2015-16 Entrepreneur Challenge
Click here for information about the 2017-18 Entrepreneur Challenge.
In 2015 Main Street's Business Enhancement Committee developed the Main Street Skowhegan Savings Entrepreneur Challenge to spur economic development.
The winner of the first challenge—Amanda Clark, owner of the Maine Barkery, which makes all-natural dog treats from locally sourced ingredients—received a $20,000 incentive package that included a $10,000 forgivable loan from leading sponsor and partner Skowhegan Savings Bank plus numerous other benefits (see below).
As the first Entrepreneur Challenge winner, Clark used the program to purchase a commercial oven and refrigeration. The equipment helps her produce her products 40 percent faster, which has supported online sales and allowed her to more than triple the number of stores that carry her products.
Clark went from 12 to 41 wholesale accounts in less than one year after winning the challenge. She continues to serve her online and wholesale customers, and she is currently working with a distributor to expand outside of Maine.
Clark's $20,000 package included all of the following:
- $10,000 forgivable loan from Skowhegan Savings Bank
- Account services from Skowhegan Savings Bank
- Bookkeeping services from Tax Pro Inc.
- Carpentry services from Dionne and Son Builders
- One-year free membership with the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce
- Legal consulting from Perkins, Townsend, Shay & Talbot, Public Attorneys
- Three months of internet access and up to two phone lines from Bee Line Cable
- One-hour photo session with Knight Vision Photography
- Reduced rent at 134 Water Street, offered by B&J Properties
- Four hours of marketing and public relations consultating from Nuf Sed Communications
- Press release promotion
- Facebook promotion
- Grant fiscal sponsorship
- Free QuickBooks educational seminar from community partners
