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Minimum Wage
Labor Laws of the State of Maine provide protection for people who work in Maine. The Maine Department of Labor administers the laws which all employers must follow. Department representatives inspect workplaces to ensure compliance. Citations and penalties may be issued to employers who do not comply.
Under Maine labor laws, any business operating in the state with one employee is automatically covered by state law. This includes all public and private employers regardless of profit or size. Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Maine is $14.65 per hour.
MTI - Grants & Programs for Your Business
This workshop is tailored for entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors, and business owners with innovative ideas, providing the tools and insights needed to assess whether MTI aligns with your project goals. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore resources that can support your innovation journey while contributing to the growth of Maine's thriving economy.
MTI is dedicated to cultivating new ideas, products, and processes that can fuel economic growth and generate quality jobs across the state. By supporting innovators and offering programs and infrastructure that foster innovation, MTI seeks to position Maine as a leader in cutting-edge advancements.
Date: January 14 Time: 12 PM Location: Zoom
Disaster Preparedness for Small Business
As home fires, floods, high winds, and storm surges become more frequent, the risks to businesses and communities are growing. This workshop is designed to help small business owners take proactive steps to minimize these risks.
Learn how to enhance your preparedness with the Red Cross Ready Rating program and create a customized Emergency Response Plan for your business or organization. You'll also discover the free "Be Red Cross Ready" program, offering valuable resources to support your employees.
Date: January 14 Time: 11:30 am Location: MaineStreet Business Building
19 Main Street, Machias, ME 04654
Business Basics (Online)
This three-week course (comprising three 90-minute sessions) is designed for individuals who are considering or are in the initial stages of launching a new business. The experienced team will guide you in evaluating the feasibility, appeal, and sustainability of your business idea and assist you in developing your business plan.
The topics covered will include:
- Essentials of becoming a business owner
- Outline for a business plan
- Creating a mission statement
- Strategies for marketing and pricing
- Effective recordkeeping
- Cash flow management
Date: January 14 Time: 10 AM- 11:30 AM Location: Zoom
Level Up Your Farm: Business Planning for 2025
Join SCORE Mentor Steve Veazey for "Level Up Your Farm," a session focused on reviewing the successes and challenges of your 2024 farming season. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t as you start planning for 2025. You'll gain practical tools to conduct a comprehensive farm assessment, pinpointing strengths and identifying areas for improvement to help guide your decisions for the year ahead.
Date: January 15 Time: 9 AM Location: Ag Trades Show, Augusta Civic Center
76 Community Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
The Skills-First Starter Kit created by The Good Jobs Initiative is a concise resource focused on hiring, promotions, and managing talent based on workers' skills. This guide was developed by the U.S. Department of Labor in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, along with insights from leaders across corporate, labor, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors who are engaged in skills-first hiring and related topics. The aim of skills-first talent strategies is to value capabilities irrespective of how they were acquired, whether through associate degrees, earn-and-learn Registered Apprenticeships, various certifications, self-directed learning, prior work experience, or other avenues.
Venturing Forth: Business Planning for Entrepreneurs (Online)
This 60-hour business planning course is our comprehensive program on the subject. The topics that will be covered include:
- Understanding your customer
- Analyzing competition
- Marketing strategies
- Record keeping practices
- Tax obligations
- Financing options
- Legal considerations
By the end of the course, you will have a fully developed business plan. Please note that class size is limited, and acceptance into the class requires completing an application and an individual interview, along with attending an orientation.
Date: January 23 Time: 9 AM- 2:30 PM Location: Zoom
Child Care Toolkit for Employers
The Office of Child and Family Services at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Coastal Enterprises, Inc (CEI), and The Best Place for Working Parents® have joined forces to create a resource guide. This guide offers practical examples and options to employers who are prepared to address the childcare needs of their employees. It presents a variety of solutions tailored to meet employers at their current stage, empowering them to take the next step that aligns best with their organization.
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