Washington County Housing Summit: From Strategies to Solutions
Join regional leaders, housing experts, and community partners in Machias on May 21, 2026 for a full-day event focused on addressing the county’s most urgent housing challenges.
Building a Brighter Future for Washington County, Maine since 1993.
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.
2025 Annual Report
The past year marked a period of challenge and progress for our county and Sunrise County Economic Council.
Our focus remains on creating jobs and prosperity in Washington County. Amid the budget crisis and shifting policy and economic conditions, we worked to strengthen small businesses, support aspiring entrepreneurs, help parents reach their career and economic goals, promote the region, and assist towns and cities to secure the funds they need to improve the infrastructure we all rely on.
We also partnered with citizen initiatives and the Passamaquoddy Tribe to restore critical natural resources, invest in the next generation, and help preserve the heritage of our shared home.
SCEC Happenings
Explore Private Offices and No-Cost Business Assistance
“[MaineStreet Business Building] has so much to offer—not only as a resource for new ideas but also as a great place to meet with customers in a professional setting. During my time there, I was able to develop a complete marketing plan along with detailed business strategies.”
– MaineStreet Business Building Member
SCEC Happenings
Engage your audience, expand your network, and strengthen your bottom line.
The Destination DownEast Tourism Conference will bring together businesses, creators, nonprofits, chambers, entrepreneurs, municipalities, and community leaders to strengthen the partnerships that make DownEast Acadia a premier destination for visitors from near and far.
Get ready for the 2026 season with tools, connections, and strategies that are designed to help your business grow.
Building STEM Pathways in Washington County: From Classroom to Career
Featured contributors: Jason Judd, Executive Director, Educate Maine ; Melissa Mitchell, Principal, Shead High School, James Roberts, Director, Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology; Deven Thapaliya, Maine Service Fellow In rural Washington County, the...
Upper Machias Bay Master Plan to Present Recommendations for Public Feedback
The Town of Machias and Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) invite all community members to a public meeting on Monday, February 23, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, to provide feedback on draft recommendations for the four...
Maine’s BEAD Final Proposal Approved
Maine’s BEAD Final Proposal to connect 22,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Passamaquoddy Promise Neighborhood: Building Communities of Opportunity
The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township has been selected as one of 37 recipients of Promise Neighborhood federal funding aimed at transforming communities through educational and support services.
Challenges and Opportunities for Climate Action in Rural Maine
This project sought to engage with rural Maine residents, particularly those experiencing poverty, aging in place, participating in municipal government, or operating small businesses to inform the Maine Climate Plan of 2025.
Sunrise County Economic Council Names New Leaders to Strengthen Support for Local Businesses
Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) is pleased to announce strategic leadership appointments within its Small Business and Entrepreneurship Division, strengthening its capacity to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across Washington County.
Building a brighter future
Number of Washington County families enrolled in FFD in 2025. Parents worked on education goals, employment pathways and small business ownership plans.
Approximate number of homes that gained access to fiber connectivity in 2025 under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
Hours of no-cost 1:1 business advising provided to 90+ small businesses/entrepreneurs in 2025.
Total amount of loans and grants awarded to businesses in 2025, resulting in eight jobs retained and nine jobs created.
SCEC Focus Areas
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.
- Interested in FFD? Have a referral? Let us know.
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.
PARTNERSHIPS
SCEC partners with organizations, businesses, municipalities and citizens to launch, support, and promote programs and initiatives in Washington County.