Moosehead Lake Economic Development Corp. – Allen Family Economic Growth Fund

Moosehead Lake Economic Development Corp. – Allen Family Economic Growth Fund is sponsored by Moosehead Lake Economic Development Corp.. Grants to help new business owners start their business in the Moosehead Lake region. Funds may support business start-up operations including planning, market research, and legal filings, as well as façade improvements.

Business Services - Moosehead Lake Economic Development There are several avenues of valuable guidance and support that the MLREDC and area partners and colleagues can offer new businesses. Allen Family Economic Growth Fund Spurs Business Development The Allen Family Economic Growth Fund (Allen Fund) is a program of the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corp (MLREDC).

Its objective is to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial business development in the Moosehead Lake Region by providing small grants and loans to qualified people and businesses that support both the start-up of new business enterprises and the growth of businesses, as well as improvements to business facades (new trial for 2026).

The primary focus of the funding will be to support sustainable new ventures, the creation of quality jobs and assist with enhancement of commercial buildings in our communities. It is intended to be a self-sustaining fund.

The MLREDC will provide grants in the amount up to $2,500 to qualified individuals to support business start-up operations, such as business planning, market research, legal filings, etc. The grant program would seek a 1 to 1 match of other funds. The MLREDC will provide low-interest rate loans (2-4%) in the amount up $50,000 to qualified businesses desiring to start-up and grow their business operations and add jobs.

Larger loans may be approved for projects deemed to provide significant community impact. Funds can be utilized for working capital, equipment purchases, leasehold improvements, marketing, etc., that are directly related to business growth and expansion. Loans over $10,000 may require a match and a job creation requirement.

Façade Improvement Grants (Trial) For a limited trial run in 2026, the MLREDC will provide grants up to $15,000 for businesses to help enhance their building facades. A 1-1 match will be be required, which can be an Allen Fund loan. The Allen Fund will be administered by the MLREDC.

Applications will be available on our website. Once received and deemed complete, a credit check will be conducted, and the applications will be reviewed by the MLREDC loan committee. Façade improvement applicants should also submit sketch and contractor cost estimate.

Upon approval, funds will be disbursed to the applicant. Loan payments will be accounted for by the MLREDC Finance Department.

Questions about the program can be emailed to [email protected] or call the following loan committee members: Telford Allen (207) 299-4522 Steve Levesque (207) 841-9955 Geno Murray (207) 279-6745 Allen Fund Grant Application Revolving Loan Fund Application The MLREDC and its partner non-profit organizations can help developers and businesses find sites to develop their businesses and connect them to realtors.

For assistance, please contact our office at [email protected] . Greenville Business Center Creating jobs in the Moosehead Region When a Montana company was looking to relocate to the Moosehead Region, the MLREDC, in collaboration with the Town of Greenville and Maine Dept. of Economic Development, was able to negotiate a lease of the Greenville Business Center that would bring new jobs to the area.

The business has grown and expanded its operations utilizing the Center’s space. MLREDC, which manages the Business Center for the Town, also made major improvements to the building helping reduce energy costs for the business by adding insulation, heat pumps, LED lighting, furnace upgrades, weather sealing, and new insulated doors.

We are assessing the need to expand the Center and are identifying potential expansion options at the site. One option currently available is to offer long-term leases on 3. 18 acres of commercial/industrial land at the Center site to businesses.

Businesses are invited to construct a building that meets their own needs. The Town is flexible on the lot size depending on the need. Lots will be leased at $0.

25/sq. ft. per year.

The available property features water and sewer lines, three-phase power, and street lighting and is located near a new housing project under development on Spruce Street. Contact Greenville Town Manager Mike Roy at [email protected] for a tour or additional information on the property.

Annual Jobs Fair Aids Businesses with Employee Recruitment We will host our 2nd Annual Job Fair on March 31, 2025, at the Piscataquis Community Secondary School in Guilford at 11:30-2:00 pm for students and then at 2:30-4:00 pm for adults. All business owners in the greater Piscataquis region are encouraged to register by March 27 for this free event to promote your job openings and meet potential candidates.

The challenge of attracting and keeping employees is a constant for businesses throughout Maine, and our region is no exception.

In partnership with the Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) and the Maine Apprenticeship Program, we launched an annual Job Fair to help adults and high school students interested in working in the Moosehead region talk to and match up with local employers, to promote internship and apprenticeship opportunities for businesses and job applicants, and to share our partners’ broad support services and financial incentives to help businesses recruit.

MLREDC advertises the Job Fair throughout central Maine. There is no fee for participating businesses or job applicants. Economic Summit Encourages Economic Innovation The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation hosts an event bi-annually to share perspectives and ideas on smart economic development in our region.

Businesses, community members, investors, developers, and policymakers connect, converse, and collaborate on exciting economic innovation in our region. Our next Economic summit will be held in the fall 2025, and the date will be announced shortly.

Destination Moosehead Lake Destination Moosehead Lake builds local economic vitality through cooperative marketing, community partnerships, and delivery of quality experiences that attract visitors and visitor spending and help position the Moosehead Lake region as an appealing place to live and do business.

Somerset County Economic Development Based in Skowhegan, the SCED works to develop the infrastructure and mix of quality jobs, and support the economic development of Somerset County, Maine. Executive Director Christian Savage can be reached at (207) 474-0166. Piscataquis County Economic Development Based in Dover-Foxcroft, the PCEDC promotes and encourage private and public investment within Piscataquis County, Maine.

Local leaders from businesses, government and non-profits work together to help new or existing businesses to develop, meet goals, and find appropriate locations. Executive Director Angie Arno can be reached at (207) 564-3638. Eastern Maine Development Corporation EMDC foster public-private relationships and leverages resources that help businesses, communities and individuals reach long-term goals and prosperity.

Its integrated programs and individualized services accelerate economic development through this holistic approach. Town services include the Municipal Airport, Shaw Public Library, Public Works, Police, Fire, Recreation, Code Enforcement, Transfer Station and Recycling Center. Town Manager Mike Roy is an active member of MLREDC and makes economic development a priority.

Mike can be reached at 207-695-2421 or [email protected] . Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) Offers financing and training for an equitable economy and just transition to a climate-resilient future. Finance Authority of Maine Offers business assistance programs, including loan insurance programs and investment tax credits, and higher education loan, grant, and scholarship programs.

Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Helps communities and businesses prosper through programs in the following areas: Community Development, Business Development, ConnectMaine, Maine Made, Tourism, Film, Outdoor Recreation, the International Trade Center, and the Technology Institute.

Maine Department of Labor Utilizes the employment and training resources of the State through units: Employment Services, Labor Standards, Rehabilitation Services, Unemployment Compensation, Workforce Research and Information, Paid Family and Medical Leave, and State Workforce Board. Maine Land Use Planning Commission Serves as the planning and zoning authority for the Unorganized Territories of Maine.

Promotes the state’s tourism industry through marketing, comprehensive research, grant funding, and destination development training and technical support. Administers the tax laws of Maine. Small Business Development Corporation Assists entrepreneurs and small businesses through no-cost confidential business advising and training.

Join the MLREDC e-newsletter for updates (typically 3-4 per year) about events, new businesses, economic development success stories, and opportunities for potential investors in Maine’s renowned Moosehead Lake Region.