Entrepreneurs Connect
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: UMF North Dining Hall, Farmington
It is well known that regions are strengthened when entrepreneurs connect with one another. On October 15th Greater Franklin Development Council, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and CEI are co-sponsoring an event to do just that! Entrepreneurs Connect is an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to get inspired, think big, be bold and challenge themselves to grow their business and take it to the next level. This event will focus on the Journeys of several area entrepreneurs, opportunities for growth, as well as how to navigate the hiring process.
Tom Hildreth of Carrabassett Coffee located in Kingfield Maine is set to be the Keynote Entrepreneur. A 1970 Harvard graduate and Massachusetts native, Tom Hildreth has lived in the area for over 25 years. Tom’s entrepreneurial journey takes place in Kingfield where, nearly 20 years ago, two old ski buddies joined up to tap into Maine’s developing coffee roasting industry. Drawn to the area by his passion for skiing, Tom was determined to find a way to make his living and serve the community in the area he had loved as a child.
Local entrepreneurs are also lined up to share their stories. Arleen Masselli of Knowlton Corner Farm Bakery LLC, Katherine Jones-Lippy of Maine Mountain Timber Frames LLC, and Eric Tompkins of Aptuitiv. All will share their individual entrepreneurial journeys.
Having a toolbox of resources is an important step in any entrepreneurial journey. Several state organizations are committed to providing resources and capital to entrepreneurs who are looking at opportunities for growth. The Department of Economic and Community Development will be a part of this panel along with Maine Angels, the Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development and the Maine Technology Institute. This panel facilitated by the Governor’s Account Executive, Diane Jackson, will be focusing on capital, mentors and technology… connecting entrepreneurs with resources which provide opportunities for growth.
Beginning to hire employees is a measure of success on many levels, but when is the right time? And what are your responsibilities throughout the process? Unfortunately, mistakes can be discouraging, and sometimes even expensive. Rebecca Webber, attorney at Skelton Taintor and Abbott will guide attendees through the hiring process.
“Maine is open for business and we should do all we can to help our entrepreneurs commercialize their products and services as quickly as possible,” said Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner George Gervais. “Entrepreneurs Connect provides networking, peer learning and mentorship opportunities to better sustain our creative economy and assist our future job creators. I am pleased that DECD can be a part of it.”
If you are interested in attending this event, please register October 1st. Register online at entrepreneursconnect.eventbrite.com or call 778-5887. There will be a $25.00 fee, food will be served.
