A time to honor the creativity, resilience, and impact of women entrepreneurs across the country and especially here where women-owned businesses are a vital part of our economy.
According to U.S. SBA State Profile women own 50,909 businesses in Maine with approximately 45,000 of them being freelance or sole proprietors. In Hancock County, U.S Census quick facts states that there are 340 woman owned employer firms. Although sole proprietor and freelance entrepreneurs are not included in the census report, based on patterns across rural Maine, it is estimated that an additional 1,000 to 1,500 woman owned sole proprietorships operate in the county.
Women-owned businesses drive local innovation, provide jobs, and enrich community life — from makers and shop owners to service providers and consultants. U.S. Census data compiled for a report, 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses, commissioned by American Express indicates that women-owned businesses in Maine have shown remarkable growth: between 2002 and 2018, revenue from women-owned firms grew by more than 280%, and employment in these businesses grew by more than 70%.
Interestingly, in the state, even though the actual number of woman-owned business didn’t grow as quickly as the national rate, the growth rate for the period ranked number 1 in the nation as revenue and employment (job creation) from woman-owned businesses here in Maine far outpaced the national average.
Let’s meet some of the women whose sense of community, entrepreneurial spirit and determination have helped shape the business climate in the region.
I’m Mary Blackstone. I’m an organic grower managing the homestead where I grew up at 5 Christian Ridge Road, less than a mile from downtown Ellsworth. Come visit the Blackstone Gardens farmstand where we sell in-season fruit, vegetables, flowers, seedlings, native plants and trees. In the spirit of the Slow Food Movement, we enjoy feeding our neighbors and will happily pick what you want–fresh, right out the garden. Phone us at 207-667-8878.
Glow Maine by R&N Wellness Lounge is a nurse-owned mobile wellness spa on wheels, bringing IV hydration, vitamin boosts, and facials right to you. We believe self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether you need energy, immunity, or a little glow-up, we make wellness easy, convenient, and empowering. Glow Maine is about feeling your best, inside and out, because taking care of yourself is the first step to shining everywhere else.
Zeppa’s NY Pizza is a family owned and operated restaurant. As a female business owner and lifelong athlete, I approach every business I’ve had just like a sport; I want us to be the best we can be, and I want the team to work together. I pride myself on making sure we produce a quality product, giving customers a great experience while dining, and I also want all of those that work for us or that come to dine with us to feel like they are part of the family!
Life Chapters, founded by Suzanne McCaig of Inknot Publishing, helps people share their life stories when finding the right words feels overwhelming or time is short. Through in-person conversations, Suzanne listens with care, transcribes, and shapes each client’s memories into a beautifully written short narrative. Every Life Chapter captures the heart of a person’s journey and becomes a meaningful gift to treasure. editor@inknotpublishing.com
I’m Kaitlin Zwerdling, a local therapist and founder of Solstice Maine Counseling, a virtual private practice based in Ellsworth. I help people navigate stress, self-doubt, and life transitions with care and understanding. My work focuses on self-compassion, body awareness, and authentic connection. I’m dedicated to supporting the mental health of our community— learn more or book a session
I’m Sarah Bowden, Director of Community Closet 207, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping our neighbors meet basic needs with dignity. Our mission is simple but powerful: to make sure no one goes without the essentials of daily living, no matter their situation or ability to pay. I am proud to offer vital outreach programs like Dress Fest, Back-to-School Giveaways, and our Community Christmas Program, which last year alone provided gifts for over 250 families and 526 individuals. No judgment, just kindness; because everyone deserves dignity, and together, we make that possible.
I’m Carolyn Corro and in 2016 when I started making candy and baked goods out of my home for friends and family, never in my wildest dreams think I would be wholesaling my goods to local shops. Fast-forward a few years, I now own a café and candy store, The Sweet Spot, on Main Street in Ellsworth. Anytime there was a roadblock in my way I rolled up my sleeves, worked harder and figured out how to get around it. Giving up has never been an option in my mind.
I’m Gabrielle Conners, owner and founder of Chloe’s Café on Water Street in Ellsworth, Maine. I work six days a week, crafting everything from scratch. Food has always been my passion and sharing it daily is truly rewarding. At Chloe’s, we specialize in fresh-baked scones and Danishes—stop in and give us a try!
We are mother and daughter, Darcel Winslow & Cassidy Hall-Bragg, and after years of dreaming and planning we opened Uncle Buggy’s Hotel for Dogs this summer. We offer day care, day boarding, and overnight stays in our spacious, spotless, comfortable, climate-controlled facility. We’re all about happy tails, wagging welcome signs, and peace of mind for pet parents. At Uncle Buggy’s Hotel for Dogs, we treat your pup like family. You’ll never want to take them anywhere else. We can’t wait to meet your dog!
Remember, as you prioritize where and how to spend your hard-earned money, supporting existing local woman-owned businesses as well as new ventures adds to the resilience and sustainability of the region’s economy.
Women in Business Resources
The Maine Women’s Business List.
The list was initially created in 2020 to provide more visibility for woman-owned businesses across Maine. Because business registration at the municipal, State or Federal level does not include a checkbox for gender, it can be challenging to understand the breadth and depth of the businesses run by female entrepreneurs. If you’re looking to hire a woman owned firm or if you’d like you own woman-led firm to be listed, visit The Maine Women’s Business List. https://mainewomensbusinesslist.com/
Union River Center for Innovation (URCI)
The Center offers affordable co-workspace and private office rental that includes utilities, fiber internet, a shared copier / printer fax, conference room, reception lounge and kitchenette. Additionally, the center hosts periodic entrepreneurial support workshops in topics ranging from basic start-up to understanding financials to planning for winter cash flow. Business advisors from CEI are housed at the center and available by appointment, and SBDC and NVME advisors are also available to meet at URCI by appointment. There is no charge for business advising or most workshops.
The Women’s Business Center at Coastal Enterprises Inc.
With course offerings, cohorts, workshops, events encouraging peer-to-peer learning and community building, AND one to one business advising support, the Women’s Business Center at CEI is a great resource to join your business journey from concept to the day you open up shop. https://www.ceimaine.org/advising/business/womens-business-center/