Fast Forward Maine Podcast

Have you considered moving your business to Maine? People move to Maine all the time because they're looking for a higher quality of life, a better place to raise their children, or to be closer to outdoor activities. But businesses are also moving to Maine. What are the benefits? Are there any downsides? Peter DelGreco of Maine & Company talks about the benefits of moving a business to Maine, and why so many Maine companies are welcoming new "competition" with open arms.

Have you ever run into a cash crunch in your business? Was there a time when you wish you had access to more capital to expand, hire more employees, or get a critical piece of equipment for your business? FAME, the Finance Authority of Maine, helps companies even without pristine credit access business and agricultural loans so they can grow. Jennifer Cummings, the Director of Business Programs, shares the ins and outs of this program.

You hear a lot about storytelling these days, and how businesses can use stories to attract customers and employees alike. But how do you craft a compelling story? What are the components? And where do you share it?

David Lee of HumanNature@Work has been teaching storytelling to leaders and owners for over 20 years, and he shares with us how to craft the story that will attract that A-List employee to your team.

Have you considered selling your products abroad? Looking for international opportunities as a growth strategy? But not sure where to start, or how tariffs, trade wars, or foreign laws might impact your chances?

Wade Merritt, President of the Maine International Trade Center, shares how to get started selling internationally, go on trade missions, and greatly expand your revenues.

Have you considered looking to the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) for funding? Perhaps you heard that it's not so easy? Well, MTI has simplified its process for grants, loans, and equity investments. Amy Leshure from MTI is here to share the changes, the process, and just how varied the types of businesses they assist can be.

Have you been looking to move your retail store online? Or start selling your products and services direct from your website? In this interview, e-commerce expert Becky McKinnell of iBec Creative walks us through the questions you should be asking from how many skus to how to ship, security to acquisition costs, and a whole lot more.

Have you ever wanted to go after government contracts, but were unsure where to start? Federal, state, and municipal projects come up all the time, at all different sizes for all different types of companies and industries. Find out how you can stay on top of these projects and how to land them, with procurement expert Bryan Wallace of the Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Whether you're in B2B or B2C, customer service is a must these days. If people don't feel like you or your employees care about them, they'll take their business elsewhere.

That's why this week we're chatting with John Kenneally of Kenneally and Company on the role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Social Intelligence (SI) when it comes to provide excellent customer service.

Maine needs skilled, experienced workers, and transitioning military might be at least part of the answer. Boots2Roots is an organization that helps transitioning military find and land jobs in Maine, playing matchmaker with companies and organizations that are looking for a wide variety of skilled employees. Executive Director, Bill Benson, shares why Maine employers and veterans make such a perfect match.

Trademarks. Copyrights. Intellectual property. What do you need to know about these items to protect your ideas, and how do you stay out of hot water when it comes to work for hire, contractors, and social media?

This week we speak with Andrew Kraus of Opticliff Law, an IP expert, on what growing businesses need to know about all forms of protection for ideas and how to avoid trampling on someone else's rights.