BANGOR, Maine (PENQUIS) – With summer coming to an end and daily routines changing, it’s an ideal moment to concentrate on your objectives—particularly if one of them involves launching a business or expanding a side project. Whether you’re working as a delivery driver for DoorDash or Lyft, providing services through Thumbtack, or managing several part-time roles, you’re essentially running a business—and there are key details you need to be aware of, such as 1099 forms, tax obligations, insurance, and financial record-keeping.
Considering elevating your passion project or hobby? Participate in MaineStream Finance, a division of Penquis, by attending the Business 101 or Turning Your Passion into a Business seminars. Additional sessions designed for particular sectors, such as childcare and business loans, are also available to provide you with the resources and expertise necessary for success.
New Workshop: Are you someone who works as a gig worker or has a side job? Do you deliver food, drive for Lyft, use Thumbtack, or similar platforms? You are running a business. Discover what you need to know, including 1099 forms, taxes, insurance, bookkeeping, and other important topics. This workshop is completely free!!
Monday, September 15, 2025 through Zoom at 6 PM
Monday, 10/20/25 through Zoom at 6 PM
Considering launching a business? Attend the Business 101 seminar. These complimentary sessions will offer a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of running a microenterprise or small business. Understand what a business plan is and its importance, along with tools for your business growth. Discover more about being an entrepreneur, business success, professionalism, business plans, networking, business loans, resources, budgets, credit, and details on upcoming classes and seminars. The workshop is completely free!!
Monday, August 25, 2025 via Zoom at 6 PM
Monday, September 8th, 2025 through Zoom at 6 PM
Monday, October 6th at 6:00 PM via Zoom
Transforming your interest or pastime into a business seminar. Do you have a passion for making things, or is your hobby something that can be sold? This complimentary two-night workshop will explore the considerations involved in starting a new venture. Topics to be covered include: Questions to reflect on; Is there a demand for my offerings; Business plan development; Financial tracking; Legal requirements; Tax obligations; Promotion strategies; Sources of funding and other related areas. The two-night seminar is completely free!!
Monday, 9/22/25 and 9/29/25 at 6 pm through Zoom. Monday, 10/27/25 and 11/3/25 at 6 pm through Zoom.
Childcare: Is the sound of children’s laughter something that brings you joy? The number of working parents—such as single-parent households and those where both parents are employed—is increasing, which is leading to a growing demand for high-quality childcare. This rising need presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs who have a passion for working with children and wish to establish a business in this field. Childcare services can vary from small, home-based setups to larger commercial facilities, and they can be launched with an initial investment as low as a few hundred dollars. You have the option to keep your operation small, essentially creating a job for yourself and possibly others. The Penquis team of business advisors can assist you in developing a business plan, designing your service, and guiding you through the licensing process for child care providers. These advisory services are offered at no cost.
MaineStream Finance, an affiliate of Penquis, is a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) recognized by the U.S. Treasury. It assists every Maine homebuyer, business owner, and consumer by providing guidance and funding to support growth and success. MaineStream Finance provides numerous workshops and courses covering topics such as Home Buyer’s Education, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Housing/Rental Counseling, Home Mortgages, Foreclosure Prevention, Eviction Counseling, and additional Financial Education. These services are offered through lending options, savings programs, educational sessions, and personalized advisory assistance. MaineStream collaborates with federal and state agencies, foundations, and local financial organizations, including banks, to help them achieve Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) objectives via financial education initiatives, loan capital, and volunteer opportunities for homeowners and small businesses.
Do you know that Mainstream Finance provides business loans? MaineStream Finance offers different loan options across Maine for small businesses that might struggle to obtain credit.
Business Lending:
MaineStream Finance provides a range of loan options across Maine for small businesses that might face challenges in securing financing. Amount: Minimum $500 – Maximum $250,000 / Term: Up to 20 years Uses: Buying or upgrading inventory, equipment, computers, real estate, building renovations and enhancements, and/or business acquisitions.
Whether you are a new venture or an established company, MaineStream Finance offers financing solutions to support your project’s progress. MaineStream Finance provides what is known as “Gap financing,” which covers the difference between the down payment you can provide and the amount that another lender is willing to offer. This gap could potentially halt your project, but we may be able to assist by financing this gap to ensure your project is completed. We also consider startup businesses that require funding to acquire equipment, inventory, training, a building, or an existing business. The team at MaineStream Finance will help your business create a business plan and financial projections, as well as assist in preparing the loan documentation needed for your loan application—all at no cost. The mission of MaineStream Finance is to support the growth of small businesses in Maine.
Regardless of your position in your journey, supportive local resources can be found right here in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties. Let Penquis assist you in moving forward! For more details about what MaineStream Finance provides, visit their website at mainestreamfinance.org or contact them by phone at 207-973-3500 or send an email to MSFInfo@penquis.org for additional information.
