Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that six organizations received grants totaling $196,124 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. These funds will be used to help microenterprises start-up and grow in Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Aroostook, Cumberland, and Penobscot Counties. 

“These investments will give invaluable assistance to Maine entrepreneurs by providing resources and training for new, innovative industries, particularly those located in rural areas,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “We are pleased that these programs continue to support local businesses and help create stable, high-paying jobs for Mainers.”

The USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program encourages the development, whether by start-up or expansion, of small businesses in rural areas. Funding through this program offers organizations support, guidance, and education for self-employment and small business development.

The six organizations receiving funding through these grants are below:

• Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments in Auburn will receive $41,914.
• Northern Maine Development Commission in Caribou will receive $49,636.
• Coastal Enterprises, Inc. in Brunswick will receive $31,858.
• Community Concepts Finance Corporation in South Paris will receive $35,906.
• Eastern Maine Development Corporation in Bangor will receive $19,104.
• MaineStream Finance in Bangor will receive $17,706.

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