Small Businesses Invited to Munch and Learn

Small businesspeople are encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting to munch on appetizers, learn about new grants available locally and to share ideas.

“Small Businesses, Small Plates & Big Conversations” is a joint event organized by Friends of Downtown and the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council. It’s scheduled for 6 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Memorial Gym Cafe.

Three kinds of assistance programs are to be explained:

• Technical assistance grants, available through Southern Maine Regional Planning and Development Commission, to any small businesses needing help with web design, social media planning, bookkeeping and other services.

• Direct financial assistance to small businesses that opened during the Covid era (between Jan. 1, 2020, and May 13, 2023).

• Financing workshops and business classes available through York County Community College and the Small Business Development Center.

Friends of Downtown and SREGC are eager for residents’ thoughts as well. Friends of Downtown is soliciting stories for its Community Heart & Soul initiative. To register for the Thursday event, send an email to FOD@strongersanford.org.