Every Workplace Counts
Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses: Explore what it means to create a healthy, supportive, and recovery-friendly workplace at any size.
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.
SCEC Happenings
The Next Workforce: Engaging Youth Through Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Washington County’s future depends on cultivating the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community builders who choose to stay and thrive locally. Success depends on listening to youth, making them feel “heard and valued,” and tailoring efforts based on their actual needs rather than assumptions.
Tackling Rural Housing Challenges Through Partnership
Housing shortages continue to challenge Washington and Hancock County communities, affecting everything from workforce recruitment to economic growth. Recently, regional partners explored how municipalities, land trusts, conservation groups, and research institutions are working together to create innovative housing solutions tailored to rural needs.
Building Strong Workplace Culture in Washington County
In Washington County, workplace culture has emerged as a critical aspect of attracting and retaining talent. At the 2025 SCEC Economic Summit, local business and nonprofit leaders shared strategies for creating workplaces where people feel valued, empowered, and connected to something meaningful.
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
Events & Opportunities at SCEC
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 since 2020, for college credit or career advancement.
SCEC originated loans in the amount of $210,000 to assist fishermen and a construction company in Washington County.
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.