Building a Brighter Future
MaineStreet Business Building is a vibrant hub of networking for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Washington County and beyond!
Private Offices • Co-working Membership • Courses • Coaching
What We’re Doing to
Grow Business
Professional Space
Coworking, private offices & meeting spaces, business coaching & technical assistance, access to highspeed broadband, space to collaborate & network, and so much more!
Comprehensive Learning Opportunities
Startup incubator & accelerator courses, technical workshops, and small business forums
Business Support Network
Over 50 collaborative non-profit and for-profit partners building better business in Washington County
How Can We Help?
Denise Cilley
Associate Director, SCEC
Denise joined SCEC in April of 2019 and currently serves as the organization’s Associate Director. As part of the executive leadership team, she helped lead SCEC through a period of rapid growth and innovation. Denise provided critical leadership and staff support for the community input gathering, capital campaign, construction, and launch phases of MSBB and helped establish and grow SCEC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship team, which she currently leads.
Email | (207) 259-5103
Jessica Crowley
Maine APEX Accelerator
Jessica can work with your business to find, win, and perform on government contracts. Through Maine APEX, businesses can also receive training and technical assistance.
Email | (207) 620-2273
Dodie Emerson
Downeast Community Catalyst
Dodie helps Washington County businesses and communities by providing connections to business coaching, education, workforce, and career development resources. She also serves as the Business Advisor for the Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network.
Email | (207) 271-2132
Susan Hatton
Loan Program Manager
Susan oversees various gap-financing microloan programs for qualifying businesses, including a program for the unorganized territories of Washington County, and agriculture- and fisheries- based businesses.
Email | (207) 949-0336
Geoffrey Lagat
Client Technology Advisor
Geoffrey works with businesses to leverage technology to drive business growth and innovation, which includes determining the right hardware and software solutions.
Email | (207) 259-0105
Amanda Smith
Coastal Opportunities Advisor
Amanda works within coastal Washington County towns to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs in identifying and pursuing ways to diversify their income.
Email | (207) 259-0755
Discover the MaineStreet Business Building
Conveniently located in the heart of Machias, Maine!
Are you a small business technical assistance provider, a business serving other businesses in Downeast Maine, or a remote worker looking for the perfect workspace? Boost Your Productivity at MaineStreet Business Building!
Enjoy 24/7 access as well as amenities including highspeed broadband, meeting spaces, shared member kitchen, free coffee and tea, professional office equipment, relax zones, on-site business coaching and assistance, use of MaineStreet Business Building’s address, and more!
Courses Designed for You
Pathways 1.0
This programs is an accredited 10-week virtual asynchronous start-up incubator course covering the nuts and bolts of small business building blocks. Each session is led by a different guest lecturer who is a subject matter expert in the field. Completion of the entire series and a final project assignment results in 3 credits and Entrepreneurship Digital Badges – and is available for FREE!
Pathways 2.0
Learn the practical application of business acumen and gain insight into what makes our markets and ecosystem tick during this accredited 11-week virtual asynchronous course. Enroll for college credit or join individual sessions – all for free. Completion of the entire series and a final portfolio project results in 3 college credits and Entrepreneurship Digital Badges – and is available to you for FREE!
Forest Products Sector Course
This program is an accredited 10-week virtual asynchronous course led by different guest lecturers who are subject matter experts in the field. Completion of the entire series and a final project assignment result in 3 credits and Forest Products Sector Digital Badges – and is available for FREE! The course will provide participants with an understanding of opportunities across the industry, direct contact with industry professionals, and the knowledge to enter the field to begin their own career journey
Coaching + Business Planning + Barrier Removal
Start Up Downeast provides up to two years of coaching, personal finance and business plan skill-building, and barrier removal support for Washington County residents who are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment & Training services, interested in enrolling at Washington County Community College, and have a goal of starting or purchasing their own business.
Developed in partnership with the State of Maine and the College, this innovative program will use USDA SNAP Employment & Training resources to help students in low- to moderate-income households pursue entrepreneurship as a career path.