Business owners work hard to grow revenues, promote their visions, and bring jobs and prosperity to themselves and their community. Wow, that takes a lot of strength. If you, or someone you know, own a business, here are some groups and organizations that can provide various kinds of support.
 
 
State of Maine - The state web site has info ranging from forms and licensing to free guides from federal, state, and regional resources.
 
EMDC -Eastern Maine Development Corporation is a non-profit founded by area business people to help fellow businesses succeed. Under the auspices of EMDC there are other entities to assist your business with procurement, financing, and marketing, as well as business planning and training. These services are provided at no cost.
 
KVCOG- Kennebec Valley Council of Governments works with small and medium sized manufacturing firms to assist them in becoming globally competitive.
 
Coastal Enterprises Institute (CEI) and the Women's Business Center -  CEI is a private, non-profit Community Development Corporation, while the Women's Business Center is a joint venture of CEI and the SBA (Small Business Administration). The Women's Center holds special events for women business owners and has an online directory.
 
NAWBO - This non-profit, dues-based organization, with chapters all over the U.S., has only one chapter in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, and that chapter is in Bangor. Putting emphasis on business support, networking, and encouragement, this group offers programs and opportunities only for business owners, aiding them in getting involved nationally and internationally.
 
Chamber of Commerce- Every region has a Chamber of Commerce whose goal is to advance the interest of businesses in the community. Non-profit as well as for- profit businesses may join and benefit from the networking. In addition, educational and legislative opportunities exist. 
 
NFIB- The NFIB is the National Federation of Independent Business, a group that represents small businesses. While it has the role of managing both small and large, for- profit and non-profit interests, NFIB works for business owners and offers discounts to members on products and services. 
 
Next week we'll share social networking ideas for your business.
 
For WABI-TV5 web site
    State of Maine web site [ http://www.maine.gov/portal/business/ ]http://www.maine.gov/portal/business/
    KVCOG [ http://www.kvcog.org/otherbusiness.htm ]http://www.kvcog.org/otherbusiness.htm
    EMDC web site  [ http://www.emdc.org/ ]http://www.emdc.org/
    Coastal Enterprises Institute [ http://www.ceimaine.org/ ]http://www.ceimaine.org/

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