SMPDC Economic Recovery Programs

Goal of the program: To help low-to-moderate income microbusinesses start or grow a business with up to a $10,000 forgivable loan.

Eligibility Requirements:

1)   Must meet with a business advisor through the Maine Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to confirm eligibility before receiving an application;

2)   Must have 5 or fewer employees, including all owners, at time of application;

3)   Low to moderate household income of all owners and all adult household members for the previous 12 months (see table below for income requirements);

4)   Must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI). The federal government no longer uses DUNS numbers; click here to learn more about the transition to UEI. Your SBDC advisor can help with obtaining a UEI; and

5)   Cannot have received a previous CDBG grant at the time of application

To receive a CDBG Microenterprise Grant application, click here to register for free advising with a SBDC advisor.

The goal of the Economic Recovery Hub Program is to support the success of small businesses in York and Southern Oxford Counties using Federal ARPA funds that were awarded to SMPDC by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. Working to strengthen the regional business assistance network, the Hub Program is intended to help those businesses that suffered hardships or losses due to the pandemic but received little, if any, government financial assistance. More information on the Economic Recovery Hub can be found here.

In early 2023, SMPDC kicked off efforts to advance broadband expansion and digital inclusion throughout the greater York county region. Our organization is one of several Regional and Wabanaki Broadband Partners working with the Maine Connectivity Authority to create a stakeholder infrastructure for planning the increase and improvement of internet access in our project area. The project is made of us several pieces, all of which work together to accomplish the statewide broadband goals. Learn more about SMPDC's Broadband program here.