All links and resources are courtesy of Maine Small Business Development Centers

DECD Economic Development Team

In 1987, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) was established to provide cabinet-level attention to the issues of economic and community development in Maine. DECD offers programs in the areas of business development, tourism and community development. These programs are designed to further the overall mission of DECD, which is to: Facilitate and coordinate the development of policies and programs for economic and community development; Work with municipalities as well as regional planning and economic development organizations to implement those programs; Encourage the creation and retention of quality jobs through increased private-sector involvement.

Go to DECD

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Assistance for existing Maine businesses planning to expand is available through DECD’s Office of Business Development, which offers a wide range of resources and incentives.

Go to Business Development

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Opportunity for Maine business means opportunity for Maine people. The mission at the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) is to help Maine businesses grow, expand and succeed.

Go to FAME

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The mission of the Maine International Trade Center (MITC) is to expand Maine's economy through increased international trade in goods and services, and related activities.

Go to MITC

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The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maine MEP) is part of a nationwide network of not-for-profit centers whose sole purpose is to provide small and medium-sized businesses with the help and solutions they need to succeed. There are Centers in all 50 states, linked together through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Whether a business is trying to improve a process or start a new one, whether it wants to help its employees work more efficiently or automate the shop, whether it wants to computerize the office or computerize the shop floor, the Solutions People at Maine MEP can help.

Go to MEP

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Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) provide comprehensive business management assistance, training and information services to Maine's micro and small business community. Maine SBDC is a partnership program of the U. S. Small Business Administration.

Go to Maine SBDC

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Established by the Maine Legislature in 1999, the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is a non-profit organization created to encourage, promote, stimulate and support research and development activity leading to commercialization of new products and services in the State's technology intensive sectors.

Go to MTI

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The Maine DECD Office of Tourism conducts the overall marketing program for the State of Maine; the Office provides information and assistance to those in the tourism industry.

Go to Maine Tourism

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