How Maine APEX Helps Downeast Businesses Break Into Federal Contracting
When a small business in Washington County wants to pursue a federal contract, the first hurdle is usually not the work itself. It's the paperwork. Government contracting comes with its own language, forms, registrations, certifications, and systems to navigate, and...
Sunrise County Economic Council to Host Washington County Housing Summit on May 21
Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) will convene regional leaders, housing experts, and community partners on May 21 for the Washington County Housing Summit: Strategies to Solutions, a full-day event focused on addressing the county’s most urgent housing challenges.
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.
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.