and decorate four holiday-inspired cupcakes to take home. No experience necessary! All materials will be provided.
📅 Saturday, December 6
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main St., Machias
💵 $45 (all materials included)
Space is limited! Sign up today and bring a little extra joy to your holiday season! ❄️✨
👉 Register at bit.ly/msbbseries

*Postponed* Learn Oyster Shucking with Three Islands Oysters (Entrepreneur Spotlight Series)
2025-12-13 14:00 - 16:00 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
This event has been postponed. Stay tuned for a new date in 2026!

Learn the art of oyster shucking and discover the fascinating world of oyster farming!

Each participant will receive a dozen fresh oysters, an oyster knife, condiments, and gloves and will learn how to shuck fresh oysters from Kyle Pepperman of Three Islands Oysters and Downeast Institute.

No experience necessary. All materials will be provided. Cost includes one dozen oysters, oyster knife, condiments and glove.

Every Workplace Counts: Supporting Recovery Friendly Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
2026-01-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Online via Zoom
Whether you run a business of one, a growing team, or something in between, your workplace matters—and you belong here. This 90-minute virtual session (and 30 minute Q&A) is designed for entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and small business owners who want practical tools, real conversation, and people-first approaches that fit the realities of small operations.
Together, we’ll explore what it means to create a healthy, supportive, and recovery-friendly workplace at any size—how to take care of yourself, your people, and your business at the same time.
By the end of the session, you’ll have the option to take the next step and become officially designated as a Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW).

Brand Power: Define, Build, Thrive
2026-02-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Online via Zoom
Discover how to craft a compelling brand identity that resonates with your audience. Learn to maintain your brand’s voice and create lasting impressions.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Design Like a Pro: Graphic Basics for Business
2026-02-12 15:45 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Create eye-catching visuals with ease. This workshop covers tools and tips to help your business stand out with professional-looking graphics.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Casting a Wider Net with Amanda Smith, Coastal Opportunities Advisor
2026-02-18 16:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
This webinar will dive into self-employment and ways fishing families can diversify their household income. In this session, we’ll cover opportunities in the trades, tourism, education and training as well as self-employment support.
This webinar will cover:

Ways fishing families can diversify their household income for more stability
How to create a financial safety net for when the fishing season doesn’t yield the expected income
How to work in trades, tourism, education, and training for year-round opportunities
Support and resources for the self-employed

Register Here

Know Your Market: Beyond the Basics
2026-02-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Online via Zoom
Dive deep into market research, customer insights, and strategies to connect with your ideal audience. Understand what drives their decisions and how to reach them effectively.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses
2026-02-19 15:45 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Learn practical social media marketing strategies to create content, stay consistent, and turn social media into a tool that supports your business.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Demo Day with Seascale Maine
2026-02-26 11:00 - 13:00 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Join Jon and Charlie from Seascale Maine as they demonstrate how their Maine Scallop Pot and Maine Urchin pot work. Seascale Maine’s mission is to provide high-quality, easy-to-integrate aquaculture gear that helps lobstermen add new revenue streams without changing the way they fish.
On February 26, drop in anytime between 11 am and 1 pm at MaineStreet Business Building – 19 Main Street, Machias, ME 04654. There is plenty of parking behind the building.
Lunch will be provided! Registration is not required.
Representatives from Maine Aquaculture Association, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center and Downeast Institute will be there!

Website 101: Build, Refresh, Engage
2026-02-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Online via Zoom
Whether starting from scratch or updating your site, learn the essentials of website design, content strategies, and tips to boost your online presence.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Get Seen: Boosting Market Visibility
2026-02-26 15:45 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Maximize your exposure with low-cost certifications, listings, and business directories, and learn how tourism impacts visibility and how to stand out in competitive spaces.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!
