Sanford Growth

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.

07/30/2026

07/30/2026

🌱 Looking to jumpstart your career in Maine’s growing clean energy sector?

🔋The Sanford Regional Economic Development Council (SREGC) just launched the Green Futures Scholarship Program to help local students power up their education and training!

Whether you are studying electrical technology, HVAC, renewable energy, or sustainability, there is funding available to help you succeed.

Two Types of Awards Available:
$1,000 Toolship Awards: Covers the cost of tools, gear, uniforms, and safety equipment.
$2,000 Scholarships: Covers college tuition, university fees, books, and training expenses.

🎯 Who is Eligible?
You must be enrolled or admitted to a higher education, certificate, or approved career training program in a green energy field.🌟

Bonus points! Preference is given to applicants who:
Live in Sanford, Maine
📍Plan to attend or are attending the YCCC Center of Excellence for Manufacturing & Trades (CEMT) in Sanford
🛠️Are current or former students of the Sanford Regional Technical Center

📩 How to Apply:

Complete the form and email your proof of enrollment, resume, and an optional letter of recommendation directly to Keith McBride at [email protected].

Shape Maine’s clean energy future today! 🌍✨

07/23/2026

🎉 Huge congratulations to Ryan Alexander, the recipient of the inaugural 2026 Sanford Green Futures Scholarship! ⚡️

🌱Ryan is a recent Sanford High School graduate heading to Southern Maine Community College this fall to study Electrical Engineering Technologies. Having grown up working in his family’s electrical business, Ryan is already building the skills to power Maine's clean energy future!

Beyond his technical talents, Ryan is a dedicated community volunteer and former SHS multi-sport varsity athlete. We are incredibly proud to support him on his journey.

Special thanks to Walden Renewables for funding this program through their community benefit agreement with the city, making these vital Toolship Awards and Training & Education Scholarships possible.

Join us in celebrating Ryan's hard work and wishing him the best of luck this fall! 🎓👏

07/20/2026

Building a Stronger Sanford, Together! 💼

Ever wonder what the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council (SREGC) actually does?

Behind the scenes, we are working every single day to diversify our city's tax base, support local business owners, create sustainable jobs, and drive economic development across the Sanford-Springvale region! 📈

Here is a quick look at how we are actively shaping our community's future:

Direct Business Support: We publish "A Guide to Doing Business in Sanford" to take the guesswork out of local codes and planning. Plus, our dedicated Small Business Advocate is available to answer questions and walk you through every stage of business operations.

💰Funding & Resource Connections: We connect local entrepreneurs with vital resources, including low-interest loans, grants, and technical assistance training to help small businesses thrive.

📑TIF & Policy Stewardship: We analyze and vet Tax Increment Financing (TIF) requests to ensure every project brings concrete, sustainable costs-versus-benefits value straight to our community.

🏗️ Industrial & Commercial Growth: Through our partnership with the Industrial Development Corp, we are opening new manufacturing and business development spaces, including commercial lot sub-divisions right on Eagle Drive!

🌱Environmental Cleanup: We actively utilize Federal grant funds to review local brownfield sites, pushing cleanup efforts forward like the local IW Mill boiler house.

⚓ Regional Economic Ties: Did you know Sanford-Springvale sends the largest number of civilian employees to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard? We keep structural expansion dialogues open to ensure our local workforce continues to thrive.

Whether you are launching a brand-new startup, expanding your current facility, or looking for development incentives, SREGC is here to advocate for your success. 🤝🔗 Ready to grow with us? Download our Small Business Guide or connect directly with our staff at https://sanfordgrowth.com

Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council. We work each day to improve the economy in the Sanford Springvale region. York County is Maine’s gateway and has much to offer the business community. We stand ready to work with companies and meet their needs.

06/04/2026

UPDATE! Line up for this Friday, June 5th!

SPREAD THE NEWS!! The Hangar Food Truck Park at Sanford Airport (SFM) has you covered with this lineup for the day:

BREAKFAST
1. Belle’s Coffee 6am to 1pm
2. Griddle Kings 7am to 11:30am

LUNCH & DINNER
3. Stop Drop N Roll 11a -6p
4. Gotta Be Franks 11a-6p
5. Crescent City 12p to 6p

DESSERT!
6. The Treat Truck 12p – 9p

Keep up to date by following the Hangar Food Truck Park, Sanford
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588707562464

NEW SPOT ALERT in Sanford!

Looking for the ultimate weekend hangout? The Hangar Food Truck Park is now officially OPEN at the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport!

Grab some incredible local eats and watch planes take off right from the active airfield.

Here is what you need to know:
📍 Where: 199 Airport Road, Sanford, ME
🕒 Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
🍟 Food: A rotating lineup of barbecue, burgers, egg rolls, and desserts
✈️ Vibe: Covered pavilion, outdoor patio, and front-row seats to runway action
🚁 Bonus: Catch scenic helicopter rides for just $30 per person! This was Opening Weekend Only!

Bring the family, watch the sky, and try something new every time you visit. Get the latest truck schedules and updates!

Food that sparks joy View fullsize Fresh flavors, playful twists, pure yum every day. Who We Are The Hangar is a food truck court located at the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport, bringing together the best local food trucks in a one-of-a-kind open-air setting. Whether you're a pilot, a passenger, o...

05/28/2026

Big Wins & Bright Lights for SHS Key Club! 🏆

Our Sanford High School Key Club has been busy making us proud! From community service to regional competitions, these students are proving what leadership is all about.

Check out their latest highlights: DECON Dominance: The crew headed to Springfield, MA, for the District Convention in March and cleaned up!

-1st Place: Talent Contest
-1st Place: Club Video
-2nd Place: Oratorical Contest

Special shoutout to Kyle Landry for receiving the Advisor Award! And high five to advisors Kyle Landry and Payton Orino for guiding this amazing group of 40+ students! "..It's really their club" Orino said.

The Lighthouse Project: Have you seen the Agora wall lately? In partnership with Erika’s Lighthouse, our students designed a massive display to support youth mental health awareness. It’s a beautiful reminder that no one has to struggle in silence.

Community First: Halloween Boo-Bags, babysitting nights, holiday ornament painting, awareness and fundraising, this group is always finding new ways to give back to our community from kids to our elderly.

These young leaders offer valuable perspectives that serve as an example to us all. We could certainly take a page out of their book!

Want to join the legacy? Key Club has been a Sanford staple since 1959 and is open to ALL students. Stop by the main office or meet us in the Agora on Mondays at 6 pm to see how you can make a difference!