Business Resources
Franklin County has numerous resources available for persons who would like to start a new business here, or for an established company wishing to move its operations closer to our part of heaven.
Below is a list some of the organizations in the area that are available to new and existing businesses. Please contact us if you need more information about these services.
The Greater Franklin Development Corporation (GFDC) can match a building or property to an individual client's needs. This organization is committed to improving our communities' economic vitality and working to make sure the needs of individual clients can be met.
For more information, contact Alison Hagerstrom, the president and chief executive officer of the Greater Franklin Development Corporation, at 778-5887.
Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG) has access to a full range of business financing opportunities, including grants and loans, job training resources, business counseling services and other assistance. Counselors provide free counseling for people wishing to set up their own small business, or companies planning to hire hundreds of employees.
For more information, you can contact AVCOG by calling 783-9186.
Flagstaff Area Business Association. The Town of Eustis is a relaxing and exciting place to live and work. Mission: to bring the Flagstaff area businesses of Eustis/Stratton, Neighboring Towns, Townships and other interested persons together to increase the Economic Development of the area and to promote through co-operative advertising a four season resort, to sponsor activities to increase business and at the same time to make a pleasant area to live and work.
In addition, the State's Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has partnered with AVCOG by providing two outreach positions in Western Maine. The two business development specialists filling those positions maintain offices at AVCOG in Auburn and in downtown Farmington. The two specialists work directly with businesses by providing information on available resources. Over the course of the year, the specialists have worked extensively with over 300 businesses on both a proactive and an active ongoing basis.
To contact the specialist covering Franklin County, call Brian Hodges in his Fairfield office at (207) 453-6911 or email him at Brian.Hodges@maine.gov
The Wilton Economic Development Corporation will work with anyone wishing to locate in the area. For more information call 645-4963.
The Workforce Development Center in Wilton is one of Maine's Comprehensive Career Centers where you can place your company's job listings online and provide tailor-made training opportunities. Job seekers can access the opportunities listed on the computers, and this service is free. Job listings are frequently updated as employers list their needs. The availability of fax and telephone lines, photocopying and advice and assistance on preparing resumes also help to ease the transition from one occupation to another.
Reach the Career Center at 645-4287.
Western Mountains Alliance is a not-for-profit organization that works to help businesses and organizations build their capacity to succeed in this region and are a good source for information on issues, concerns, needs and resources to help new and growing businesses in the area succeed.
They can be reached at 778-3885.
The Mountain Counties Heritage Program is also a good source of information, especially on small business development associated with local natural resources, artisans, and tourism.
They can be reached at 778-3885
