Congrats to the Winners!  This program is now closed.

The Town of Houlton and the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation have teamed up with area organizations and business leaders to develop an entrepreneurship program with the following goals:

• Develop an innovative approach to business recruitment and to enhance the business mix in the Town of Houlton.
• To encourage businesses interested in expanding or opening a new location to consider the Town of Houlton.
• To provide entrepreneurial businesses a head-start during the toughest year of business operation … the first year.
• To provide guidance and financial support during the critical first years of market entry so that the business can build a lasting footprint in Houlton.
• To strengthen the Houlton economy by complementing the existing business mix while addressing critical gaps in the economy’s sustainability.
• To provide business assistance for existing businesses as they expand or transition into a new phase of their operation.
• To transform underutilized or vacant commercial spaces into more vibrant and attractive locations.
• To build a “buzz” and promote Houlton as a great place to start a business.

The program will include three phases with the last phase resulting in the selection of one business who will receive multiple benefits to aid in the start or expansion of their business.  Other participants may be eligible for some benefits as made possible by donated services by the business community.

Timeline

• April 3, 2017: Initial Program Announcement
• May 17, 2017: Phase I – Ignite The Spark – info night – Panel Discussion – hear inspiring stories from local entrepreneurs to help you ignite your spark.  Information about the contest will be provided along with tips from the Selection Committee on being a successful contestant.  Sign up for One-On-One Coaching Sessions.
• May 31^st & June 1^st, 2017: Phase I – Informal One-On-One Coaching Sessions
• June 29^th, 2017: Phase I – Business Concepts (1-2 Pages) due
• July 12^th, 2017: Phase I – Oral “Pitch” 5-Minute Presentations
• July 26^th, August 8^th & 17^th, 2017: Phase II – Personal Business Counseling Sessions offered
• August 24^th, 2017: Phase II – Draft Business Plans Due – they will be returned by September 8^th, 2017 with suggestions & comments.
• September 21^st, 2017: Phase II – Final Business Plans Due
• October 2^nd, 2017: Announcement of those advancing to Phase III – Final Proposal
• October 11^th, 2017: Phase III – Final Presentations/Interviews
• October 16^th, 2017: Announcement of Winner (by 10/20/17)
• June 1, 2018: Business Must Be Open

Program Participation Process

All materials including the Business Concept “Pitches” and Business Plans must be submitted by 4:00pm on the due date to:

Nancy Ketch
Community Development Director
Town of Houlton
21 Water Street
Houlton, ME  04730

For application packets, further information and questions contact:

Nancy Ketch, Community Development Director Town of Houlton 21 Water Street Houlton, ME  04730 (207)521-5938 comm.development@houlton-maine.com

Jon McLaughlin, Executive Director Southern Aroostook Development Corporation P.O. Box 783 Houlton, ME  04730 (207)521-0157 jon@sadcaroostook.org

Downloads

Program Manual

Videos

Ignite the Spark 2017 from Northern Maine Media on Vimeo.

 

 

Thanks to All of our Partners!