Sanford Growth

10/22/2026

Hello Everyone! We are excited about this hiring event taking place at 25 Westview Drive in Sanford, Maine, on October 27th, 2026.

Some great employers will be there to talk with you, like Polyvantis, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Sanford School Department, York County Community College, UPS, and more!

Find a new career or learn about training options!

10/19/2026

The Sweat- Morin Homestead received a huge make over/restoration at couple of years ago. In July 2025, they opened for you to the visit the Homestead on Saturdays, April through October and also walk the trails. You can experience life during the Ben Franklin and George Washington era.

This event sounds awesome!!!

Tavern Night at the Sweat-Morin Homestead at 347 School St, with bonfire, light food, scary stories, and some eerie visiting guests. They already sold out for the 30th, so they added the 31st. Check it out!

Raise your flask for an evening of colonial cheer! Friday sold out, so reserve your Saturday spot before tickets disappear into the dark! IMPORTANT UPDATEDue to overwhelming registrations for the […]

10/15/2026

Don't forget AutumnFest this Saturday from Noon to 4pm. This is an event that everyone loved and the Chamber is bringing back!

Many different vendors, events, games and food planned. See you at The Pond!

09/29/2026

Yay!! We love this event and an opportunity for businesses to get people into their establishments. Businesses - you can participate with building your scarecrow, and maybe run a business "special" every time someone comes in to take a selfie. Or, shares their selfie online and tags your business! Be creative and have fun!!

It's time to sign up for Sanford Scarecrows! Calling all businesses and organizations that want to have a little fun this fall. Join the 6th Annual Selfies with Sanford Scarecrows event. For more information and to sign up: https://forms.gle/sd1XxNxDBSo6mWDq5

09/23/2026

The Seacoast Shipyard Association has released the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Economic Impact CY 2025.

Once again, Sanford/Springvale tops the number of civilian employees at the Shipyard at 571. That also represents $54,917,475 in annual payroll. Way to go Sanford!

Maine also tops all other states in number of employees, and by a whopping $136M in payroll. Way to go Maine!

During a meeting with PNSY management this month, we learned its operations are expanding, and they have a goal to bring on at least 750 more employees. These are high paying jobs that bring income into our community.

If you, or someone you know needs a job, and thinks a career at a shipyard sounds interesting, check out Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Official website of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), the largest of the U.S. Navy's five system commands. With a force of 84,000 civilian, military and contract support personnel, NAVSEA engineers, builds, buys and maintains the Navy's ships and submarines and their combat systems.

09/09/2026

08/31/2026

Can you see it?? I can!!!

It may not be ready today, but very soon a chill vibe, good food, and a great gathering spot is opening. Mousam River Bistro.

08/26/2026

🏙️ NEW $150,000 LOAN FUND FOR DOWNTOWN SANFORD!

Big news for Sanford businesses and property owners! 🎉

Partners Bank and the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council have launched the Sanford Downtown Revolving Loan Program, providing up to $150,000 in total funding through loans of up to $50,000.

💰 Funds can help support:
• Business expansion
• Equipment & inventory
• Working capital
• Operational upgrades
• Commercial property improvements
• Redevelopment of vacant or underused spaces

The best part? As loans are repaid, the funds are reinvested into future downtown projects—creating an ongoing source of capital to support Sanford's business community.

This is another great example of what can happen when local organizations work together to invest in downtown Sanford and create opportunities for growth. ❤️

Interested in learning more or seeing if your project may qualify? Contact the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council at 207-324-9155.

A stronger downtown starts with investment—and we're excited to help make it happen!

08/26/2026

***Hello Growth Council Friends! Community Input Needed!! The vote and survey below, put out by the City of Sanford, is part of the community portion of the Comprehensive Plan. Your vote counts***

August Question of the Month
Vote for the Plan's Vision Statement!

The August Question of the Month Series will focus on the vision statement for the Comprehensive Plan. Follow the link below to vote for your favorite vision statement and provide feedback. The statement with the most votes will be included in the Comprehensive Plan!

Click Here to Vote! https://engageberrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/Sanford/vision-statement-voting

Take Survey
https://www.sanfordmeconnects.com/comprehensive-plan/surveys/august-question-of-the-month

Vote for the Plan's Vision Statement!The August Question of the Month Series will focus on the vision statement for the Comprehensive Plan. Follow the link below to vote for your favorite vision statement and provide feedback. The statement with the most votes will be included in the Comprehensi...

08/03/2026

🌟 Big news for downtown Sanford business owners! 🌟

Looking to start up, move to, or grow your business in the Sanford Downtown District?

The Sanford Downtown Revolving Loan Fund (SDRLF)—funded by Partners Bank—in partnership with the Sanford Growth Council, is here to help you secure some financing you may need.

🛠️ What can you use the funds for?
Renovations (Interior/exterior fixes, signs, awnings)
Equipment (Furniture, fixtures, machinery)
Working Capital (Including moving expenses)

📋 Who is eligible?
Property owners or businesses that are operating within the downtown boundary streets (immediate downtown) who:
Can prove property ownership or a valid lease
Are current on all City of Sanford taxes
Have matching funds ready for the project (if required)
Can secure all required permits

The program is proudly administered by the Southern Maine Finance Agency (SMFA). Conditions apply.

For more info contact the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council. 207-608-4176.