Marketing and Trade Assistance

Getting the word out about your business and finding new markets for your products can be challenging. These resources and organizations specialize in overcoming these challenges and helping you grow your business’s reach. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Business Development with questions. The State of Maine does not vet or endorse any specific resource, but we are confident you will find supports that match your needs. Jump to: Market Access and Marketing Assistance Trade Assistance Market Access and Marketing Assistance Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund (AMLF) Low-cost financing to help farmers, food processors, and aquaculture operators adopt new and innovative equipment and facilities in order to improve and enhance the production of Maine products. Maximum loan: $250,000. Forest Opportunity Roadmap / Maine (FOR/Maine) FOR/Maine is an industry-led coalition working to modernize Maine’s forest products industry, including by undertaking market research and providing information about new market opportunities for Maine forest products companies. Seafood Economic Accelerator for Maine (SEAMaine) SEAMaine is working to grow and improve the resiliency of Maine’s seafood economy, including by growing and diversifying markets for Maine seafood. Maine Made Coalition of Maine companies unified under one highly recognizable logo with supporting internet exposure. Members can take advantage of free or low-cost branding as well as the possibility of exhibiting at the annual New England Products Trade Show in Portland. Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) MOT is the state’s tourism marketing and support organization, with resources for governmental agencies to increase tourism-related economic activity throughout the state. PR Partner Program MOT offers a free Public Relations Partner Program that businesses can sign up for to help promote tourism-related business activities, including experiential tourism opportunities. Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation This division of MOT works to support and grow businesses in the Outdoor Recreation industry. Selling to the Government The federal government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services, and state and local governments also spend billions of dollars on procurement every year. Expanding into the public sector market could be a great next step to grow your business. Use these sites to explore: Maine APEX Accelerator Maine APEX Accelerator provides assistance with obtaining government contracts at all levels of government to businesses of all sizes, including through technical assistance, registration assistance, help finding opportunities, and post-award performance support. SBA Federal Contracting Assistance The federal government sets aside 23% of its awarded dollars for contracts with small businesses. SBA can help your small business register in the federal contracting system, help you understand the process, and help you secure your compliance certification. State of Maine Procurement & Vendor Information Information about doing business with the State of Maine, including current Requests for Proposals. Trade Assistance Domestic Trade Expanding into new markets through trade is a way to grow your business. Domestic Trade is selling products within the United States. Maine Domestic Trade Program The Office of Business Development’s new domestic trade program helps Maine businesses identify and pursue markets within the United States for their products. Let us help you navigate resources, access market data, and meet goals for your brand. MarketShare - Food, Beverage & Ag Sales Accelerator Maine Center for Entrepreneurs program to help value-added agriculture businesses sell their products out of state. International Trade