New Ventures Maine marketing mini-grant program strengthens access to markets for entrepreneurs by supporting the development of professional, well-planned marketing tools, materials, and activities. Under the program NVME awards cash mini-grants (up to $400) to micro-enterprises for marketing projects via a competitive process.
A total of $400 is available in the June, 2016 grant cycle for businesses in the Western Region that includes Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. The theme this spring is Downtown Dollars. Priority will be given to projects located in or aimed at increased sales presence in Main Street Maine or Maine Downtown Network Communities. Western Maine Downtown Network Communities include Kingfield, Lisbon, Norway and Rumford. Please go to the website www.newventuesmaine.org for information on mini-grant competitions in other regions of the state.
Eligible businesses for the mini-grant are 5 years old or less and employ 5 or fewer full time employees. Not-for-profit organizations or businesses are not eligible. A 25 percent match of the prize amount will be required. Mini‐grants support new or expanded business marketing and promotion, not the production of products or purchase of equipment, tools, furnishings, or other fixed assets. Professional licenses and/or fees will not be funded.
To be considered for a mini-grant, entrepreneurs need to complete a one page application form and submit it by 5 pm on Friday, June 17. Winners will be announced by June 30. Please contact Karleen Andrews the Microenterprise Specialist for NVME Western Region for mini-grant application and guidelines.
Completed applications should be mailed to Karleen Andrews, New Ventures Maine, 108 Perham St., Farmington, ME 04938 or e-mail karleen.andrews@maine.edu
New Ventures Maine, administrated by the University of Maine in Augusta, is the only statewide organization offering skills development and support in the three areas of career planning, entrepreneurship and financial management. Please visit their website at newventuresmaine.org to learn more about all their services.
