Workshops
Current Course Catalog
URCI is committed to providing the resources you need to help start, grow, and or transition your business. We offer periodic workshops on varying topics and welcome your suggestions for new topics. Please contact info@unionriverinnovation.com with your suggestions.
Unless otherwise noted, all workshops will take place at the Union Center of Innovation at 415 Water St. in Ellsworth, Maine.
The Business of Food
Session 2: Exploring Food Business Options
Due to circumstances beyond our control — including the storm this week, this session will be presented on March 4 along with the regularly scheduled March 4th content. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.
Participants explore common food business models and sales channels while evaluating what best fits their lifestyle, income goals, and production capacity. The session covers operational constraints, licensing and insurance requirements, and key marketing fundamentals.
Instructor: Michelle Bond of Coastal Enterprises Inc.
February 25, 2026 from 5-7 PM |REGISTER HERE
We’ll be announcing guest and co-presenters as we get closer to the workshop dates.
Session 3: Hobby, Side Hustle, or Business Baby!
This session focuses on making a food business official, from choosing an entity and securing insurance to pricing products, building systems, and communicating value. Participants learn how to grow intentionally while managing cash flow and customer engagement.
Instructor: Michelle Bond of Coastal Enterprises Inc.
March 4, 2026 from 5-7 PM |REGISTER HERE
We’ll be announcing guest and co-presenters as we get closer to the workshop dates.
Session 4: Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs
The final session highlights practical lessons for running a sustainable food business, emphasizing compliance, consistency, experimentation, and adaptation. Participants learn to track performance, spend strategically, and plan for long-term success.
Instructor: Michelle Bond of Coastal Enterprises Inc.
March 11, 2026 from 5-7 PM |REGISTER HERE
We’ll be announcing guest and co-presenters as we get closer to the workshop dates.
To view the slide decks from previous workshops, visit our Startup Tools page.