CEI Women's Business Center

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CEI Women's Business Center

The CEI Women's Business Center offers experienced, knowledgeable business specialists who help at any stage of business, from start-up to expansion.

Within a setting that respects your experience, skills, and learning style, we assist you in building business skills through access to timely, accurate, tailored information and resources. We offer free and confidential business counseling on topics such as: business plan development; financing options for your business; business skills such as marketing and financial management; ongoing support

for growth and expansion tailored to your business; and assistance in buying or selling a business. We also offer workshops and training events on a variety of business issues. Our services are statewide, and provided both in person and online. We have offices and outreach locations in Brunswick, Portland, Augusta, Lewiston, Farmington, & Machias. For more information about our services, please go to www.ceimaine.org/women or call (207) 504-5900.

06/29/2026

Biz Fit LIVE in Rockport at Sea Hag Cider 🍎 brought together women entrepreneurs to "Check In & Check Up" on their business vital signs.

From meaningful conversations to a delicious cider tasting, it was a great afternoon of connection, reflection, and learning.

Stay tuned for our next live event. In the meantime, join us online on the first Friday of every month!

06/28/2026

Who’s on your BAIL team?

A strong business needs a strong support network. Join CEI Women’s Business Center for July Biz Fit: Who is on your BAIL Team?, a virtual networking conversation focused on one of the most important foundations of business success: your Banker, Accountant, Insurance professional, and Lawyer.

Connect with fellow women entrepreneurs across Maine to share experiences, ask questions, exchange recommendations, and learn from one another in a supportive, informal setting.
📅 July 10, 2026
⏰ 8:00–9:00 a.m.
💻 Online

06/26/2026

Start your morning with connection and conversation (and good coffee and toast!)

Join CEI Women’s Business Center Business Advisor Jodi Cordes for **Tuesday Toast Talks**, an informal networking gathering for new, existing, and aspiring female entrepreneurs in Greater Franklin County.

Meet fellow business owners, share experiences, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections in a welcoming environment.

📅 July 7, 2026
⏰ 7:30–9:00 a.m.
📍 CEI Women's Business Center, 165 Front Street, Farmington, ME
☕ Light refreshments provided

Whether you're launching a new venture or growing an established business, come connect with a supportive community of women entrepreneurs.

06/24/2026

Still room to sign up! Join us June 29th.

Struggling to get engagement on social media? You're not alone.

Join the CEI Women’s Business Center on June 29 for Engagement: Using the Social Media Algorithms for Success, a free online workshop designed to help you work with the algorithm, not against it.

You'll learn:
✅ How to increase engagement on your posts
✅ Strategies to grow your audience and reach
✅ Ways to interact effectively online
✅ Tips for handling negative comments and feedback

Whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your social media presence, this session will help you build meaningful connections and get more from your platforms.

📅 June 29, 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
💻 Online

06/23/2026

**Scammers are getting smarter, but so can we.**

Join CEI for a free Scam Smarts Workshop at the Auburn Senior Community Center on June 29 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn about common scams affecting Mainers, practical ways to protect yourself, and where to turn if you or someone you know needs help.

✅ Friendly conversation
✅ No pressure, no judgment
✅ Questions welcome

📍 Auburn Senior Community Center, 48 Pettingill Park, Auburn, Maine

06/22/2026

We're honored to receive the 2026 President's Award from the Maine Public Health Association - an award recognizing organizations and individuals whose contributions make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of Maine people and communities.

At CEI, we believe that economic opportunity and public health are deeply connected. Access to quality jobs, affordable housing, child care, healthy food, and thriving local businesses all help create the conditions people need to live healthy, prosperous lives.

Thank you, MPHA! We are humbled to be included among this year's award recipients. This recognition reflects the work of our staff, partners, clients, and community members across Maine who are building stronger, more equitable communities together.

06/16/2026

In Brunswick, Nicole Testa is building a print studio rooted in creativity and community.

Cobra Queen Printing is a working print studio, run solely by Nicole. Nicole focuses on apparel printing, with an emphasis on high-quality products and thoughtful customer service.

From custom pieces to artist collaborations, Cobra Queen is a space where bold, colorful ideas take shape and where local businesses and artists can bring their work to life.

✨ Read more about Nicole’s work and story at the link in our bio.

06/07/2026

Check in on your business and connect in real life.

Join us for Biz Fit LIVE at Sea Hag Cider Co. for an afternoon of reflection, real talk, and community. We’ll explore what’s working in your business, where you want to grow, and how to stay on track, all while enjoying cider and good company.

📅 June 23
⏰ 4:00–6:00 pm
📍 Rockport, ME

Register today and bring a friend 🍎

06/05/2026

We'd like to extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors for the 2026 Women Mean Business Summit event. Their generosity and support have helped bring all of us together at the 2026 Summit to educate, share ideas, and network with one another to strengthen our community of woman owned small businesses!

Many of these organizations support CEI and our Women's Business Centers year-round, helping us reach more female entrepreneurs across the state.

In addition to our event sponsors, we want to acknowledge the SBA (, ). Our Women's Business Centers are funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and we are grateful for their ongoing partnership.

Our Silver Sponsors include:
Franklin Savings Bank ()
Spruce Mountain Wealth Partners

Our Bronze Sponsors include:
Bangor Savings Bank ()
Maine Technology Institute (MTI) ()
Maine Community Bank ()
Norway Savings Bank ()
Key Bank ()
M&T Bank ()

Funder:
SBA: Funded in Part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All Opinions, conclusions, and /or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

06/04/2026

TOMORROW 8:00-9:30 AM! Join us for a business check-in, and get ready to see real progress.

Join our June Biz Fit for a 90-minute reset on your business goals and “vital signs.” Reflect on what’s working, share ideas in small groups, and leave with clear next steps for the rest of the year.

No prep. Just bring your coffee and join us.
📅 June 5
⏰ 8:00–9:30 am
📍 Online

Register and invite a friend!

Address

2 Portland Fish Pier
Portland, ME
04101

Website

http://www.ceimaine.org/women

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