GROWING MAINE FROM WITHIN: The Small Business Initiative

Update from the Caribou Small Business Forum

Saturday, October 2, 2004, Par and Grill, Caribou

The discussion focused on three themes from the Action Plan. First, participants were interested in the idea of a Small Business Advocate. They suggested the advocate be more than just one person, and it should be a group outside of state government. "There should be a board of small business advisors outside of the state," said Tammy Deschesne of the Fort Fairfield Journal. "The people who know about the barriers are small business owners, not bureaucrats. This board should be made up of small business people."

The high cost of health insurance was also a significant barrier to participants. Related obstacles discussed were high worker's compensation costs and burdensome requirements from their insurance carriers. Many business owners expressed the need for streamlining the paperwork the state requires.

Most importantly, the participants were worried about the growth from within model in terms of financial support. Participants expressed the need for more seed capital grants and low interest loans. "Maine is a very entrepreneurial state," said Matt McHatten of Maine Mutual Group. "The problem is channeling it. As a rule, whatever money you think you need to start a business, you need to double that amount to be on the safe side."

Overall, participants were thoughtful and enthusiastic about the plan, but tempered their comments with the need for action. "The plan has some good ideas," said Bill Flagg of Cary Medical Center. "But we need a sense of urgency around this topic so that something gets done. I hope legislators will create a strategic time frame around the initiatives in the Small Business Bill of Rights so that things get moving now."

Participants in the discussion were Cathy Bouchard Martin of Aroostook Food Supplies, Kati Bell of the Aroostook Republican, Roger Roy of Fieldstone Cabins at Madawaska Lake, Tammy and David Deschesne of the Fort Fairfield Journal, Bob Kinney of Neil E. Michaud Campgrounds, Bill Flagg of Cary Medical Center, David Flagg, Matt McHatten of Maine Mutual Group.

Legislators in attendance were Rep. Jeremy Fischer, Rep. Phil Bennett, Rep. Ray Wotton, and Rep. Troy Jackson.