The Quoddy Tides by RJ Heller
February 26, 2021
Growth and development remain steadfast —even amidst a pandemic — on efforts to open the MaineStreet Business Building (MSBB) at 19 Main Street in Machias — the spot where the long-abandoned Nash building began shining its light on small business, first as a fruit market in the late 1800s, then a card and stationary store, to a tavern named the Dubliner.
Speaking about the center’s purpose in October 2019, Sunrise Community Economic Council (SCEC) Executive Director Charles Rudelitch said, “The primary objective is to demonstrate the community’s commitment to entrepreneurship.” To do this, the center will house a business incubator program as well as host classes, workshops and training events for entrepreneurship cohorts.
A coworking space will be located on the first floor. “For anyone needing office space and amenities without the cost associated with having a full‑blown office, the space will fill that need,” said Rudelitch. A membership fee will provide access to the office and meeting room space, along with equipment and technology necessary for today’s businessperson.
In 2017, Machias Savings Bank (MSB) purchased the historic Nash building and gifted it to SCEC in 2018. MSB also contributed $200,000 in building funds for the project. To date, $805,000 has been raised, with both SCEC and Northern Border Regional Commission making significant investments and small business contributions making up the rest. Construction of the $1.05 million center is expected to start late summer of this year.
“We understand the importance of small business, especially in our rural community,” says MSB President Larry Barker. “We’ve been helping small businesses grow for many years. We also understand the challenges. And we know that one of the best ways to grow our community is grassroots and bootstraps, one small business at a time. We are committed to our hometown and the revitalization of downtown.”
Denise Cilley will guide the center as its Director and is excited to help others fulfill their dreams of owning or running a small business. After a 13-year career in the banking industry and higher education, Cilley became Finance Manager for SCEC before being chosen as MVCE Director.
Cilley is a Jonesport native who graduated from the University of Maine at Machias with a degree in entrepreneurial and small business operations, has a master’s degree in business administration and is an adjunct business instructor at Washington County Community College (WCCC).
“The connections I have made throughout my education and career experiences have positioned me within an amazing network, which I remain connected to and call on for advice and to participate in program curriculum delivery,” says Cilley.
Challenges created by the pandemic allowed opportunities to surface. “Our construction plan timeline and estimates have been disrupted more than once as a result,” says Cilley. “The SCEC team pivoted by conducting a small business community survey in place of focus groups, joining the Maine Coworking & Makerspace cohort consisting of over 16 unique establishments across the state, and linking arms with our partners to deliver virtual programming.”
She notes the silver lining in adapting virtually brought collaborations with WCCC and over 30 partners including technical assistance providers, colleges, community lenders, and entrepreneurs across the state. “It is exciting to think about eventually connecting the virtual community with the physical space. As the world has transitioned to a virtual presence more than ever before, I believe the versatile environment this has placed us in will better prepare us as we move toward a new normal.”
Examples of this virtual adaptability are the online programs MVCE is offering now. “Doing Business NOW” combines virtual, asynchronous trainings with archived materials and one-on-one coaching focused on social media and online marketing; “Entrepreneurial Pathways” is a 10 week, three-credit online course designed to promote entrepreneurship and small business ownership; “Start Up Downeast” is a pilot program providing coaching, and personal financing and business plan skill building.
The best surprise Cilley says is the impact she is seeing on people the virtual arm of the center serves right now. “The level of participation and effort students and attendees have put forth throughout our programs, and the positive outcomes, have been rewarding experiences and outcomes.” Since May 2020, these collaborative programs have assisted over 230 individuals across 100 businesses.
Machias Town Manager, Christina Therrien, is impressed with the progress the town has made in its revitalization efforts over the past few years. “The town is fully supportive of the center, which will offer support for our existing businesses and create job opportunities that will build upon prior projects targeting the future of the Machias area,” says Therrien.
To anyone looking for information or to get involved, Denise offers the following thought: “We are here, and we are listening. If you have not received a feedback or input request from us, it’s only a matter of time. Connecting with people is important in developing any relationship or partnership; the confidence and trust of our ecosystem’s students, community members, funders, business owners, support partners, donors and emerging entrepreneurs are where it all starts and how it all grows.”
For details about programs being offered and for additional updates, go to www.machiasvalleycenter.org.