PLANNING TO BEGIN A SMALL BUSINESS IN MAINE

This web guide is intended to provide both general and specific free internet resources that will be
beneficial for consideration when planning to begin a small business in the state of Maine.

Where to Start--The United States Government

The United States government offers a wide variety of free resources to those interested in starting a
business.  While not all are specific to the state of Maine, these resources provide important information
for small business planning.

U.S. Small Business Administration
This site is a must-see for anyone planning to start a business.  Along with providing a toll-free telephone
number (found at the on-line library link) for asking questions regarding starting a small business, the links
offered at this site include “Starting Your Business,” where you will find “First Steps” to take when
planning a business, and a “Startup Kit,” which addresses issues such as finding the money you will need
to start your business and other assistance that the Small Business Administration can offer.

State and County QuickFacts:  U.S. Census Bureau
This link from the U.S. Census Bureau offers “State and County QuickFacts” about the state of Maine,
including population and population growth, as well as business information, such as retail sales figures
and number of private businesses.  Additionally, the site will allow you to look at similar figures on a
county by county basis.

Internal Revenue Service (Small Business/SelfEmployed)
Specifically established by the IRS for small businesses with less than $10 million in assets, this site offers
free resources useful to the small business owner or for one planning a small business, including business
news, information about the small business mailing list, and links to general business information.

Where to Start--General Internet Resources

There are many free resources available on the internet that will help meet business planning needs.

Quicken.com-Small Business
While some areas of this site require "joining" the site by providing an email address and receiving a password, the "Start a Business," "Run a Business" and "Grow a Business" links include very useful and free planning ideas, articles, and tips.

Yahoo Finance Message Boards
This section of Yahoo Finance allows access to business related messages that have been posted to the message board along with responses that have been provided to the messages.  This is an interesting way to see issues that others planning small businesses have faced.  Posting to the message board is also allowed; however, a Yahoo email account is required.

Yahoo Business Chat
This resource, also requiring a Yahoo email account, allows for useful exchange between those planning a small business and those with business experience.

Where to Start--Maine Government

Business related branches of the Maine government offer important resources to those interested in establishing a new business in the state of Maine.  These free resources are crucial to planning a business in Maine.

The Business section of the State of Maine Site
The abundance of Maine specific business information makes this site one of the best free resource available on the internet.  The "Business Resources" link includes information ranging from taxes to available grants.

State Incentives
This site identifies and explains Maine's incentive programs offered to businesses.  Maine's Business Equipment Property Tax Reimbursement, which is offered to any Maine business that pays property taxes on qualified business property,  is only one example of the incentives that Maine offers to businesses.

Maine Development Foundation
Important links from this site include the Maine Downtown Center, which explores communities interested in revitalizing their downtown areas, and Maine Economic Indicators Program, which provides important data regarding the state's economic health.

Maine Labor Market Information
Along with information concerning Maine's unemployment rate and wages, free Maine Labor Department publications can be ordered from this site.

Maine Economic Development Directory
This site serves as a directory of business related information that has been divided geographically within the state.  Links here include area Chambers of Commerce and other "economic growth" related sites.

Maine Newspapers

Many Maine communities have small local newspapers that report on specific community business issues.  Three of Maine's major newspapers that offer a "business section" have been included here, along with a business news resource that reports on state wide issues.

Portland Press Herald
Portland's newspaper is a good resource to find out about business matters specific to southern Maine.

The Lewiston Sun Journal
The Sun Journal covers business matters in the central and western areas of the state.

The Bangor Daily News
Bangor's newspaper's business section, covering northern Maine, requires a no-fee registration.

Mainebiz
Published every two weeks, the Mainebiz site makes selected articles available at no cost.  Subscription information is also included.

Maine Libraries

Along with the Maine State Library, many large and small Maine communities have public libraries that may be valuable resources in small business planning by providing either community information or access to business collections.

Maine Libraries
While not all public libraries are represented here, this convenient list of links allows for direct access to library web pages.


This web guide was prepared by W. Lynn Bivens,  June 2002.