STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

The Abilities Fund
Centerville Office
410 N 18th St
Centerville, IA 52544-1823
Telephone: 641-856-2173
Toll Free: 888-222-8943
Fax: 641-856-3101

Iowa City Office
332 South Linn Street, Suite #17
Iowa City, IA 52240
Telephone: 319-338-2521
Toll Free: 866-720-3863
Fax: 319-338-2528
URL: http://www.abilitiesfund.org/

"This summer The Abilities Fund, together with a national lending partner, will launch a nationwide direct loan program for entrepreneurs with disabilities. In 45 states, loan guarantees will also be available to as a means to secure loans for entrepreneurs. Flexible terms and competitive interest rates for microloans ranging from $500 - $25,000 will be offered.

In support of new microlending services, The Abilities Fund will be expanding its online presence to include training and technical assistance. Soon, people with disabilities nationwide will have 24-hour access to features such as Feasibility First ©, business plan development, and financial planning for business startup -- all of which are resources designed to prepare entrepreneurs with disabilities for self-employment."

Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments(AVCOG)
125 Manely Road, Auburn, ME 04210
Phone: (207) 783-9186
Fax: (207) 783-5211
URL: http://www.avcog.org/

• Business Services
  URL: http://www.avcog.org/business_home.php

"AVCOG offers a variety or services and programs targeted directly to businesses in the tri-county area. The AVCOG Region encompasses the Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties of Maine."

Biddeford-Saco Area Economic Development Corporation/Micro-Loan Fund
110 Main Street, Suite 1202, Sacro, ME 04072
Phone: (207) 282-1748
Fax: (207) 282-3149
E-mail: info@bsaedc.org
URL: http://www.bsaedc.org/

Geographic Area Served: Arundel, Biddeford, Buxton, Dayton, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Lyman, Old Orchard Beach,, and Saco communities in Maine (Rural)
Mission: To provide capital and other services to industrial services to industrial and commercial enterprises that employ low-income people and expand the property tax base while maintaining the environment and quality of life in our communities.

Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) Women's Business Development Program (WBDP)
Betsy Tipper, Telecommunications Business Counselor
36 Water Street, PO Box 268, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Phone: (207) 882-7552
Fax: (207) 882-7308
E-mail: cei@ceimaine.org
URL: http://www.ceimaine.org/

Our purposes are to: Provide financial and technical assistance for development and expansion of industries, small businesses, housing and social services; Mobilize private and public resources to support innovative projects that meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities; Create social and economic opportunities for individuals and families at risk of poverty; Engage in research and policy development; Increase public awareness and policy debate to facilitate self-determination and empowerment of people and communities; Serve as a model in the U.S. and internationally for the private and public sectors to distribute resources and focus policies more equitably for social and economic justice.

• Link to Area Offices
  URL: http://www.ceimaine.org/mambo/contact/catid,87/Itemid,3/

Community Concepts, Inc.
17-19 Market Square/PO Box 278, South Paris, ME 04281
Phone: (207) 743-7716
Fax: (207) 743-6513
E-mail: dflorenz@community-concepts.org
URL: http://www.community-concepts.org/microenterprise/microenterprise.htm

"Community Concepts Inc. operates out of four regional offices within Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties. If you're looking to visit an office, see our Directions."

EnterpriseMaine
150 Main Street, South Paris, ME 04281-1469
Phone: (207) 743-8830
Fax: (207) 743-5917
URL: http://www.enterprisemaine.com/

"EnterpriseMaine is a family of community-based non-profit organizations and for profit subsidiaries dedicated to creating economic opportunity and enhancing the quality of life in rural western Maine. Our mission, Building tomorrow's economy...today" reflects our focus on leading and assisting our communities, businesses and people to successfully compete in the new economy. EnterpriseMaine organizations provide professional, confidential 1:1 services to businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs."

Eastern Maine Development Corporation (Microenterprise Program)
40 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: (207) 942-6389 or Toll Free: (800) 339-6389
Fax: (207) 942-3548
URL: http://www.emdc.org/

"EMDC's goals are aimed at improving quality of life for people who live and work in Eastern Maine by enhancing economic and community development. We will help your business expand and grow in Eastern Maine, whether you are a start-up, a micro-business or an established business of any size ."

• Business Development
  URL: http://www.emdc.org/business/index.cfm

Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center
40 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04402
Phone: (800) 339-6389 or (207) 942-6389
E-mail: maineptac@emdc.org
URL: http://www.maineptac.org/

The Maine PTAC is part of a nationwide network of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, or PTACs, that helps Maine small businesses obtain government contracts with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local governments and federal prime contractors. Let us show you how we are Maine’s Best Government Market Business Resource.

Maine Development Foundation
45 Memorial Circle, Augusta ME 04330
Phone: (207) 622-6345
Fax: (207) 622-6346
E-mail: mdf@mdf.org
URL: http://www.mdf.org/

Northern Maine Development Commission
11 West Presque Isle Road / P.O. Box 779, Caribou, ME 04736
Phone: (207) 498-8736 or (800)427-8736
Fax: (207) 493-3108
URL: http://www.nmdc.org/

Service Area: Aroostook, Piscataquis, Washington, Penobscot and Hancock. Providing Economic and Community Development, Business Finance, Small Business Counseling and Planning Services

Penquis Community Action Program
262 Harlow Street, PO Box 1162, Bangor, ME 04402
Phone: (207) 973-3500
TDD: (207) 973-3520
Fax: (207) 973-3699
URL: http://www.penquiscap.org/penquis.nsf/webpages/Economic+Development

Geographic Area Served: Penobscot and Piscataquis, Maine (Rural, Urban)
Mission: To use microenterprise development as a catalyst for economic and community development.

• Link to Area Offices
  URL: http://www.penquiscap.org/penquis.nsf/webpages/Contact+Us

University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service
5741 Libby Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5741
Phone: (207) 581-3188 or (800) 287-0274 (in Maine)
TDD: 1-800-287-8957 (in Maine)
Fax: (207) 581-1387
E-mail: tnelson@umext.maine.edu
URL: http://www.umext.maine.edu/

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension (UMCE) is the major educational outreach program of the University of Maine, with offices statewide. UMCE provides Maine people with research-based educational programs to help them live fuller, more productive lives.