NMDC Awards more than $1-million in Relief Funding
Caribou, ME — In a concerted effort to bolster economic recovery and aid struggling entrepreneurs in Aroostook County, Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) has announced the distribution of over 70 grant awards totaling more than $1,050,000 in COVID-19 relief funding. These grants are specifically tailored to support new businesses that were previously unable to access federal relief programs in the region.
This significant funding initiative was made possible through a strategic partnership with the State of Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, leveraging the Economic Recovery Implementation Hub (ERIH) program. The program, which is designed to stimulate economic revitalization and provide vital assistance to local businesses, involves collaboration with five key partners in Aroostook County. These partners include SCORE Maine, Southern Aroostook Development Corporation, the Cooperative Development Institute, Four Directions Development Corporation, and New Ventures Maine.
“This collaborative effort demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting the resilience and growth of our local entrepreneurial community,” said Robert Clark Executive Director of NMDC. “Thanks to the dedication and cooperation of our partners and the State of Maine, we have been able to allocate the highest ERIH grant dollars per capita in the State. This achievement serves as a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the small business ecosystem in Northern Maine.”
The grant awards aim to provide critical financial assistance to new entrepreneurs and businesses adversely affected by the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By addressing gaps in previous relief efforts, NMDC and its partners are working diligently to ensure that Aroostook County remains a hub of innovation and opportunity.