Technical Assistance Grants — 2026 Grant Cycle
Technical Assistance Grants – 2026 grant cycle is now closed.
Main Street Skowhegan is thrilled to support our local entrepreneurs and Skowhegan-based business owners by offering technical assistance funding. Each year we partner with local financial institutions to pool together resources. Thanks to Skowhegan Savings Bank, Franklin Savings Bank, and Franklin-Somerset Federal Credit Union, we are proud to award $3,000 in funding again in 2024.
How much funding is available?
- Mini-grants of $500-$2,000
Who is eligible?
- Owners looking to grow their Skowhegan-based business
- New entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Skowhegan
What can funding be used for?
- Technical assistance, including, but not limited to:
- Hiring someone to help with business planning
- Hiring a consultant or advisor
- Marketing/logo/brand development
- Website creation
- Attending a course or mentoring opportunity
- Hiring an architect, engineer, or other specialist
- Buying a needed piece of machinery
- Getting legal support
- Other potential business needs, but not hiring employees
2025 Grant Recipients
Old Mill Pub, $1,000 – towards the purchase of a new POS computer and network printer
Lights Up Productions, $1,000 – towards the hiring of a grant writer
Happyknits, $1,000 – towards the replacement of four exterior business signs
2024 Grant Recipients
RC Destination, $1,100 – towards the purchase of a Microsoft Surface Pro 9 tablet
Skowhegan Farmers Market, $500 – towards the purchase of a 4’x24’ banner
River Roads, $1,250 – towards the purchase of an inkjet printer and social media promotion
2023 Grant Recipients
Clark’s Detailing & Customs, $1,000 – towards a new generator for their mobile detailing unit
Kily Hilton – Realtor, $1,500 – for the purchase of a new work tablet
Skowhegan Farmers Market, $1,250 – towards the purchase of infrastructure improvements
The Barn at Loon Cove, $1,250 – for the restoration of a bridal suite
2022 Grant Recipients
Brick House Kitchen, $1,000 – used toward a new energy-efficient freezer
Ken’s Restaurant, $1,000- used to purchase a steam table for their restaurant
River Roads Artisans Gallery, $750 – used for marketing expertise to grow their business
MXH Marketing, $600 – used to purchase a Canon Camera Stabilizer for videography work
Island Dairy Treat, $525 – used to purchase new road sign for their business
2021 Grant Recipients
Bouncing Bubbles Child Care – outdoor play spaces to become a certified Nature Classroom through Nature Explore
Bigelow Brewing – traffic study in anticipation of their new location
Fat Daddy’s BBQ – refrigeration, financial software, credit card hardware, and website technical assistance for new food truck business
Launchpad Learning Center – marketing and legal expenses for new business venture
Maine Stitching Specialties – purchase of a screen printing press
Stan’s French Fries – food truck repairs
The SPACE on the River – purchase of an electronic scoreboard for the gymnasium
Trust in Us – to purchase and install a new sign
The Good Crust – marketing and branding of Skowhegan as a pizza destination
Unwined – to help purchase a point-of-sale system
2020 Grant Recipients
Bigelow Brewing Co.
“Thank you for your financial assistance that will allow Bigelow Brewing Company the ability to redesign our outdated website. This project is especially important now, more than ever, as we navigate our way through the new normal. As businesses are shuttered to customer traffic, relying on a virtual presence that will propel commerce is vital, especially for rural Maine communities.”
-Jeff Powers, Bigelow Brewing Co.
Crooked Face Creamery
“The funds helped me secure additional freezer space that allowed me to store and retail more quantities of locally raised meats. As the local grocery stores were running out of many products, including meat, it was essential that I increased my inventory and storage space to meet the demand. Without the new freezer, I wouldn’t have been able to keep up. My heartfelt thanks to Main Street for supporting local businesses like my own.”
-Amy Rowbottom, Crooked Face Creamery