National Entrepreneurship Week, Feb. 15-22, 2020
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Biddeford and Saco will celebrate business owners and their entrepreneurial spirit during National Entrepreneurship Week, Feb. 15-22, 2020. With a growing number of retail, service and industrial companies in the two cities, three events will be offered to promote discussion, collaboration, education and awareness of key business resources for businesses at each stage of development. All events are free. Friday’s event has limited seating, so advance tickets are required.
Starting a Successful Business in Saco: It’s Happening!
Tuesday, February 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: PeoplesChoice Credit Union, 23 Industrial Park Road Saco
Please join Saco Main Street for a round table discussion with local businesses. Saco Main Street presents several owners of new and seasoned Saco businesses who will share their experiences and offer informed advice to better help entrepreneurs succeed.
SBA Office Hours at ThinkTank Biddeford
Wednesday February 19, 8 – 10 a.m.
ThinkTank Biddeford welcomes Brad Currie, the Southern Maine Senior Area Manager for the U.S. Small Business Administration Maine District Office. He will be holding office hours at ThinkTank Biddeford. The SBA can serve as a fantastic FREE resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Biddeford Entrepreneurs, it is time to take advantage of Brad’s availability to discuss your needs! The intent is to provide local small businesses and entrepreneurs direct access to the free information and resources the SBA provides. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone in the small business community are encouraged to schedule introductory 15 minute sessions with Brad Currie. Learn more about SBA programs, services, export assistance, contracting, loan guaranty programs, veteran programs, SBA online resources, and more. Please be sure to book a 15 minute session by emailing Brad Currie.
Growth Capital
Wednesday, February 19, 4:30-6 p.m.
Location: Furman Gregory Deptula, 215 Main Street, Biddeford
Please join Furman Gregory Deptula, along with Biddeford Savings, a division of Maine Community Bank, for open networking from 4:30-5:00 then a roundtable discussion from 5-6 p.m. on different means of financing the growth of your business. Discussion will include debt equity or hybrid models. This will also include sources of funds in Maine and beyond.
SBA Opportunities with Financing, Exporting and Selling to the Govt.
Thursday, Feb. 20, 8-9 a.m.
Location: Hampton Inn, 48 Industrial Park Road, Saco
Join the Small Business Administration and the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a morning meeting about what the SBA can do for your business in areas such as raising capital, selling overseas, and selling to the government. Brad Currie, the local Senior Area Manager of the SBA, will lead this session. Click here to sign-up to receive a reminder email.
Women Business Owner Panel, with Jeanne Hulit moderating
Friday, Feb. 21, 7:30-9 a.m.
Location: Biddeford Savings Commercial Center, 234 Main Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room
Heart of Biddeford invites the community to a continental breakfast and panel discussion with the women who own some of Biddeford’s favorite businesses! A Biscuits & Co continental breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the panel and discussion ending by 9 a.m. The panel will be moderated by bank president Jeanne Hulit. The following panelists are confirmed Briana Campbell (Time & Tide), Javi Kalback (Ingenious Escape Games), Amity Stoddard (Sellam Circus School), May Ireland (VirtualPeer), and Roxi Suger (angelrox and suger). The session is open to all, but the topics are particularly pertinent to existing women business owners and women considering starting up a business. Discuss the challenges of changing careers, start-up capital, and more. Thanks to generous sponsorship from Biddeford Savings, tickets are free, but limited due to the size of venue and need to plan the catering. Click here to reserve your space.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]