Sunrise County Economic Council

E-commerce Essentials: Sell Smart, Sell More
2026-03-11 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
*Please note the new date and time for this workshop*
Explore e-commerce strategies, from single to omni-channel sales. Learn payment methods, online store management, and how to showcase your products effectively.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Showcase to Sell: Putting Your Product’s Best Foot Forward
2026-03-12 16:15 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Discover how to present your products for maximum impact. Learn techniques in packaging, product photography, and storytelling to captivate your customers.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Next-Level Service: Enhancing Customer Experience
2026-03-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Online via Zoom
Customer experience starts before the sale and continues beyond. Learn actionable strategies to create memorable interactions that foster loyalty and growth.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Network to Win: Building Partnerships That Matter
2026-03-19 15:45 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Uncover the power of relationships in business. Gain insights into effective networking, communication strategies, and building partnerships that fuel growth.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Efficiency Hacks: Work Smarter, Grow Faster
2026-03-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Online via Zoom
Boost productivity and reduce costs. Discover best practices for streamlining operations, optimizing resources, and driving sustainable growth.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Tax Time Made Easy: Plan, Prepare, Prosper
2026-03-26 15:45 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Simplify tax season with proactive planning. Learn key practices and resources to keep your business financially organized year-round.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Financial Fitness: Monitor Your Business Health
2026-04-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Online via Zoom
You don’t need to be a finance expert to succeed. Learn how to track key metrics, manage cash flow, and maintain financial stability as your business grows.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Risk Ready: Navigating Business Decisions with Confidence
2026-04-02 15:45 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Identify smart risks and avoid costly mistakes. Learn decision-making strategies to strengthen your business and ensure long-term success.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

The End Game: Planning for Your Business Transition
2026-04-09 14:00 - 15:30 | Online via Zoom
What’s your end game? Whether selling, passing it on, or stepping back, plan your business exit strategically to maximize value and leave a lasting legacy.

Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Purpose-Driven Workplaces: Build Culture, Drive Success
2026-04-09 15:45 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Create a workplace where people thrive. Learn how to foster inclusivity, boost morale, and align your team with your company’s mission and values.

Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Free First Aid & CPR Training for Fishermen
2026-04-13 08:00 - 16:00 | Eastport Port Authority Welcome Center, 141 Water Street, Eastport, Maine, 04631
4/13, 8 am-4 pm – Eastport Port Authority, Eastport – Register

When you’re at sea, you don’t have the convenience of emergency personnel arriving in a few minutes to care for an injured crewman. As fishermen, you are the first responders. Depending on the weather and your distance from shore, you may continue to respond for a long time until medical experts take over. This CPR & First Aid Class is enhanced to teach you the most up to date life-saving skills. This class certifies fishermen in CPR and First Aid and meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements under 46 CFR 28.21.
During the CPR & First Aid Course, you will receive hands-on instruction for these skills and more:
*Tourniquets * Splinting (broken bones) * Wound Care *Hypothermia * Diabetes * Overdose *Heart Attack * Shock * Traumatic Injuries *Allergic Reactions * Burn Treatment * Stroke * Cuts and Lacerations * Chemical Poisoning *First Aid Kits * Infections * Patient Assessment * Bites and Stings *Frostbite * Medical Emergencies (Appendicitis, Seizure, Sepsis etc.) * Asthma * Dehydration * Amputation * Heat Stroke * Choking * CPR * AED use * Patient Evacuation *Ergonomics and more.

Fishing Family Community Resource Day
2026-04-14 09:00 - 15:00 | Eastport Port Authority Welcome Center, 141 Water Street, Eastport, Maine, 04631
April 14, 2026
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Drop-in anytime!
@Eastport Port Authority
EXPLORE FREE RESOURCES FOR YOUR:
Business
Diversification Opportunities
Aquaculture Industry Partners
Employment Supports
Safety
PFDs & Survival Suit Try-Ons
Community Orchestration Guide
Whole Family Home Health Checks
Education
College Programs
Financial Aid
Workforce Training
PLUS:
Join for two scheduled sessions on Cooperative Finance in Fishing Cooperatives, presented by Ree Anna Bridges of University Credit Union
Two sessions: 9:30 -10:15 am & 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Also, join an Alternative Lobster Gear Demo with Brooke Hachey, Program Manager at Sunrise County Economic Council, between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm

Hiring Smart: From Solopreneur to Employer
2026-04-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Online via Zoom
Decide when it’s time to grow your team. Compare contractors vs. employees, explore hiring strategies, and learn how to create a positive workplace culture.
Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Small Business, Big Impact: Your Role in the Local Economy
2026-04-16 15:45 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Understand how your business drives community growth. Discover how small businesses shape local economies and how you can make a greater impact.

Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Next Steps: Your Business Growth Blueprint
2026-04-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Online via Zoom
Where do you go from here? Reflect on your journey, identify growth opportunities, and create an action plan to take your business to the next level.

Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Meet Your Business Resources (Panel)
2026-04-23 15:45 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Get to know Maine’s business support partners. Hear from advisors, lenders, and mentors who can help you access no-cost resources, technical assistance, and growth opportunities.

Please reach out to Amanda Smith, course facilitator, with questions.
Register here for this workshop!

Washington County Housing Summit
2026-05-21 09:00 - 14:30 | University of Maine at Machias, 116 Obrien Ave., Machias, ME, 04654
Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) will convene regional leaders, housing experts, and community partners for a full day event focused on addressing the county’s most urgent housing challenges. The summit will bring together practitioners from across sectors to chart a path toward more stable, attainable housing for residents.
Why Now?
Washington County is experiencing the sharpest housing pressures in decades. Home prices have reached historic highs, outpacing wages and pricing out residents across income levels. At the same time, new housing construction is not keeping pace with demand, particularly in rural communities where development costs are high and available units are limited. The summit will provide a forum for understanding these challenges and identifying actionable solutions.
Learn Practical Strategies for Success
Panelists will include developers, lenders, social service providers, municipal leaders, and housing organizations who will highlight practical strategies, share successful models from across Maine, and strengthen collaboration among the partners working to ensure every resident has a safe, stable place to call home.
Registration fee: $15
Please email Elaine Abbott at eabbott@sunrisecounty.org to request a complimentary ticket if the cost is a barrier for you

Destination DownEast Tourism Conference
2026-06-12 09:30 - 15:00 | University of Maine at Machias, 116 Obrien Ave., Machias, ME, 04654
The Destination DownEast Tourism Conference brings 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.
Learn how to engage your audience, expand your network, and strengthen your bottom line.

Gracie Fund Deadline
2026-07-15
The Gracie Fund is a student loan repayment program from the Maine Community Foundation, administered through the Sunrise County Economic Council. Each year, awards of $5,000 are available to up to three individuals who have graduated from college within the past five years and are building their professional and personal lives in Washington County. Awards may be renewed for up to three years.
The program is open to Washington County residents who have lived here their whole lives, as well as those who have chosen to make this region their home. Preference is given to applicants who have moved back to the area and who intend to live and work in Washington County for at least two years.
Learn more about the fund and the application process here: https://sunrisecounty.org/workforcedevelopment/gracie-fund/
