The Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council (SREGC), in collaboration with Friends of Downtown Sanford, utilized the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission's (SMPDC) Economic Recovery Hub Program to provide financial assistance, technical assistance, or workshops & classes to 15 local businesses.

In November, SREGC and Friends of Downtown organized an event called "Small Business, Small Plate, and Big Conservation," aimed at informing both non-profit and for-profit businesses with 25 or fewer employees about the available financial assistance and technical support grants.

The financial assistance grants, averaging $10,000, were earmarked for various business needs such as commercial rent/utilities, inventory, equipment, insurance, payroll (excluding owners and relatives), and other working capital requirements. Additionally, technical assistance grants averaging $1,500 were provided for services like bookkeeping, web design, and social media planning.

This effort by the SREGC and Friends of Downtown aimed to provide not only immediate relief to local businesses but also to facilitate their long-term growth and resilience in the community.

Earlier this month, SREGC staff members Mary Hastings, Small Business Advocate, and Keith McBride, Executive Director, personally hand-delivered checks to seven of the businesses awarded grants, highlighting SREGC's commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering economic recovery and growth in Sanford.

Another round of funding has recently become available. If your business was established between January 1, 2020, and May 11, 2023, and has suffered negative impacts from COVID-19 not previously addressed by other grants, please contact the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council for further details.

Visit the Growth Council’s Website