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Why it’s Important to Support Entrepreneurship in Maine

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Trevor Jones

Recently, we announced GWI’s support of the Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development (MCED) in the form of a three year, $120,000 commitment of business broadband Internet, telephone service, cloud computing services, and, of course cash. MCED will award the free services to start-up businesses all over Maine to help them accelerate development and growth. The cash contribution goes to assisting MCED’s other programs in support of Maine Entrepreneurs, especially entrepreneurship education.

We’re also supporting Lemonade Day Maine with a three year, $15,000 sponsorship. This is a great program that teaches children lessons about starting a lemonade stand. Participants in the program get a workbook that takes them through 14 important lessons in setting goals, budgeting, making profits, and repaying investors. According to Lemonade Day Maine’s web site: ” The foremost objective of Lemonade Day is to empower youth to take ownership of their lives and become productive members of society – the business leaders, social advocates, volunteers, and forward thinking citizens of tomorrow.”

A Healthy Economy Benefits Everyone

Everywhere, but especially in Maine, small businesses are the job creators. They develop new ideas that eventually become successful products and services, employ people, and help our economy grow. Here are a few key facts that highlight the importance of small businesses to Maine from the SBA:

59.7% of private sector jobs in Maine are provided by small businesses.
97% of employers in Maine are small companies.
From 2002-2007 employment by businesses with 1-4 employees increased, while employment in all other categories decreased.

We feel that fostering successful entrepreneurs has a direct impact on economic development in the state and wish to encourage entrepreneurship in as many sectors as possible. Our success depends on profitable businesses and employed citizens to buy our business and residential high speed Internet, phone service, and cloud computing services. Therefore, it only makes sense to invest in businesses that will contribute to our long term success, and we hope more Maine businesses will join us in supporting these programs.

1 Comment for Why it’s Important to Support Entrepreneurship in Maine

Kate Gooding says:

Maine has many entrepreneurial focused companies like GWI. I hope that I can work with more of them as we expand this program even more next year!

Lemonade Day Maine appreciates GWI’s support, and so will the child that wins your $2500.00 college scholarship!