Join us during small business week
We have been working hard to bring you a great lineup next week that you can take advantage of for free training and learning opportunities. All of the events are free and open to the public. To find more please check here or here , and to register please click here . The sessions on Monday and Friday are being held at the Skowhegan Renaissance Center, 60 Water Street, Skowhegan and the sessions on Tuesday - Thursday are being held in the HVSC Conference Room, 41 Main Street, Skowhegan.
Monday April 30th
Payroll & Merchant Services, 11:00 a.m.

Payroll:Simplify your payroll service and lighten your workload. Transfer your payroll administration to Bangor Savings Bank today and leave the rest to us. Merchant Services: Accepting credit cards is an easy way to boost sales, expand your customer base, and reduce risk as well as the burden of billing and collections.Presented by Bangor Savings Bank .

What is the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation, 1:00 p.m.

The Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation has been established to spur economic vitality in Central Maine. The three pillars of the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation are: Internship Program,Professional Development, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. 

Ways your business can welcome new homeowners , 2 :30 p.m.

We have new homeowners moving into our community and area all of the time, what are some things that new homeowners are looking for? Is there a product or service that would be helpful to them that maybe you are not currently offering but could for a low cost? Learn more about new homeowners in this presentation, presented by Garrett Quinn from Whittemore's Real Estate .

Are You Ready To Meet with a Commercial Loan Officer? , 4 :00 p.m.

Do you want to start your own business or purchase an existing business? Are you going to need financing? If so, this seminar will help you to understand: How to select the right lender for your situation,
What documents you will need to gather or prepare for your first meeting, What type of loans are available, and how a lender evaluates your loan application. Presenters: Tanya Verzoni, Director of Financial Education and Stephanie Lachance, Loan Officer from New Dimensions Federal Credit Union  
Tuesday, May 1
How Changing Consumer Behavior Impacts Your Business , 1:00 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. Technology allows you to understand consumer behavior better than ever. Join this webinar by Anastasia Kudrez of Google to learn how these insights can help shape your digital marketing plan, and what you can do to position your business for success. This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.

Addressing Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace , 2 :30 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. In this timely and informative seminar from Paychex, we’ll discuss workplace discrimination and harassment – including sexual harassment. You’ll learn about employer liability under federal law, as well as the elements required to establish an affirmative defense to harassment claims. We’ll also cover specific policies and procedures for handling complaints, investigations, and retaliation, that can help protect your employees and your business.   This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.

Get New and Repeat Business On Autopilot with Email Marketing , 4 :00 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. Your business thrives on bringing in sales from new and existing customers. Wouldn’t it be great if you could bring in those sales more frequently without having to spend a lot of time doing so? In this webinar by Constant Contact, we’ll show you some simple ways to repeatedly reach customers with email marketing. This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.

Creating and Sustaining a Strong Social Presence , 5 :30 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. You want to use social media for your business, but where should you start? Vistaprint's Sarah Nunes will explain why you should be on social and some easy-to-use tips and tricks for small business owners to improve or create strong social media campaigns.  This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.
Wednesday, May 2
The U.S. Economic Outlook and Its Impact on Small Businesses , 1:00 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. Join Visa's Vice President of the Visa Business and Economic Insights team, Bruce Cundiff, as he shares the near-term outlook for the U.S. economy including the health of consumer spending, housing prices, and more. You’ll learn how consumer spending preferences are changing, what stock market growth and volatility mean for consumer spending, and what all of this means for small businesses. This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.

Managing Your Finances in the Cloud , 2:3 0 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. Did you ever wonder what advantages moving your company to the cloud could offer? Have you ever thought about making the switch but weren’t sure how or why? This session by Intuit will uncover many reasons why businesses are making the move and discuss some best practices in how to use this technology to keep your business relevant and nimble. This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.

Grow Your Business in 2018 , 4 :00 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. Join this webinar by Square to learn how to use small business technology tools to streamline your work and give you back valuable time.  This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.

Simple Steps to Choosing the Right Financing , 5 :30 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. Choosing the right source of financing for your business’ growth is more complicated today than it used to be – and because of all the different options available,it requires a more savvy borrower than ever before. Join this webinar by On Deck to learn which financing options are right for different types of businesses and how likely you are to get approved. This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.
Thursday, May 3
Hug Your Haters: How to Embrace Complaints & Keep Your Customers , 1:00 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. In this webinar sponsored by Chase, Jay Baer, founder of Convince & Convert, reveals brand-new, proprietary research into why and where your customers complain and why the rise of customer complaints is actually an enormous opportunity. This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.

Sharing Your Story Through Video , 2 :30 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. Today’s consumers can watch video content whenever and wherever they want. This creates an opportunity for businesses to reimagine the role of video content in their marketing strategy. Join this webinar by Google to learn best practices for connecting with consumers through online video. This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.

Pop & Play: How Opening a Pop-Up Shop Can Help Launch Your Retail Brand , 4 :00 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. What do Amazon, Chobani, Hermes and a taco truck have in common? All four recognize the magic of the pop-up shop. In this webinar by Kimco Realty find out how a pop-up can help you bring your brand to life, create a one-of-a-kind customer experience and tell your brand’s unique story to a built-in audience. This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.

Fusion Marketing: The Next Generation of Marketing , 5 :30 p.m.

This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. Award-winning inventor, entrepreneur and author Lon Safko examines this new concept of“interconnecting” your traditional and digital tools. You will look at your marketing efforts in a completely new way. In this webinar, you will learn how to get exponential results without spending a dime more.  This is part of the SBA and SCORE national webinars.
Friday, May 4
What Insurance Do I need? , 8 :00 a.m.

Business insurance protects you from the unexpected costs of running a business. Accidents, natural disasters, and lawsuits could run you out of business if you’re not protected with the right insurance. Pick the type of business insurance you need, 6 common types of business insurance, and 4 steps to buy business insurance. Presented by Kyes Insurance .

Let's Talk Commercial Property , 9 :30 a.m.

Brought to you by Arron Bolster, of Allied Realty . Commercial Property is different game then a home, so find out great information on what is available, and what to look at when looking to buy or sell your property.

Loan options, what is available in our area , 11:00 a.m.

It costs money to start a business. Funding your business is one of the first — and most important — financial choices most business owners make. How you choose to fund your business could affect how you structure and run your business. Find more at this session, and talk with some of our local loan providers. Sponsored by New Dimensions Federal Credit Union . 

How to Start an E-Commerce or Amazon.com Business , 1:30 p.m.

Learn the essential steps on how to create a web presence, develop a brand, source products, drive traffic and monetize a business online. A Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation event!

Monetize Your Idea -- In 5 Steps and $500 , 3 :00 p.m.

Take any idea and learn how to validate the market quickly and affordably using the Lean Startup methodology. A Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation event!

End of the Week Networking and Recap, 4:30 p.m.

Come and join us for some great networking, after a very eventful week and as we head into nicer temperatures while we also chat about what the Skowhegan area brings to our business and nonprofit organizations. Hosted at Bloomfield’s Tavern . 
Saturday, May 5
Shop Local

On Saturday, May 5, Skowhegan merchants are celebrating small business week, the opening day of the Skowhegan Farmers' Market summer market. We also encourage you to shop at any of your favorite local stores in the Skowhegan Area. The more interesting and unique our community, the more we will attract new neighbors,visitors and guests. This benefits everyone!

Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting / Open House

Come join us at the Cigaret Shopper located at 338 Madison Avenue in Skowhegan for the grand opening of our newest store on May 5th from 10-3. The Ribbon Cutting will be at 10:30 am.  

Local artisan Tom from Maniac glass works will be on hand doing glass blowing demonstrations. Hiram and Solomon cigars, who give 20% back to charity, will be running cigar specials buy 3 get 1, buy 10 gets 3, buy a box get 7 deals. 

Plus many more in store specials and raffles along with hotdogs and soda

We offer a large walk-in humidor with a variety of premium cigars along with a cigar lounge to relax and enjoy your selection. A beer cave with a great assortment of ice cold beverages, great pricing on cigarettes with two and three pack special pricing and a wide selection of alternative smoking products. 

GFWC Semper Fidelis Kentucky Derby Fundraising Event

Tickets are $15.00 per person and include, 4 sample sizes beers and assorted hors d'oeuvres. Assorted wine and soda are available for purchase. Please join us for a fun evening of friendly wagers and a silent auction to support the efforts of the Canaan Library. 

Tickets available at: Bigelow Brewing Co., Country CrowPrimitives, Ames Home Center, Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce, Canaan Library andfrom any GFWC Semper Fidelis member.

Derby attire is always encouraged...and everyone looks great in a hat!! Find more here .

Cinco De Mayo Party W/ DJ Boz

Come celebrate Cinco De Mayo with us. Beer & Drink specials. We will have the tequila girls in the house!! Lot's of giveaways. 21 + over. No Cover.Food & drink specials in the Tavern all day! You don't want to miss it!Find more here . 
Thank you to our sponsor for making this week