Making It Work In Hancock and Washington
by MacKenzie Rawcliffe
‘Economic Development’ has long been a central, but also vague, concept in the fight against poverty and decline in rural Maine. This vagueness means that every non profit group has a different opinion of what the nuts and bolts of development should be, with varying results. In Hancock and Washington County they seem to have found an approach that, although it may not completely solve the economic troubles, is a major piece of the puzzle.
As a division of the Washington Hancock Community Agency, the Downeast Business Alliance (DBA) has been working to support and advance the efforts of small and local businesses since 1984. The program began as part of the Maine Job Start Program which gave loans to quality borrowers who wanted to fund high risk enterprises that banks would refuse.
They soon realized that to truly have an effect, “loans were not enough by any means,” says DBA director Keith Small. Clients didn’t just need money to be successful — they needed advice from experts, training and a network of peers to relate to. Many small or home businesses did not feel “big” enough to be part of the local Chamber of Commerce, but still needed someone to discuss their problems and achievements with. The Downeast Business Alliance began fulfilling these needs for entrepreneurs by creating structured networking opportunities, one on one mentoring and educational workshops.
One of the most popular services they offer is organizing business “showcases”, where other members listen to a budding entrepreneurs’ presentation and give them constructive criticism. This lets members learn from the experience of others and also do some valuable market research. DBA still does some lending, but they have expanded their financial services to fit the needs of their clients. They have a program where clients can get a negative interest rate loan to lease a piece of equipment they need. Equipment from sewing machines to computers have been paid for, often at less than cost, in this way.
One of the biggest problems for DBA is overcoming the physical isolation of its clients. Staff member, Jeff Ackerman is in charge of keeping the network between members and the organization vital. He spends most of his time on the road, providing valuable one-on-one counseling, offering on going assistance, and feeling out new opportunities. One of the greatest strengths of DBA is their flexibility and ability to react quickly when he finds a promising project or collaboration. They don’t ever loose sight of the specific project grant money was given for, but they also realize the importance of not passing up on good opportunities when they develop.
The personal nature of the Downeast Business Alliance is what makes this group truly unique in development circles. Their programs are what bring new people in, but it is the one-on-one mentoring that really makes the difference. “Once you’re part of the family you’re always part of the family,” says Small. Their approach can be more expensive, but it is also much more effective and sustainable. “If we did just straight workshops we could do it with less staff,” says Small. This relationship allows DBA to not only encourage and support new businesses, but also play the devil’s advocate and advise them when steps are needed rather than jumps. The clients accept this guidance because of the trust that the Downeast Business Alliance has built in the community. The want to help Washington County develop economically, but they their main focus is to make sure it develops strongly and smartly. This commitment to the people and places of Washington county is what makes the Downeast Business Alliance different.
For more information see their website at www.whcacap.org/small-biz.html