Sunrise County Economic Council

Power to the People Art Contest Deadline
2025-07-15 23:59 (America/New_York)
“Power to the People!” Art Contest
Youth, ages 13-18, are invited to participate!
Did you know that most power outages in Downeast Maine are caused by trees falling on electrical lines?
Lots of trees falling on power lines during one storm can mean turning the power back on takes a long time. Being without power can be difficult – and sometimes even dangerous. People need electric power, and the people in your community can keep the power on by preventing trees from falling on power lines.
We need your help!
We need your help to illustrate important messages about what people can do! Learn more here: https://sunrisecounty.org/power-to-the-people/
Deadline to apply: July 15, 2025, 11:59 PM EST

Public Meeting - Upper Machias Bay Master Plan
2025-07-22 17:30 - 20:00 | Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
The Town of Machias and Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) invite all community members to a public meeting on Tuesday, July 22, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, to learn about and contribute to the Upper Machias Bay Master Plan. Register here: https://bit.ly/machiasbay

At the July 22 meeting, attendees will:

Learn about projects like the Machias Dike Bridge replacement, downtown flood protection, and other measures to protect the region from increasingly frequent severe floods.

See scale drawings of possible dike replacement options and flood scenarios for downtown Machias.

Have an opportunity to share feedback, local knowledge, and priorities that may not yet be reflected in the planning process.

A free dinner will be served at the meeting, and childcare will be provided to make participation easier for families.

While registration is not required, RSVPs are encouraged for planning purposes. Visit https://bit.ly/machiasbay to register.

Fight Fraud and Scams: Shred it! Spot it!
2025-08-02 09:00 - 13:00 | Shead High School, 89 High Street, Eastport, Maine, 04631
Sat., August 2, 2025
Shead High School
89 High St., Eastport | FREE!
Registration not required, but appreciated: https://events.aarp.org/shredeastport2025
Shred It!
Free Document Shredding
9 am-1 pm*
Bring up to 4 boxes/bags per person. No need to remove staples or paperclips. Please, no plastics or electronics. Volunteers available for assistance.
*or until truck is filled.
Spot It!
Free Training: Red Flags of Fraud & Scams
10 am-11 am
Learn about the most common scams and how you can protect yourself! Registration not required.

Eastport Tech Support
2025-08-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Peavey Memorial Library, 22 Water Street, Eastport, ME, 04631, United States
Do you need help with:
Recovering your password(s)
Email
Account Recovery
Syncing or backing up devices
Setting up a new device
Remote storage
Internet access/safety, etc.
We can help!
No reservation required. Walk-ins welcome. Sign up sheets are available at each location for your convenience.
Tech support provided by Sunrise County Economic Councill, with support from Maine Connectivity Authority. Questions? Please call 207-255-0983.

Lubec Tech Support
2025-08-05 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Lubec Memorial Library, 55 Water Street, Lubec

Calais Tech Support
2025-08-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Calais Free Library, 9 Union Street, Calais, ME, 04619, United States

Introduction to Self-Employment & Best Practices for Startup Success
2025-09-18 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Introduction to Self-Employment: The Entrepreneurial Mindset, you’ll discover what it truly means to be your own boss. We’ll explore the entrepreneurial mindset, the benefits and challenges of self-employment, and how to decide if this path is right for you.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in Best Practices for Startup Success: Learn From the Pros, we’ll dive into the essential practices that successful entrepreneurs swear by. From idea validation to execution, get insider tips on how to avoid common pitfalls and set your business up for success.
Sign up to attend this workshop

Want to take Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form for access to all workshops!

Business Building Blocks & Start Up and Lead
2025-09-25 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Business Building Blocks: Let’s Get Started, you’ll lay the foundation for your business. This session covers the initial steps of starting a business, including idea generation, market research, and forming your business entity.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
In Start Up & Lead with Confidence: Management Strategies & Opportunities, you’ll Explore various management strategies and find the best fit for your business. Learn how to build a strong team, delegate effectively, and foster a positive work environment.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form for access to all workshops!

Value Proposition & Intentional Culture from the Start
2025-10-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Value Proposition: What Makes Your Business Unique? will teach you how to articulate what sets your business apart from the competition. This workshop will help you identify and communicate your unique value proposition to potential customers. Featuring Sam Miller of SCORE Mentors.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Then, in Intentional Culture from the Start: Build a Healthy Work Environment, you’ll learn the importance of company culture and how to create a positive and productive work environment from day one. Learn strategies to cultivate a culture that aligns with your business values. Featuring Abby Frutchey and Charley Martin-Berry from Community Caring Collaborative.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form for access to all workshops!

Get to Know MaineStreet Business Building
2025-10-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Online via Zoom
Get to Know MSBB
Get to know the staff of MaineStreet Business Building and learn about the services that each provides (most at no-cost) to Washington County residents, business owners, and entrepreneurs!
Available services include:
– Business advising
– Courses and workshops for small businesses
– Technology assistance
– Business transition services
– Grant and loan program assistance
– Guidance on the Washington County Recovery
– Friendly Workplace Network
– Help with winning federal contracts for your
products or services
– Workforce training and college credit
Register here!

Know Your Ideal Customer and Mission/Vision Alignment
2025-10-09 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
2:00 – 3:30 pm
In Know Your Ideal Customer: Marketing Plan 101, you’ll develop a comprehensive marketing plan tailored to your target audience. Learn how to conduct market research, identify customer needs, and create effective marketing campaigns.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm
Then, in Mission, Clarity and Vision Alignment: Define Your Path, you’ll craft a compelling mission statement and vision for your business. Understand the importance of these guiding principles and how they can shape your business strategy.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form for access to all workshops!

Downeast Fishing Family Forum
2025-10-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Woodlawn, 19 Black House Drive, Ellsworth, 04605, United States
1st Annual Downeast Fishing Family Forum
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 10 am – 2 pm
Woodlawn Event Center, Ellsworth
Register Here
Over the last decade, Maine’s fishing families have faced hard times, and we’ve had to lean on the incredible strength of our communities. As fishing family members ourselves, we have faced the fear of losing an industry our communities have depended on for generations. We have faced the grief of coming together again and again to search for loved ones lost at sea. We also know that resilience runs deep in our families and communities, and that we will continue to show up for each other and keep going – together.
That’s why we are hosting the First Annual Fishing Family Forum — a gathering for fishing families along Maine’s Downeast coast to connect, share, and talk about what matters most, including: Safety on the water, harvester health & well-being, mental health supports, community response in emergencies, financial literacy & family stability.

Branding Basics & SWOT Analysis
2025-10-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Branding Basics: What is Your Business’s Personality? you’ll discover how to develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. We’ll cover branding basics, including logo design, color schemes, and brand messaging.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in SWOT Analysis: Assess Your Business Landscape, you’ll conduct a SWOT analysis to identify your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Use this powerful tool to make informed strategic decisions.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form

Upper Machias Bay Master Plan Public Meeting
2025-10-17 17:30 - 20:00 | Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Be a part of planning for a healthy, resilient, and prosperous future for the Upper Machias Bay. Join us for presentations + discussions regarding the dike replacement options.
Share your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Dinner & childcare will be provided! This is the 2nd in a series of public meetings for this project.
Register Here

Fintastic Futures!
2025-10-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Shead High School, 89 High Street, Eastport, Maine, 04631

All Things Legal
2025-10-23 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In All Things Legal: Navigating the Legal Landscape at Startup, you’ll get acquainted with the legal aspects of starting a business. This workshop covers business licenses, permits, zoning laws, and other legal requirements. Learn the legal distinctions between independent contractors and employees. Understand the implications for hiring, taxes, and compliance to ensure you’re following the law.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in All Things Legal: Hiring Essentials, you’ll learn the legal distinctions between independent contractors and employees. Understand the implications for hiring, taxes, and compliance to ensure you’re following the law.
Sign up to attend this workshop

Resilient Shorelines Workshop
2025-10-27 17:30 - 20:30 | Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
About one-third of Maine’s 5,408-mile coastline are bluffs, and prone to erosion. Communities along Washington County’s coasts are experiencing bluff erosion from both powerful winter storms, and intense summer rains.
While bluff erosion is natural, for the landowners, it can be devastating. However, strategies which harness natural forces can slow bluff erosion Using them, landowners can create healthy, natural shorelines responsive to rising sea levels and intense storms.
To assist landowners managing bluffs, Sunrise County Economic Council and the Maine Coastal Program will host a Resilient Shoreline Workshop Series in Machias on October 27th at 5:30 pm at the Lee-Pellon Center.
The free workshop will bring coastal geologists, scientists, state agency permit reviewers, and local contractors to help attendees understand shoreline erosion management. At the end of the workshop, attendees have the option to stay for free practitioner office-hours to receive 15-minute shoreline assessments from experts and local practitioners.
This workshop is aimed at homeowners, property owners, property managers, municipal leaders, and real estate agents.
Light dinner will be provided. Please register here!

Pricing Your Products and Services & Startup Expenses
2025-10-30 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Pricing Your Products & Services: Find the Sweet Spot, you’ll master the art of pricing. This session will cover various pricing strategies, how to calculate costs, and how to price your products or services to maximize profitability.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in Startup Expenses: Budget for Success, you’ll learn about the costs associated with starting a business. Learn how to create a startup budget, manage expenses, and allocate resources effectively.
Sign up to attend this workshop

Upper Machias Bay Master Plan Public Meeting
2025-11-03 17:30 - 20:00 | Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Be a part of planning for a healthy, resilient, and prosperous future for the Upper Machias Bay.
Join us for presentations + discussions regarding the dike replacement options. Share your thoughts, questions, and concerns.
Dinner & childcare will be provided!
Please RSVP by visiting: bit.ly/umbmprsvp
This is the second in a series of public meetings. The next meeting will be on December 10th and will focus on downtown flooding and water quality.
For more information about the project, visit: sunrisecounty.org/machiasbay

AI Essentials: How It Works & Where It Fails
2025-11-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Eastport Port Authority Welcome Center, 141 Water Street, Eastport, Maine, 04631
Join us for an eye-opening introduction to artificial intelligence, complete with a live demo showing how AI can be used. See firsthand what everyone needs to know about AI’s power and risks. Light refreshments will be served.
Questions? Contact Elaine Abbott at eabbott@sunrisecounty.org or 207-255-0983

Cash Flow Management & Making Your Business Bankable
2025-11-06 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Cash Flow Management Success: Framework to Know Your Numbers, you’ll gain insights into managing your business’s cash flow. Learn how to track income and expenses, create cash flow projections, and maintain financial stability.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in Making Your Business Bankable: Prepare to Attract Investors and Lenders, you’ll discover what it takes to make your business attractive to investors and lenders. Learn how to prepare financial statements, pitch your business, and secure funding.
Sign up to attend this workshop

Ask Us Anything About Business
2025-11-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Online via Zoom
Ask Us Anything About Business
Join the MSBB team for an open Q&A where you can ask us anything about business! We will do our best to answer your business questions, or refer you to someone who can help.
This webinar is open to all, whether you are an established business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur!
Register here!

Startup Automations and Pulling It All Together
2025-11-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Startup Automations: Work Smarter, Not Harder, you’ll explore tools and technologies that can automate your business processes. From marketing automation to customer relationship management, learn how to streamline operations and save time.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00:
Then, in Pulling it All Together: A Forum for Advice, Tips & Tools, you’ll integrate everything you’ve learned into a cohesive business plan. This session provides practical advice, tools, and resources from business advisors and service providers to help you finalize your plan and prepare for launch.
Sign up to attend this workshop

2025 Economic Summit
2025-11-14 08:30 - 14:30 | Cobscook Institute, 10 Commissary Point Rd, Trescott Township, ME, 04652, United States
Join us on November 14 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at Cobscook Institute for SCEC’s Annual Economic Summit.
The title of this year’s summit is “Jobs and Prosperity in Washington County: Workforce Attraction, Retention and Development Strategies that Work Here.”
Register here!

Opportunity Presentations & Next Steps
2025-11-20 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
2:00 – 3:30 pm:
In Opportunity Presentations: Networking & Growth, you’ll engage with business advisors and support professionals. This session offers opportunities to share your business ideas and gain feedback, network, and learn about potential growth opportunities.
Sign up to attend this workshop
3:45 – 5:00 pm:
Then, in Next Steps: Building Your Action Plan, you’ll develop and fine-tune a clear action plan for the next steps in your entrepreneurial journey. Identify key milestones, set goals, and create a timeline for achieving them.
Sign up to attend this workshop

Entrepreneur Spotlight Series: Cupcake Decorating with Sarah's Specialty Cakes
2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main St., Machias, ME, 04619, United States
🌟 New Workshop Series to Spotlight Local Entrepreneurs! 🌟
MaineStreet Business Building is launching a brand-new series designed to spotlight local entrepreneurs and bring fun, hands-on learning opportunities to our community. We’re kicking the series off with Sarah Reed, of Mrs Sarah’s Specialty Cakes!
🎄 Join Sarah for Holiday Cupcake Decorating! 🎄
Learn cool decorating tricks and turn simple cupcakes into festive masterpieces. Whether you’re a newbie or a decorating pro, get ready to sprinkle some fun this holiday season!
Participants will be led through how to frost and decorate four holiday-inspired cupcakes to take home. No experience necessary! All materials will be provided.
📅 Saturday, December 6
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main St., Machias
💵 $45 (all materials included)
Space is limited! Sign up today and bring a little extra joy to your holiday season! ❄️✨
👉 Register at bit.ly/msbbseries

Upper Machias Bay Master Plan: Public Meeting #3
2025-12-10 17:30 - 20:00 | Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Be a part of planning for a healthy, resilient, and prosperous future for the Upper Machias Bay.
Join us for presentations + discussions regarding downtown flooding and water quality. Share your thoughts, questions, and concerns.
Dinner & childcare will be provided!
Please RSVP by visiting: bit.ly/umbmprsvp
This is the third in a series of public meetings. The next meeting will be on January 12th.
For more information about the project, visit: sunrisecounty.org/machiasbay

*Postponed* Entrepreneur Spotlight Series: Oyster Shucking with Three Islands Oysters
2025-12-13 14:00 - 16:00 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main St., Machias, ME, 04619, United States
Learn the art of oyster shucking and discover the fascinating world of oyster farming!

Each participant will receive a dozen fresh oysters, an oyster knife, condiments, and gloves and will learn how to shuck fresh oysters from Kyle Pepperman of Three Islands Oysters and Downeast Institute.

No experience necessary. All materials will be provided. Cost includes one dozen oysters, oyster knife, condiments and glove.

*This event has been postponed. Stay tuned for a new date!*

Cybersecurity Crash Course (via Zoom)
2025-12-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via Zoom
🔒 Protect Yourself Online! 🔒
Join us for a FREE Cybersecurity Crash Course with Elaine Abbott, Regional Broadband Coordinator at SCEC.
Details:
📅 Friday, December 19
🕐 12:00 – 1:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom (register at bit.ly/scec-crash-course to receive the link)
Learn essential skills to protect yourself from:
✅ Phishing scams
✅ Password vulnerabilities
✅ Online fraud
✅ And more!
Whether you’re a digital novice or just want to brush up on your security knowledge, this one-hour session is perfect for everyone.
🔗 Register now: bit.ly/scec-crash-course
This free training is provided by Sunrise County Economic Council and funded by Maine Connectivity Authority.
