AUGUSTA — For over 10 years, New Ventures Maine has provided grants to boost business growth for new and existing small businesses in the state through its Marketing Mini-Grants program. The grants enable businesses to create and complete targeted marketing projects that can reach new customers, assist with brand recognition and increase sales.
“The mini-grants are awarded through a competitive application process, and applicants include individual microbusiness and business partners,” said Alicia LaFosse, microenterprise development program manager for NVME. “The mini-grants support new or expanded business marketing and promotion.”
Mini-grants benefit businesses in southern, western and midcoast Maine, with the winners selected by a panel of local business owners and advisors. Applicants must have five or fewer full-time employees and gross annual sales of no more than $150,000.
A longtime supporter of the program, Norway Savings Bank was pleased to donate $3,000 to NVME to assist in providing new paths to success for small businesses. NSB has contributed over $30,000 to the organization in recent years.
“Norway Savings is continually impressed by NVME’s dedication in helping Maine people become equipped to navigate a changing economy and achieve economic security for themselves and their families,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank.
NVME empowers individuals to define and achieve their career, self-employment, and financial goals, and thanks to free classes and individual coaching, the organization helps people find career, business, and financial stability.
“These services and the special programs like the Marketing Mini-Grant initiative lead to concrete progress and economic development,” said Walsh. “We’re proud to offer assistance to their efforts and grateful for NVME’s purpose.”
To learn more about NVME, explore its many workshops and programs, and discover how you can get started, visit www.newventuresmaine.org. To check out just some of the many NVME success stories, head to www.newventuresmaine.org/news/participant-stories.
