MaineStreet Business Building

06/08/2026

06/05/2026

Our Small Business Team will be in training today, June 5, and walk-in advising services will not be available.

🏢 The building remains open as usual for members.

Thank you for your patience as we continue strengthening our skills and services. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

06/04/2026

Congratulations to the inspiring young entrepreneurs across our county who participated in the Money Maker Showdown business competition!

This yearlong partnership with Machias Savings Bank, Junior Achievement of Maine, JMG, and Washington County Community College (WCCC) allowed our team to meet monthly with area high school students as they worked piece-by-piece to put together a business plan and pitch.

All their hard work paid off on May 20, as they pitched to a panel of judges for the chance to win cash prizes for their business startup expenses. We were blown away by the confidence, the vision and the entrepreneurial spirit of the students. Though only three businesses could win, every student who participated should feel very proud of their hard work!

We can’t wait to work with the next cohort this fall!

06/01/2026

💼 Opening Doors for Washington County Businesses

When Independence Electric wanted to explore new opportunities, Jessica Crowley helped them navigate the world of government contracting and connect with valuable resources.

As SCEC's Maine APEX Accelerator Counselor, Jessica helps Washington County businesses access new opportunities and pathways for growth. In 2025 alone, businesses working with Jessica were awarded nearly $19 million in government contracts.

Learn more and read the full story: https://loom.ly/X5PvYPQ

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Sunrise County Economic Council offices will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume regular hours on Tuesday.

05/20/2026

The Small Business Team at MaineStreet Business Building will be away today and tomorrow (May 20 & 21) as we attend a business pitch competition for area high school students and the SCEC Washington County Housing Summit.

While walk-in services will not be available, the building will remain open for members. Hope you all enjoy the beautiful weather today! ☀️ We'll be back on Friday!

05/12/2026

"Partners in Entrepreneurial Pathways 2.0: Beyond the Business Plan," our 11-week, accredited, business accelerator course, saw record enrollment this year - and none of it would be possible without our partners!

Thank you to Washington County Community College (WCCC) for the accreditation partnership, and to the Northern Border Regional Commission and the Maine State Department of Economic and Community Development for the funding that keeps enrollment free.

Thank you to the guest lecturers and partner organizations who delivered sessions and supported the business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members who joined the course: Maine APEX, IRS, wanderweb, Coastal Enterprises Inc, Rural Maine, Alison Brynn Ross Illustration & Design, SCORE Mentors, Northern Maine Development Commission, Cobscook Institute, Maine Made, AHD Design, Bangor Savings Bank, DownEast Acadia, Karifin Partners, LLC, Maine Office of Business Development, New Ventures Maine, and Pierce Atwood LLP.

Congratulations to the Spring 2026 cohort! We are looking forward to seeing what comes next!

04/29/2026

Today, we're highlighting SCEC's support of small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region. In 2025, SCEC's Small Business & Entrepreneurship team supported Washington County businesses and entrepreneurs through advising, loans and grants, workforce education, federal contracting assistance, virtual business training, tech support, and more!

Our FY2025 Annual Report is now available! Here are a few highlights:

📊 400 hours of no-cost 1:1 business advising to 90+ businesses and entrepreneurs

💰 $276,857 in loans and grants awarded, supporting 8 jobs retained and 9 jobs created

🏛️ $18.9M in U.S. government contracts won by Maine APEX clients in Washington County

🤝 21 workplaces joined the Recovery Friendly Workplace Network, supporting 1,500+ employees

Visit sunrisecounty.org/reports to read more!