SMALL FAMILY FARM AND INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
Small family farms and independent businesses are one of the most iconic and important parts of Maine’s rural economy. Many of these, like Welch Farm in Roque Bluffs, have been operating under the same family for well over 100 years. Since 1912, the same family has run Welch Farm, growing blueberries, using farm produce for jams and jellies, and making wreaths for the holiday season. This is the environment that Lisa Hanscom stepped into as the operator of the farm. With the basis of the business well established, Lisa has worked to diversify the farm’s income and ensure the future of the farm for generations to come.
Building on the base of the farm, Lisa worked with the Women’s Business Center to identify new revenue streams. This included some low hanging fruit, specifically, frozen blueberries that could be sold to restaurants and online alongside jams and other value-added products. However, diversifying the business did not stop there, with a cabin rental business, as well as agro-tourism experiences recently added. This takes advantage of Maine’s beautiful landscape, while guests learn about the history of farming in small-town Maine. Lisa has also taken on a leadership role within the Maine blueberry industry, advocating for growers, and developing initiatives that support all growers and value-added producers across the state. To support both her community and the online aspect of the business, Lisa has worked with the USDA Re-Connect program to bring high speed internet to Roque Bluffs, and spent 19 years on the Roque Bluffs Board of Selectmen, advocating for the town and its residents.
Throughout her tenure as owner of Welch Farm, Lisa Hanscom has built on a strong foundation, while laying the groundwork for the future. Whether it is adding new revenue through cabin rentals and value added products, bringing faster internet to town, or teaching her grandson to show tourists the process of blueberry farming, Lisa has shown that even the smallest towns can build the strongest businesses. For all of her efforts to enhance her family’s 113 year old farm, and her strong advocacy for her town and industry, the Small Business Administration is pleased to name Welch Farm, owned by Lisa Hanscom, as its 2025 Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Business of the Year for Maine.
