Economic Recovery Implementation Hub

Mid-Maine Economic Recovery

Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) has been selected to serve as a regional and state economic development corporation to spearhead Maine’s Economic Recovery Hubs initiative. The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) created the initiative to stimulate economic development collaboration and mitigate the lasting economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All eligible businesses in Somerset and Kennebec County need to fill out the ERIH Intake form to receive assistance.

ERIH Intake Form

Funding Mid-Maine’s Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

In addition to supporting the state of Maine’s project requirements, CMGC will deploy approximately $708,000 in non-dilutive grant funding for early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs. The grants will be deployed across four categories, including specifically designed funding for technology and innovation-based businesses. Similarly, as part of the commitment to supporting Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, CMGC will provide startup and entrepreneur training and resources, including advanced pathways into Dirigo Labs’ competitively selected accelerator program. CMGC’s Economic Recovery Hub will operate under four project areas:

• Technical assistance to small businesses
• Administration of new business grants
• Entrepreneurial training through Dirigo Labs

02/25/2025 – The ERIH Grant Application is now closed.
All available funds have been awarded. If your business could benefit from additional technical assistance services, and access to capital, please reach out to the ERIH program manager directly. gabe@centralmaine.org

ERIH Grant Application

Congratulations to our ERIH Grantees!

Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) is pleased to announce the awardees of its ERIH grant program. CMGC has awarded twenty six grants to businesses within Kennebec and Somerset County.

To date, CMGC has competitively awarded the following businesses ERIH funding:

The Nexus Gaming Lounge – Winslow	Erica’s – Waterville
Maine Laboratories – Norridgewock	SledTRX – Waterville
Perennial Renewables – Hallowell	Loon Cove Family Campground – Skowhegan
Sunrise Bagel – Augusta	Natalie B. Imagery – Readfield
Morgan Camp Care – Norridgewock	Maine Plywood – Bingham
New England Karting Challenge – Vassalboro	Pair Technologies – Waterville
The Good Crust – Canaan	A Coffeehouse – Waterville
Main Street Provisions – Waterville	Black Travel Maine – Waterville
Swish LLC. – Waterville	Baking with Danielle – Waterville
Flynn’s Tree Service – Gardiner	R & S Marine Repair – Belgrade
Oliver and Friends Bookshop and Reading Room – Waterville	Chestnut Hill Farms – Fairfield
State Lunch – Augusta	Maine Coast Creamery – Winslow
Relax Infinity – Pittsfield	Absolem Cider – Winthrop
Land & Furrow LLC – Skowhegan	China Lake Provisions – South China
The Two Cent Pub – Winslow