Resources for Diverse Entrepreneurs and Under-represented Business Owners

Maine recognizes the importance of diversity in our business community. Immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and diverse perspectives of all kinds strengthen our economy and society and are a key part of our collective future. As confirmed by a 2018 Boston Consulting Group study, companies with diverse leadership teams are 70% more innovative than companies with below average diversity in leadership. 1 Promoting innovation is a key pillar of Maine’s Strategic Economic Plan and in support of this, the State is making an historic investment in entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds through its use of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding as proposed in the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan and approved by the Maine legislature in July 2021. As information becomes available on our grant programs, it will be posted to the Maine Economic Recovery Grants webpage . This page has some resources to help you start or continue your business journey. If you have questions or want to know more about any of our programs, please reach out to the Office of Business Development [link to Contact Us page]. We are here to help! We also recognize the strong and emerging organizations within our diverse communities upon whom we at DECD depend to help us make connections with those who face barriers in more traditional business support networks. If you represent a community-led organization and would like to be included in our resources, let us know. 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: Resources for Immigrants Resources for People of Color Entrepreneurs Resources for LGBTQ Entrepreneurs Resources for Women and Veteran Entrepreneurs Resources for Immigrants Are you new to Maine? Welcome! Do you want to put your skills to use by starting a business but are not sure where to start? The Office of Business Development is excited to help you along your journey to business ownership. Here are some resources to help you get started. Please contact us with any questions. 2,368 immigrant business owners in Maine -American Immigration Council, 2018 14,659 people employed by immigrant-owned businesses -Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, 2021 StartSmart at CEI Free business development program that helps immigrants start or grow a business with expert assistance navigating legal and regulatory requirements. Interpreters are available. Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center (GPIWC) GPIWC seeks to strengthen the immigrant community through language learning, economic integration, and civic engagement. The Center hosts the Immigrant Business Hub and a co-working space. Immigrant Business Hub Hosted by GPIWC as a resource to help immigrants thrive as business owners in Maine. Offers training seminars, access to co-working connections with others in the business community. Indus Fund Provides microloans of up to $10,000 to immigrant-owned businesses in Maine. Loan recipients also receive a business mentor. ProsperityME Offers advice on how to start a small business, financial literacy courses, and career planning counseling for the immigrant community. PortLand of Opportunity - Professional Connections Networking program for immigrants with a foreign professional degree to connect with the established business community in Portland. AK Health and Social Services Lewiston-based non-profit that works to connect seekers, and BIPOC individuals with job opportunities. MaineStream Finance Nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) helping ALL Maine home buyers, business owners, and consumers secure advice and financing to grow and thrive. Sunrise County Economic Council