Services & Assistance
The Town of Gray and the State of Maine are dedicated to helping companies grow and prosper and to create an energetic business climate that will expand Maine’s economy, attract new businesses and create jobs and prosperity for our citizens. Maine has a wealth of business assistance programs that can meet the needs of any business.
Coastal Counties Workforce (CCWI) - CCWI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity founded to administer and oversee the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) (29 USCS § 2801 et seq.). CCWI is one of four Workforce Investment Boards in Maine with jurisdiction in six counties (Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, and York.
Coastal Enterprises (CEI) - CEI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides user-friendly financing, and free business, workplace and housing consulting to help emerging companies achieve sustainable growth. CEI has specific expertise in select sectors such as sustainable agriculture, forest products, eco-tourism, fisheries and renewable energy.
Maine Centers for Women, Work & Community (WWC) - Founded in 1978 as a displaced homemakers program through state legislation, Women, Work, and Community is the only statewide women’s economic development organization in Maine. WWC is administered by and operate under the educational tax-exempt status of the University of Maine at Augusta/University of Maine System, serving the entire State from 10 Centers and 8 outreach sites.
Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) - provides no cost one-on-one counseling - business management assistance to Maine's potential and existing business owners and managers. Maine SBDC Business Counselors are qualified small business professionals, who have diverse educational and business experience.
Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) - Founded in 1969, GPCOG is a voluntary non-profit organization with a distinguished history of service to the municipalities and public service agencies of the Greater Portland region.
GPCOG administers two revolving loan fund programs for businesses located in York or Cumberland Counties: the Regional Economic Development Loan Program (REDLP), and the Southern Maine Economic Development District (SMEDD) Revolving Loan Fund Program (see Financing Options).
Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) - assists eligible companies benefit from millions of dollars in tax credits, reimbursements, R & D credits, capital loans, even direct investment. Businesses needing assistance with licensing, permitting & regulatory issues can call the Red Tape Hotline (207) 624-7486.
Senior Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) – a nonprofit association providing professional guidance and information at no cost to maximize the success of America's existing and emerging small businesses. Experienced business experts provide general business advice on everything from how to write a business plan, to cash flow management, to developing a small business advisory board. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA).
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - provides loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses.
Sebago Lakes Chamber of Commerce (SLCC) - represents the towns of Casco, Gray, Limerick, Limington, Naples, New Gloucester, Raymond, Sebago, Standish and Windham. The Chamber office can help businesses/individuals connection with the local SCORE representative.