Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission is partnering with state, federal and regional business and economic development agencies to present a Small Business Forum on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. The free Forum will take place at the LCRPC’s office, 297 Bath Road, Wiscasset from 8 to 10 a.m.

A panel of representatives of key agencies such as the Maine office of the Small Business Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, FAME, Maine Department of Community & Economic Development, CEI, New Ventures Maine, MCEDD, the Small Business Development Center, and others will discuss specific financing tools, services and programs that can help small businesses grow.

Among the presenters is Shawn Savage, senior stakeholder liaison with the Stakeholder Liaison (SL) Office within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the Augusta office. Shawn will share the latest tax information and resources the IRS has to offer. SLs collaborate with small business groups and industry associations to provide tax education and information for their customers/members. Shawn will introduce the SL Office and share information regarding resources and services that it offers such as the IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center, Issue Management Resolution System (IMRS), Combating Tax Related Identity Theft along with other key small business initiatives.  

Jaimie Logan, the Governor’s Account Executive, serves Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. Since 2011, DECD and its team of Governor's Account Executives have served as Maine’s business ambassadors, assisting businesses looking to start-up, expand or relocate here in the State of Maine. During the forum, Jaimie will provide a brief overview of the various departments and resources within DECD that are available to assist Lincoln County businesses, including the Maine Office of Tourism and Film, Maine Made program, Business Answers, and tax incentive programs.

Erica Quin-Easter serves as New Ventures Maine’s Midcoast Regional Manager, a statewide organization working for the economic empowerment of Mainers and their families. Erica and her staff assist people from Brunswick to Belfast by providing comprehensive trainings and individual assistance in career planning, money management, and business development - all at no cost to participants.

It takes time to stay up on the latest tax issues, state incentive programs, lending opportunities, and business planning support. Come by June 21, and take away information that will help your business, whether you’re long-established or just getting going! Rounding out the panel are several experienced staff from major financial and business support agencies.

There will be plenty of time following the presentations for one-on-one conversations and networking. There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP by emailing Mary Ellen Barnes at mbarnes@lcrpc.org or calling 882-5984.