Center for Business Growth at NMDC

09/11/2026

Lunch and learn with SCORE Mentors at 12:00 PM on Friday, September 18 - taught by John Hutchinson. You'll learn the distinctions between patents and trademarks, the application processes involved, and the exclusive rights these protections grant within the United States. Registration Today:

You picked a business name, paid someone to design the logo, and maybe built a product nobody else sells. So what actually stops a competitor from using any of it?Patents and trademarks both come from the United States Patent and...

09/10/2026

A taco experiment turned into a business venture for this Amity couple and was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Greater East Grand Economic Council

Angelina and Chuck Jackman, owners of Amity-based Jack’s Walkin’ Tacos, just won a $25,000 business grant.

09/09/2026

Join the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce for a full day designed to inform, inspire, and equip local business owners, managers, employees, and professionals with practical information they can put to work!

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Best Western Caribou Inn
🎟️ $75 per person

☕ Light breakfast and hot buffet lunch included!
The Central Aroostook Business Summit brings together knowledgeable speakers and business professionals for a day of learning, connection, and fresh ideas.

You'll hear from professionals representing organizations including Aroostook Partnership, Project Tipping Point, Northern Maine Community College, Aroostook County Action Program,
Northern Maine Development Commission, the Retail Association of Maine, Maine Department of Labor, and SADC.

Whether you're a business owner, manager, employee, entrepreneur, or community leader, this summit is an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, learn something new, make connections, and bring valuable ideas back to your workplace.
Your $75 registration includes a light breakfast, hot buffet lunch, and a full day of programming.

Come learn, connect, and grow with Central Aroostook's business community! Register today: https://centralaroostookchamber.com/chamber-events/small-business-conference/

08/25/2026

🚀 Partners in Entrepreneurial Pathways is back this fall with MaineStreet Business Building! If you like learning remotely with live instruction this class series is for you!

👉 Register: https://mainestreetbusiness.org/partners-in-entrepreneurial-pathways-1-0/

Whether you're exploring entrepreneurship, starting a business, or looking to strengthen an existing one, this FREE online workshop series offers practical information and connections to help you move forward.

Over 10 weeks, participants can choose from 20 workshops covering marketing, branding, pricing, cash flow, hiring, financing, AI, business planning, and more.

📅 September 17–November 19
💻 Thursdays | Online
💰 No cost to attend

Choose the workshops that fit your needs OR complete the full program and coursework to earn 3 college credits at no cost.

Join us and connect with business experts, resources, and other entrepreneurs from across the region.

08/24/2026

Have a business idea you’ve been thinking about? New Ventures Maine is offering a free Business Basics class right here in Van Buren.

The three-week class will cover the basics of starting a business, including looking at your idea, its viability, and putting together a business plan.

📅 Tuesdays, September 1–15
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
📍 Connect Center, 51 Main Street, Town of Van Buren

The class is free and open to Maine adults.
🫵To sign up: 207-768-9468 or
https://newventuresmaine.org/classes/
A great opportunity for anyone in our area who has been considering taking that first step toward starting a business!

08/24/2026

Presque Isle Housing Authority invites everyone in Maine to this resource fair! 🙌 This event will bring together more than 30 Aroostook County and state agencies offering information, resources, services, and support for individuals and families in our community.

📅 Thursday, August 27
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Presque Isle Housing Authority Community Center
37 Birch Street, Presque Isle

Stop by to connect with organizations offering employment, education and training, food and nutrition, health services, housing and utilities, and literacy programs. 👋 You can also learn about current job opportunities 💼, get help with your job search, and sign up for programs and assistance.

And did we mention there will be **FREE hot dogs and chips?** 🌭🍟

Come to the Presque Isle Housing Authority Community Center at 37 Birch Street in Presque Isle, Maine. All are welcome and encouraged to stop by at any time!

**Contact:** Crystal Tilley
207-554-4381
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Thank you to Presque Isle Housing Authority and the ROSS Program for bringing so many community partners together in one place. We’re looking forward to a great afternoon of connection and community! 💜💚

08/21/2026

07/20/2026

Maine Community Bank's LaunchPad is Maine's premier competition for innovative small businesses, designed to help entrepreneurs turn momentum into growth. Through funding, exposure, and connections, LaunchPad supports the next generation of Maine businesses. This year, one exceptional entrepreneur will earn our $75,000 LaunchPad Grant, and another will receive our Emerging Business Award valued at $25,000 to help take their business to the next level. ⭐️Learn More: maine.bank/launchpad/?utm_source=LaunchPad&utm_campaign=d892f8dd4c-LaunchPad-2025-Apply-General-Email-1_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_95973c4c44-d892f8dd4c-298233260&mc_cid=d892f8dd4c&mc_eid=0a367174c0

05/07/2026

Sales for Future Forward tickets close TODAY! Don’t miss your chance to be part of an amazing experience filled with growth and connection on 8:30-1:00 PM on Thursday, May 14th at Ignite Presque Isle!

⭐Buy Tickets Now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/future-forward-tickets-1986802009293?aff=oddtdtcreator

⭐About The Event:
Join us for a one-day summit designed for rising professionals who are ready to lead, grow, and thrive in their careers!

What to Expect:

Inspiring keynote speaker to kick off the day
Interactive breakout sessions to grow your knowlege in innovation, the power of saying yes, and putting your ideas into action.
Networking opportunities with peers and mentors
Delicious lunch catered by Rodney's/Ignite PI!
Whether you're just starting out or stepping into new role, Future Forward can prepare you for what's next in your career.

Tickets: $30 Professionals & $20 Students

⭐About Momentum Aroostook:
Momentum Aroostook is a young professionals network dedicated to connecting and supporting emerging leaders across Aroostook County, Maine. Through networking events, professional development workshops, community engagement, and recreational activities, the organization helps young professionals build meaningful relationships while promoting career growth and regional vitality. Momentum Aroostook works to strengthen northern Maine by attracting, retaining, and empowering the next generation of leaders who are committed to living, working, and making a difference in The County.

05/04/2026

It is almost showtime! See you this Thursday at 5:00 PM at Ignite Presque Isle! All are invited and participate by voting for their favorite business to receive the 'People’s Choice Award'.

2026 Top Gun Participants:
- Rolling Acres Farm & Ranch, Easton - Kamaria Brathwaite
- RosieO, New Sweden - Rosie Otalora
- W & E Events and Rentals LLC., Woodland - Candi Whitmore
- Northern Trail Marketing, Presque Isle - Tyler Brown
- Aroostook Technologies Inc., Fort Fairfield - Wade McFarland
- Timber Candle Bar and Boutique, Caribou - Gerri Nadeau
- Fiddlehead Life LLC, Island Falls - Elizabeth Carroll

Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Learn More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-top-gun-pitch-and-networking-tickets-1987001170991?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true