Maine State Department of Economic and Community Development

10/15/2026

📣 Applications Open TODAY for New Ventures Maine Marketing Mini-Grants!

Maine small business owners: Looking to expand your reach and strengthen your marketing efforts?

Starting today, October 15, New Ventures Maine is accepting applications for Marketing Mini-Grants of up to $1,000!

These competitive grants help Maine microbusinesses develop new or expanded marketing tools, materials, and promotional activities.

Eligible businesses must:
✔️ Have five or fewer full-time equivalent employees
✔️ Have annual gross sales of $150,000 or less
✔️ Have made sales within the past 12 months

Don't miss this opportunity to give your small business a marketing boost!

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://newventuresmaine.org/about-us/more-services/marketing-mini-grants/

Many small businesses across Maine have benefited from the NVME marketing mini-grant program since its launch in 2010.

09/22/2026

Don't miss the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs Food Producer Showcase on October 8, 2026 in Portland, ME!

Save the Date for Maine’s premier celebration of local food and beverage entrepreneurs! The Food Producers Showcase and Maine Golden Fork Awards bring together producers, buyers, distributors, chefs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, discovery, and recognition of excellence across Maine’s food economy.

Learn more here: https://www.mced.biz/events/2026mfps"

09/18/2026

Deadline day is here! Get your application in for the Governor's Award for Business Excellence (GABE) by 11:59PM!

Learn more and apply here: https://www.maine.gov/decd/business-development/about/GABE

09/16/2026

Time is almost up! Get your submission in before the deadline this Friday!

09/14/2026

Hurry, there are only FOUR more days to apply for the Governor's Award for Business Excellence!

📅 Applications are open through Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET via the new online portal on the DECD website: https://www.maine.gov/decd/business-development/start-grow/grow-business/governors-award-business-excellence

09/14/2026

Are you looking for a new career? Maybe you are transitioning from military service, or just looking for a change?

Maine's annual Hire-A-Vet Campaign is a statewide effort with the goal of at least 100 employers participating to hire at least 100 veterans and military family members during a 100-day period.

The 2026 campaign kicks off Thursday, August 20, at the Augusta National Guard Armory and will be followed by monthly in-person hiring events throughout the state:

August 20th, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Hiring and Veteran Resource Event at the Augusta National Guard Armory, 179 Western Ave, Augusta

September 24th, 2026 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m.- Hiring and Veteran Resource Event at the Bangor Career Center, 45 Oak St, Bangor

October 15th, 2026 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m.- Maine Hire-A-Vet - Hiring and Veteran Resource Event at the York County Regional Training Center, 79 First County Way, Alfred

November 12th, 2026 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. - Maine Hire-A-Vet - Hiring and Veteran Resource Event at the Norway Armory, 23 Elm St., Norway

While the campaign is focused on veterans and their families, these events are open to ALL jobseekers!

The Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign provides support and resources to connect veterans with employers through a network of state and federal agencies, resources and nonprofits, education on military language and culture, recruiting and hiring assistance, and recognition for the hiring and advancement of veterans and military family members.

Learn more at https://www.myworksourcemaine.gov/pages/maines-hire-vet-campaign"

09/09/2026

Help us spread the word! Hurry, application deadline is September 18th! https://bit.ly/4iUKdl7

09/08/2026

APPLICATIONS OPEN | 2026 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence
Governor Mills invites Maine businesses and nonprofits to apply for the 2026 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence — one of Maine’s highest honors.
Since 1991, the award has celebrated Maine businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to employees, communities, and innovation.

🏆 2026 Award Categories:
• Heritage Industry Award
• Rural Revitalization Award
• Innovation Award
• Climate Leader Award

📅 Applications are open now through Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET via the new online portal on the DECD website: https://www.maine.gov/decd/business-development/start-grow/grow-business/governors-award-business-excellence

09/08/2026

The Maine Digital Resilience Program is accepting applications through Thursday, September 10.

This program will help Maine residents navigate the digital world while reducing exposure to cyber threats, scams, fraud, misinformation, online exploitation, and privacy risks.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/etQMtAXG

09/04/2026

Register now for the virtual 2026 Maine State Tax Symposium presented by Maine Revenue Services! When? September 23, 2026 from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Who should attend? Everyone who needs to keep informed of changing and and existing tax laws. Attendees will earn continuing education credits! Cost: Only $12 (non refundable).

Visit: https://lnkd.in/eGCrisxV