Working Internet ASAP Program Explained
Bringing internet to hard to reach locations throughout Maine
30 Years of Building a Brighter Future for Washington County, Maine
SCEC’s mission is to initiate and facilitate the creation of jobs and prosperity in Washington County, Maine, by working with a consortium of community-minded businesses, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and citizens.
Businesses & Entrepreneurs
Resilient Communities
SCEC helps Washington county towns to plan for the future, secure federal funds, and build the public infrastructure our future depends on.
Natural Resource Economies
Through the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative, we work with communities to strengthen the natural resources economy.
SCEC is a partner in Downeast Fisheries Partnership, which works to collaboratively to grow the fisheries economy.
Natural Resource Economies
Through the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative, we work with communities to strengthen the natural resources economy.
SCEC is a partner in Downeast Fisheries Partnership, which works to collaboratively to grow the fisheries economy.
Heritage Promotion & Preservation
SCEC coordinates the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area program and supports the sustainable tourism initiatives of DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism – programs which strengthen community by connecting people with place.
A Growing Workforce
Through funding and free workforce trainings, SCEC works to strengthen the workforce.
Students & Families
SCEC is a partner in Family Futures Downeast, which helps parents enroll in college.
- Learn about the 2-Gen approach, including high quality early education for children.
- Now accepting interest forms for Cohort 10 (2025) – Contact Us!
Heritage Promotion & Preservation
SCEC coordinates the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area program and supports the sustainable tourism initiatives of DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism – programs which strengthen community by connecting people with place.
Building a brighter future
Number of families that have participated in Family Futures Downeast. 83% of parents feel more hopeful about their children's futures.
Number of households across 21 communities that SCEC supported to bring fiber broadband connectivity.
Number of individuals reached by MSBB's accredited Entrepreneurship Pathways program in 2023, for college credit or career advancement.
Number of scholarships approved by SCEC in 2023, totaling $7,709 to help pay for workforce training and advancement, primarily in healthcare.
Events & Opportunities at SCEC
Digital Literacy Classes Planned for 2025 in Partnership with NDEC
We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership between the MaineStreet Business Building (MSBB) and the National Digital Equity Center (NDEC)! This collaboration allows us to bring engaging, in-person digital literacy classes to our community. With an instructor joining via Zoom and Dodie Emerson, Downeast Community Catalyst, facilitating on-site, these sessions offer a dynamic mix of live instruction and hands-on support.
Exciting Things are Happening on Main Street
MaineStreet Business Building is a vibrant hub of networking for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Washington County and beyond!
Private Offices • Co-working Membership • Courses • Advising
SCEC News
Town of Machias and Sunrise County Economic Council Kick Off Upper Machias Bay Master Plan Project
Machias, MaineThe locally-led, community engaged process seeks to plan a healthy, resilient and prosperous future for Upper Machias Bay. The Town of Machias and Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) announced this week that they are kicking off a...
Working Internet ASAP Program Explained
What is the Working Internet ASAP Program? The Working Internet ASAP Program provides a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet access option for qualified remote and rural locations in Maine. These homes and businesses are extremely difficult to...
Free Fraud and Scam Prevention Training
Cybersecurity isn't just for businesses! Scammers are always seeking ways to exploit vulnerabilites with two goals: to steal your money and your identity. There are ways to safeguard your devices, your money, and your personal information. SCEC is...
PARTNERSHIPS
SCEC partners with organizations, businesses, municipalities and citizens to launch, support, and promote programs and initiatives in Washington County.