Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship

05/13/2026

ACT NOW: Makers and product-based entrepreneurs ready to grow, this is a strong opportunity to build skills, connect with peers, and take the next step in your business!

Applications are open for The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Virtual Summer 2026 Program, a free 12-week program offered through Main Street America’s Small Business Hub.

This program is designed for small-scale producers, artisans, creators, and makers who are ready to scale their operations, strengthen e-commerce, and turn production capacity into increased sales.

Participants will join a cohort of 30 entrepreneurs for:

• Expert-led virtual sessions
• Self-paced learning
• Peer-to-peer support
• Practical guidance on scaling, online sales, and revenue growth

Program dates: June 16–September 3, 2026
Application deadline: June 7, 2026
Cost: Free

Eligible applicants should make or finish a product in their community, be ready to grow one or more areas of their business, and be able to commit 1–2 hours per week.

Learn more and apply here:

The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Virtual Summer 2026 Program, hosted on Main Street America’s Small Business Hub, will bring 30 small-scale producers, makers, artisans and creators together for a summer of facilitated and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.   This high-impact, hybrid lear...

04/02/2026

We want to hear from you!

Small business owners are the backbone of our communities, and many are facing real challenges. From rising costs and staffing shortages to shifting customer expectations and economic uncertainty, we need to do more to support local businesses in our communities. That's why Main Street launched this spring small business survey.

https://nationalmainstreet.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eDP5a2WQGjgqbtk

02/17/2026

Maine Development Foundation is partnering with the Maine State Chamber of Commerce to gather input on the state’s economic climate, key challenges, and emerging opportunities.

If you are a business owner, executive, or employer, please consider completing the Maine Economic Vision 2035 Survey. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes and your feedback will directly inform the 2026 statewide economic report (formerly known as Making Maine Work).

Participation is confidential, and your insights will help shape future policy and investment decisions across Maine.

Take the survey here:
https://us1se.voxco.com/S2/8/MEV35/?mod=0&dlang=en

MDF is working with the Maine State Chamber of Commerce to gather your thoughts and perspectives on the state’s economic climate, challenges, and opportunities. We are asking business leaders and employers to please fill out the Maine Economic Vision 2035 Survey. It should take only about 10 minutes of your time: https://us1se.voxco.com/S2/8/MEV35/?mod=0&dlang=en

Your responses will directly inform the 2026 report (formerly known as Making Maine Work) and help ensure your voice is reflected in future decisions. Participation is confidential. Thank you!

Yellow Light Breen

02/11/2026

Friends, neighbors, and supporters — Main Street Skowhegan has been nominated for Best Non-Profit Organization in the Morning Sentinel Readers’ Choice Awards.

If you believe in strong downtowns, local businesses, and community-driven work, we’d be honored to have your support.

Take a moment to nominate Main Street Skowhegan here:
https://www.centralmaine.com/2026/01/29/morning-sentinel-readers-choice-2026/ #/gallery?group=536090

It only takes a minute, and your support helps highlight the work being done right here in Skowhegan. Thank you for being part of it!

02/10/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to the local businesses who help make Somerset SnowFest possible by donating to our raffle and supporting winter fun in our community.

A big thank you to:
• Campbell's Ace Hardware - Skowhegan, ME — Skowhegan
• Walmart Skowhegan — Skowhegan
• The River Jack Tavern — Fairfield
• Tractor Supply Co. — Skowhegan
• Six Penny Jug — Norridgewock

Their generosity helps bring events like SnowFest to life. If you’re able, please consider supporting these businesses and thanking them for giving back to our region.

02/05/2026

This blog post by Main Street Skowhegan President & CEO, Kristina Cannon highlights how coordinated efforts, business support, and community-driven initiatives are positioning Skowhegan as a rural development hub.

We’re honored to be part of this work and to support the entrepreneurs helping move our region forward.

Read the full blog post here:
https://mainstreetskowhegan.org/main-street-skowhegan-a-rural-development-hub/

Skowhegan is more than just a town, it’s a community with deep roots, natural beauty, and boundless potential. At Main Street Skowhegan, our mission is to strengthen our local economy, support small businesses, and create opportunities that make life better for everyone who calls this place home. ...

01/29/2026

Small business owners, time is running out.

The deadline to apply for a Marketing Mini Grant is tomorrow, Jan. 30. If you’re planning marketing or outreach projects this year, don’t miss this opportunity for financial support.

Apply here:
https://newventuresmaine.org/about-us/more-services/marketing-mini-grants/

Looking ahead to spring, New Ventures Maine is offering a class titled, Cyber Security for Small Businesses, offering practical guidance to help protect your operations and customer data.

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

01/27/2026

Main Street Skowhegan recently celebrated 20 years of supporting our local community. Whether you opened your doors a year ago or fifty, your story is part of Skowhegan’s larger narrative.

If you’re building something here, growing something here, or carrying on a legacy here, we encourage you to be part of this project and help preserve Skowhegan’s entrepreneurial story for generations to come.

Skowhegan businesses have stories worth preserving.

We’re inviting local businesses to reserve a spot in the 2026 coffee table book, Made in Skowhegan: From River Banks to Main Street. This publication will celebrate the history, character, and impact of the businesses that have shaped Skowhegan through compelling photography and storytelling.

Do you have a memorable story about your business, your founders, or the building you call home? Your feature can highlight not only what you do today, but also the legacy, nostalgia, and history behind it. This is an opportunity to honor your place in Skowhegan’s story and help preserve it for generations to come.

Sizes include single photos up to two-page spreads, but space is limited. Join us in capturing the people, places, and businesses that make Skowhegan unique.

LEARN MORE:
https://mainstreetskowhegan.org/made-in-skowhegan/