01/17/2025
The following is a list and bio of the professionals who will be available:
Denise Barker:
Director of Downeast Economic Development (Calais and Baileyville)
The DEDC aims to attract expanding businesses, support local growth, and foster start-up ventures in the Calais and Baileyville municipalities. DEDC plays a crucial role in connecting businesses with essential resoures. From tax incentive and financing packages to commercial real estate and business assistance programs, DEDC supports both new ventures and established enterprises alike.
Jessica Crowley:
APEX Accelerator at Sunrise County Economic Council. As an APEX Accelerator, Jessica has assisted businesses with finding, winning, and performing on government contracts. She helps businesses with the needed registrations to be able to be awarded and perform on these contracts. Jessica can assist businesses with receiving their socio-economic certifications like Women Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business, etc. Some businesses like to compete in the local marketplace of government contracting like at the municipality and State of Maine levels. Jessica can help businesses find local opportunities as well. She offers one-on-one counseling, training workshops, and other services. Maine APEX is a DoD funded program, and all services are at no cost.
Ruth Feldman:
As CEI Women’s Business Center advisor in the Northeast, Ruth provides one-on-one small business advising for women who want to design, launch, grow, or move on from a business. She works with entrepreneurs to synthesize their thoughts, determine feasibility, and seek funding when appropriate. Ruth also provides workshops and facilitates learning groups that address traditional business topics and practices, in non-traditional ways.
Amanda Smith:
Coastal Opportunities Advisor and the Start-up Downeast Student Coach. For my Coastal Opportunities Advisor role, I provide technical assistance to working waterfront (WWF) business owners looking to diversify. My target population in this role is commercial fishermen looking to pursue avenues like aquaculture, the trades, & eco-tourism. In addition to connecting the WWF small business owners to small business assistance, I help get them connected with programs like those offered by WCCC to help them gain the skills necessary to diversify while filling gaps in our local economy.
In my Start-up Downeast Student Coach role, I provide case management to individuals enrolled in our Start-up Downeast program. This is a program for students that are either currently receiving or eligible to receive SNAP benefits, are or want to become a student at WCCC (workforce programs included), & that are interested in entrepreneurship. It's a program that was created for a population that doesn't really have much for help - single individuals receiving SNAP, noncustodial parents working to strengthen their skills and
build a better life, etc. that may be interested in areas like the trades & wanting to open their own business. There are support services available to help overcome some of the barriers that arise & I connect the participants to business counselors and other resources to help them build their business in a sustainable, mindful way.
Dodie Emerson:
Atrica “Dodie” Emerson Downeast Community Catalyst | Business Advisor, Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network Sunrise County Economic Council
Dodie joined Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) in October 2023 as the Downeast Community Catalyst. In her role with the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Division, Dodie supports Washington County’s businesses and communities by raising awareness of resources, fostering connections, and promoting recovery and economic development. As the Business Advisor for the Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network, Dodie offers guidance to businesses on recovery, workforce issues and programs, and career development. She is passionate about supporting her community and empowering businesses to thrive while creating an inclusive and recovery-friendly environment for everyone.
Before SCEC, Dodie worked for 23 years at the Maine Department of Labor’s CareerCenter. She holds a BS in Management and Human Services, an AS in Business Technology, and a Certificate in Human Resources Management from the University of Maine at Machias.
Geoffrey Lagat:
Client Technology Advisor-Geoffrey works with businesses to leverage technology to drive business growth and innovation, which includes determining the right hardware and software solutions.
James Pineau:
About SBA: Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
Jim is a Senior Area Manager for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Maine District Office and has been with SBA since 2014. He covers Northern Maine for most programs and provides Statewide support for SBA’s government contracting programs. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine and is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He lives in Orono with his wife and their 2 sons.
